Easy Slow-Cooker Peanut Chicken: A Weeknight Flavor Bomb! 🥜🍗🔥
1. Introduction
Looking for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying recipe that you can prepare with minimal effort? This Slow-Cooker Peanut Chicken recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when time is limited but you crave a delicious home-cooked meal. Combining tender chicken with rich peanut sauce, this dish offers a delightful blend of savory and creamy textures that will leave everyone asking for seconds. As part of easy slow cooker recipes, this dish is a must-try for anyone who loves flavorful chicken dishes with minimal prep. Read on to learn how to create this flavor packed peanut chicken recipe that’s ready to serve in a few simple steps.
2. Ingredients for Slow-Cooker Peanut Chicken
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
- Optional: chopped peanuts for extra crunch
3. How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken
Preparing the Ingredients
Start by gathering all the ingredients. Chop the green onions and prepare the garlic and ginger. You can find more useful dinner recipes to diversify your weekly menu.
Mixing the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes until smooth. This luscious sauce brings the bold peanut flavor to the dish.
Cooking the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the slow cooker. Pour the peanut sauce evenly over the chicken. Cover with the lid and cook on low for 6 hours or high for about 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
Final Touches and Serving
Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks right in the slow cooker or transfer to a plate and shred. Mix well to coat the chicken with the flavorful sauce. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles and garnish with chopped green onions and peanuts for added texture.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Slow-Cooker Peanut Chicken
Store remaining peanut chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish or use a skillet, warming until heated through. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Check out more recipes that you can prepare ahead and keep for busy days.
5. Serving Suggestions for Peanut Chicken
This peanut chicken recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Serve over jasmine rice, brown rice, or Asian noodles. For a healthy twist, try it with steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad. For an authentic Asian-inspired meal, consider adding a side of Thai Peanut Chicken Wraps or other flavorful dishes from our collection.
6. FAQ About Slow-Cooker Peanut Chicken
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be even more tender and flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Check the labels of your ingredients for gluten content.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
The prep time is approximately 10 minutes, with 6 hours of slow cooking. It’s an excellent example of an easy slow cooker recipe that saves you time without sacrificing flavor.
7. Kitchen Tools That You Might Need for This Recipe
- Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker: Perfect for cooking this dish effortlessly as it evenly cooks and keeps the chicken tender and juicy.
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master: Streamlines your prep work for garlic, ginger, and green onions, saving time and effort.
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set: Ideal for any additional side dishes or reheating leftovers with ease.
- Ninja Air Fryer Pro Crisp & Roast 4-in-1: Great for making crispy vegetables or even reheating leftovers to retain their crunch.
8. Related Recipes to Try
If you enjoyed this peanut chicken recipe, explore other flavorful dishes like Parmesan Chicken Pesto Pasta, Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl, or Chicken Adana Kebab.
9. Conclusion
This slow-cooker peanut chicken recipe is an ideal solution for busy weeknights, offering a delicious, hearty meal with minimal effort. Simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and versatile serving options make it a family favorite. Try it today and enjoy a flavor explosion that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare! Don’t forget to experiment with different vegetables and sides to make this dish uniquely yours.
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Easy Slow-Cooker Peanut Chicken: A Weeknight Flavor Bomb!
Discover how to make a delicious and easy Slow-Cooker Peanut Chicken, perfect for weeknights. This flavor-packed dish combines tender chicken with rich peanut sauce, offering a savory, creamy, and satisfying meal with minimal effort. Ideal for busy families seeking a quick, nutritious dinner that impresses everyone.
- Total Time: up to 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
- Optional: chopped peanuts for extra crunch
Instructions
- Start by gathering all the ingredients. Chop the green onions and prepare the garlic and ginger.
- In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes until smooth to make the peanut sauce.
- Place the chicken in the slow cooker and pour the peanut sauce evenly over it. Cover with the lid.
- Cook on low for 6 hours or high for about 3 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
- Shred the cooked chicken with two forks directly in the slow cooker or transfer to a plate and shred. Mix well to coat with the sauce.
- Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles, garnished with chopped green onions and peanuts.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more flavor and tenderness.
- For gluten-free options, substitute soy sauce with gluten-free tamari.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to desired spice level.
- This dish pairs well with jasmine rice, brown rice, or Asian noodles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours on low / 3 hours on high
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten-Free (with substitutions)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 430 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 8 grams
- Sodium: 1020 mg
- Fat: 26 grams
- Saturated Fat: 4 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30 grams
- Fiber: 4 grams
- Protein: 35 grams
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
