Jump to Recipe Print RecipeIn the heart of a bustling Thai market, the aroma of sizzling street food fills the air, drawing me closer to a lively food stall. That’s when I fell in love with creamy Thai Peanut Chicken, a dish that perfectly balances savory and sweet flavors. With this slow cooker recipe, I can effortlessly recreate that magic at home, transforming tender chicken thighs into a luscious meal drenched in rich peanut sauce, coconut milk, ginger, and garlic. Not only is it a comforting choice for busy weeknights, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser that the whole family will adore. Plus, the hands-off cooking method lets me focus on what really matters — enjoying time with loved ones. Want to bring a taste of Thailand to your dinner table tonight? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe! Why is Thai Peanut Chicken a Must-Try? Simplicity at Its Best: This slow cooker recipe makes preparing a flavorful dinner a breeze, allowing you to set it and forget it. Rich, Creamy Sauce: The combination of peanut butter and coconut milk creates a luscious texture that coats the chicken beautifully. Savory Comfort Food: Each bite is packed with addictively savory flavors, reminiscent of your favorite Thai restaurant. Versatile Pairing Options: Serve it over jasmine rice or rice noodles, or even try it with some stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. Check out my Honey BBQ Chicken for another easy dinner idea! Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for family dinners, guests will appreciate the aromatic blend of ginger, garlic, and just the right hint of heat. This dish has it all! Thai Peanut Chicken Ingredients For the Chicken • Chicken Thighs – The main protein source, tenderizes beautifully during slow cooking; you can substitute with chicken breasts, but they may yield less tenderness. For the Sauce • Peanut Butter – Provides creaminess and a distinct nutty flavor key to authentic Thai Peanut Chicken; choose creamy or chunky based on your preference. • Coconut Milk – Adds richness and balances flavors with its mild sweetness; you can swap full-fat coconut milk for a lighter option. • Soy Sauce – Offers umami depth and saltiness; consider using tamari for a gluten-free alternative. • Ginger – Brings brightness and warmth, enhancing the dish’s overall flavor; fresh ginger is always recommended for the best taste. • Garlic – Contributes aromatic flavor; freshly minced garlic yields the best results in this creamy sauce. • Red Pepper Flakes – Adds desirable heat; adjust to your preferred spice level. For Garnishing • Green Onions – Used for garnish, providing a touch of freshness and a mild onion flavor. • Crushed Peanuts – Adds crunch and amplifies the peanut flavor; can be omitted for a nut-free version. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Thai Peanut Chicken Step 1: Prepare Chicken and Sauce Begin by placing your chicken thighs at the bottom of a slow cooker. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, rich coconut milk, soy sauce, minced ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes until smooth. Pour this luscious mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is evenly coated for maximum flavor. Step 2: Cook Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or high for 2 to 3 hours. As the chicken simmers, the flavors will meld beautifully. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is fork-tender, allowing for easy shredding later. Step 3: Thicken (Optional) For those who prefer a thicker sauce with their Thai Peanut Chicken, make a cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, mix equal parts cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Add this to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking, stirring gently to incorporate it into the sauce, which will now thicken and enrich the dish. Step 4: Serve Once your Thai Peanut Chicken is cooked, remove the lid and use two forks to shred the tender chicken directly in the sauce. Spoon the flavorful mixture over bowls of steamed rice or noodles, allowing the creamy sauce to soak in. Finish with a garnish of fresh green onions and a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for added texture and flavor. Expert Tips for Thai Peanut Chicken Choose Chicken Wisely: Opt for chicken thighs for the most tender results; they hold up better in the slow cooker compared to breasts. Peanut Butter Choice: Use creamy peanut butter for a smooth sauce. If you prefer a little crunch, a chunky version adds delightful texture! Watch for Doneness: Always check chicken with a meat thermometer; it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for the perfect Thai Peanut Chicken. Adjust Spice Levels: Taste your sauce before cooking; add more red pepper flakes for extra heat or omit them for a milder flavor. Thickening Tips: For a richer sauce, mix a cornstarch slurry during the last 30 minutes of cooking, stirring gently to enhance the consistency. Garnish Wisely: Fresh green onions and crushed peanuts not only add flavor but also provide a beautiful presentation to your comforting dish. What to Serve with Creamy Thai Peanut Chicken Elevate your dining experience with delightful sides that enhance the rich flavors of this creamy dish. Steamed Jasmine Rice: This fragrant rice complements the savory sauce beautifully, soaking up every delicious drop. Rice Noodles: Light and chewy, rice noodles provide a delightful texture that pairs perfectly with the creamy peanut chicken. Stir-Fried Vegetables: Brightly colored veggies like bell peppers and snap peas not only add nutrition but also a fresh crunch to balance the dish’s richness. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad drizzled with lime juice adds a crisp, tangy contrast that brightens each bite. Silky smooth and savory, the peanut chicken can take center stage, while the sides bring a vibrant touch to the table. Mango Sticky Rice: As a sweet finish, this traditional Thai dessert’s creamy coconut milk flavor complements the main dish beautifully. Thai Iced Tea: The creamy, sweet notes of this popular beverage pair wonderfully with the flavors of the peanut chicken, making every bite even more enjoyable. Egg Rolls: Crispy, savory egg rolls provide a delightful crunch before diving into the creamy richness of the chicken. Their savory filling adds another layer of flavor. Make Ahead Options These Thai Peanut Chicken delights are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the creamy peanut sauce up to 24 hours in advance by whisking together peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes and then refrigerating it. The chicken can be stored in the fridge (ideally up to 3 days) until you’re ready to cook. When it’s time to serve, simply place the chicken in the slow cooker, pour the chilled sauce over it, and cook as usual. This way, you’ll have a delicious meal with minimal effort, ensuring that the flavors are just as rich and satisfying as when made fresh! Thai Peanut Chicken Variations Feel free to make this Thai Peanut Chicken your own with these fun and flavorful twists! Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh for a plant-based alternative that absorbs all the delicious sauce effortlessly. Nut-Free: Use sun butter or tahini instead of peanut butter, making it safe for anyone with nut allergies while maintaining that creamy goodness. Flavor Boost: Stir in some curry paste or coconut curry powder before cooking for an added depth of flavor that will transport your taste buds straight to Thailand. Zesty Twist: Add a splash of lime juice right before serving to brighten up the entire dish, enhancing the comforting flavors beautifully. Veggie-Loaded: Toss in sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or shredded carrots during the last hour of cooking for extra nutrition and a pop of color! Noodle Delight: Instead of serving with rice, try tossing this over rice noodles or even in a wrap for a delightful meal on the go. For another delicious option, check out my Hawaiian Chicken Sheet as a fun twist. Sweet & Spicy Kick: Mix in a tablespoon of honey or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce for a delightful balance of sweetness and heat that will keep everyone coming back for more! How to Store and Freeze Thai Peanut Chicken Fridge: Store leftover Thai Peanut Chicken in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days. Make sure to let it cool down before sealing to maintain freshness. Freezer: Freeze portions of the Thai Peanut Chicken in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through, ensuring the chicken maintains its tender texture. Serving Tip: When reheating, consider adding a splash of coconut milk to revive the creaminess of the sauce. Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe FAQs What kind of chicken should I use for Thai Peanut Chicken? Absolutely! I recommend using chicken thighs as they are more tender and flavorful when slow-cooked compared to chicken breasts, which can dry out. If you prefer, you can use chicken breasts, but just be cautious as they may yield a less juicy result. How do I store leftover Thai Peanut Chicken? Very simple! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 to 5 days. Allow the dish to cool for about 30 minutes before sealing to help maintain its wonderful flavor and fresh texture. Can I freeze Thai Peanut Chicken? Certainly! For longer storage, freeze portions of your Thai Peanut Chicken in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and gently reheat it on the stovetop or microwave until heated through. What should I do if my sauce is too thin? No worries at all! If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can easily make a cornstarch slurry. Mix equal parts cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl, making sure there are no lumps. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking, and it will beautifully thicken your sauce, adding richness to the dish! Can I make this recipe nut-free? Of course! If you need a nut-free option, simply omit the peanut butter and crushed peanuts. You can substitute with sun butter or tahini to maintain a creamy texture, but always check for potential allergies with your guests! What’s the best way to serve Thai Peanut Chicken? Serving it is part of the fun! Ladle the creamy Thai Peanut Chicken over fluffy jasmine rice or rice noodles for a delightful meal. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh green onions and crushed peanuts for that extra pop of flavor and color. Enjoy! Savory Thai Peanut Chicken in Your Slow Cooker Bliss This Thai Peanut Chicken recipe brings rich, creamy flavors to your plate effortlessly, making it an ideal dinner choice. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 4 hours hrsTotal Time 4 hours hrs 15 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: ThaiCalories: 450 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken2 pounds Chicken ThighsFor the Sauce1 cup Peanut Butter creamy or chunky based on preference1 can Coconut Milk full-fat or lighter option1/4 cup Soy Sauce or tamari for gluten-free2 tablespoons Ginger fresh, minced recommended3 cloves Garlic freshly minced1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes adjust based on spice levelFor Garnishing2 tablespoons Green Onions chopped1/4 cup Crushed Peanuts can be omitted for nut-free version Equipment Slow Cooker Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Thai Peanut ChickenBegin by placing your chicken thighs at the bottom of a slow cooker. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, rich coconut milk, soy sauce, minced ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes until smooth. Pour this luscious mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is evenly coated for maximum flavor.Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or high for 2 to 3 hours. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is fork-tender.For those who prefer a thicker sauce, mix equal parts cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Add this to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking, stirring gently to incorporate.Once your Thai Peanut Chicken is cooked, remove the lid and use two forks to shred the chicken in the sauce. Serve over steamed rice or noodles, garnished with fresh green onions and crushed peanuts. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg NotesStore leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days. Freeze portions for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding coconut milk if needed. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!