Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stirred the rich, velvety peanut sauce, the warm aroma filled my kitchen, transporting me to a cozy little Thai restaurant tucked away in a bustling street market. This Creamy Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken comes together effortlessly, using just five simple ingredients to create a delightful weeknight meal that satisfies every taste bud. Imagine coming home after a long day to this comforting dish—it’s not just an easy dinner; it’s the kind of embrace you can only get from homemade food. Plus, you’ll love that it cooks in the slow cooker, allowing you more time to unwind while it simmers to perfection. Are you ready to discover how to bring a taste of Thailand right to your dinner table? Why is this dish a must-try? Simplicity: With just five ingredients, you can create a rich and creamy dish without the fuss. Comforting flavors transport you to a warm Thai café with every bite. Effortless cooking in a slow cooker means you can prep and relax while it simmers to perfection. Versatile serving options allow you to enjoy it over rice, noodles, or even with fresh veggies on the side. Plus, crowd-pleaser appeal ensures it’s a hit with family and friends. Say goodbye to fast food—this homemade gem is sure to satisfy! Creamy Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Ingredients • To make this delicious dish even easier, gather the following ingredients: For the Sauce Peanut Butter – Provides creaminess and rich flavor; chunky for added texture if preferred. Coconut Milk – Adds sweetness and richness; blend with peanut butter to ensure a smooth sauce. For the Chicken Chicken Thighs – Moist and tender; swap for chicken breasts if necessary, but watch for dryness. For Seasoning Soy Sauce – Adds a savory umami depth; tamari can be used for a gluten-free option. Honey – Naturally sweetens the dish; can be replaced with maple syrup for a different flavor. This Creamy Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken is set to be your new weeknight hero! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Creamy Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Step 1: Prep Ingredients Begin by blending the creamy peanut butter and coconut milk together in a mixing bowl until smooth and free of lumps. This mixture will serve as the base for your rich sauce, so ensure it’s well combined and creamy. A whisk or an immersion blender works wonders here for a silky texture. Step 2: Combine in Slow Cooker Next, place the chicken thighs directly into the slow cooker. Pour the freshly blended peanut-coconut mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated. This combination of flavors is what will make the Creamy Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken irresistibly delicious, so make sure the chicken is surrounded by the luscious sauce. Step 3: Season Now it’s time to optimize the flavors! Add the soy sauce and honey to the slow cooker, stirring gently to ensure all the ingredients are well melded together. This step enhances the savory and sweet balance that is central to this dish, making each bite bursting with flavor as it cooks. Step 4: Cook Cover your slow cooker and set it to low heat. Allow the chicken to cook for 4 to 6 hours until the meat is wonderfully tender and easily shreds with a fork. You’ll know it’s done when it’s falling apart and the kitchen is filled with the delightful aromas of your Creamy Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken. Step 5: Thicken Sauce (optional) If you find the sauce is thinner than you’d like, create a slurry by mixing equal parts cornstarch and water in a small bowl. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker and switch to high heat for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. This will thicken the sauce beautifully, adding a luxurious finish to your dish. Step 6: Serve Once your Creamy Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken is ready, serve it over a bed of rice or noodles for a comforting meal. For a delightful presentation, garnish with sliced green onions and crushed peanuts. This adds a pop of color and extra crunch, making your dish not only delicious but visually appealing as well. Make Ahead Options These Creamy Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can blend the peanut butter and coconut milk together up to 24 hours in advance, storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its creamy texture. Additionally, you can season your chicken thighs with soy sauce and honey 3 days ahead and store them in the fridge, ensuring that the flavors meld beautifully. When you’re ready to enjoy your meal, simply add the prepped ingredients to the slow cooker and follow the rest of the cooking instructions. This way, you’ll have a comforting, homemade dish with minimal effort on busy evenings! Expert Tips for Creamy Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken • Choose Chicken Thighs: Opt for bone-in, skinless chicken thighs for juiciness; overcooking can lead to dryness. • Mix Ingredients Well: Ensure peanut butter and coconut milk are blended completely to prevent lumps in your creamy sauce. • Customize Spice Level: For a spicy kick, add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the coconut mixture before cooking. • Avoid Overcooking: Set your slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours; higher temps might dry out your Creamy Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken. • Serve with Freshness: Garnish with lime juice or chopped cilantro just before serving to brighten and enhance the dish’s flavor. Creamy Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Variations Feel free to get creative with this creamy dish and customize it to suit your taste! Dairy-Free: Use almond or cashew milk instead of coconut milk for a lighter, nutty flavor while keeping it creamy. Nut-Free: Swap peanut butter for sun butter or tahini to enjoy a similar texture without any nuts. Vegetable Boost: Mix in chopped bell peppers, snap peas, or spinach in the last hour of cooking for added nutrition and color. Spicy Kick: Add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a delightful heat that tantalizes the taste buds. Rice Alternatives: Serve over quinoa or cauliflower rice to cater to different diets, providing a nutritious base that’s just as satisfying. Citrus Twist: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the finished dish for a zesty brightness that enhances the richness of the sauce. Garnish Ideas: Top with fresh cilantro or crushed cashews to add a burst of flavor and texture, elevating your plate. Flavor Infusion: Consider replacing honey with agave syrup or maple syrup for a different sweet note, complementing the savory elements beautifully. For even more recipe inspiration, try pairing this with my delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken or the vibrant flavours of Fiery Chicken Ramen. Happy cooking! What to Serve with Creamy Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Imagine the perfect relaxing dinner, where every bite delights your taste buds and transports you to a cozy Thai kitchen. Steamed Broccoli: Offers a pleasant crunch and a touch of earthy flavor that beautifully balances the richness of the peanut sauce. Bright green florets add a pop of color to your plate, making it visually appealing. Fluffy Jasmine Rice: Serves as the ideal canvas for the creamy peanut chicken, absorbing all its delicious flavors. It’s fragrant, soft, and a must-have for a fully-rounded meal. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness and crispy edges complement the savory elements in the dish. The contrast in texture adds an extra layer of satisfaction with every bite. Fresh Cucumber Salad: A refreshing mix of crisp cucumbers, mint, and lime creates a cool counterpoint to the warm, rich chicken. It lightens the meal and adds a burst of freshness. Rice Noodles: These silky noodles soak up the delightful peanut sauce and provide a hearty base. Toss them with a bit of sesame oil for an extra touch of flavor. Mini Thai Spring Rolls: Filled with fresh veggies and herbs, they offer a crispy texture that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy chicken. Serve with a sweet chili dip, and you’ve got a delightful snack! Chilled Coconut Water: Its subtle sweetness and hydrating properties make it a lovely drink pairing, enhancing the overall tropical experience of your dinner. Storage Tips for Creamy Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. If the sauce thickens, reheat gently with a splash of coconut milk or water to restore creaminess. Freezer: This creamy peanut chicken can be frozen in portions for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a convenient meal. Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. Stir occasionally to ensure even heat and creaminess. Enjoy the comfort of homemade flavors in every bite! Leftover Uses: Consider repurposing leftovers in wraps or salads for a delightful twist on your next meal. Creamy Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe FAQs What type of chicken is best for this recipe? Absolutely! I recommend using chicken thighs for the Creamy Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken, as they are more forgiving and remain juicy during the long cooking time. While you can use chicken breasts, just be cautious not to overcook them, as they can dry out quickly. How should I store leftovers? Very! You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, I suggest adding a splash of coconut milk or water if the sauce has thickened to keep it creamy. Can I freeze Creamy Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken? Yes! You can freeze this dish in portions for up to 3 months. Simply allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently on the stovetop or microwave until heated through. What if the sauce is too thin? If you find the sauce thinner than you’d like, don’t worry! Create a slurry by mixing equal parts cornstarch and water in a small bowl. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker and switch to high heat for about 10-15 minutes. This will help thicken the sauce to a luscious consistency. Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan? Certainly! To make a vegetarian or vegan version, swap chicken for tofu or chickpeas. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. You can also substitute agave syrup for honey to keep it plant-based. What ingredients can I substitute for allergies? If you’re concerned about allergies, you can substitute soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option. Additionally, avoid peanut butter for nut allergies; sunflower seed butter can be a great alternative for a similar creamy texture! Creamy Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken: Easy Comfort Food Delight Discover the comfort of Creamy Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken, a delightful meal made effortlessly with five ingredients. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 6 hours hrsThickening Time 15 minutes minsTotal Time 6 hours hrs 25 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: ThaiCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Sauce1 cup Peanut Butter Chunky for added texture if preferred.1 can Coconut Milk Add sweetness and richness.For the Chicken2 pounds Chicken Thighs Moist and tender.For Seasoning1/4 cup Soy Sauce Tamari for gluten-free option.2 tablespoons Honey Can be replaced with maple syrup. Equipment Slow CookerMixing bowlWhisk Method Step-by-Step InstructionsBlend the peanut butter and coconut milk together in a mixing bowl until smooth.Place the chicken thighs into the slow cooker and pour the peanut-coconut mixture over the chicken.Add soy sauce and honey, stirring gently to combine all ingredients.Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4 to 6 hours until the chicken is tender.For a thicker sauce, create a slurry with cornstarch and water, stir into the slow cooker, and switch to high for 10 to 15 minutes.Serve over rice or noodles, garnished with sliced green onions and crushed peanuts. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 28gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 250IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 2mg NotesFor optional spice, consider adding sriracha or red pepper flakes before cooking. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!