Name: Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-488184H37M50S
Total time: 5 h 10 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 1/2 cup natural peanut butter; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup chicken broth; 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated); 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup sliced bell peppers (any color); 1/2 cup chopped onions; 2 tablespoons chopped peanuts (for garnish); 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

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If you’re looking for a dinner that bursts with flavor, comes together with minimal effort, and feels both comforting and special, look no further than Cooker Peanut Chicken. This savory, saucy dish features tender chicken bathed in a creamy peanut sauce with a hint of tang, sweetness, and just the right amount of kick. Each bite is loaded with rich nutty flavor, pops of fresh ginger and lime, and vibrant bell peppers — a meal that feels restaurant-worthy but couldn’t be easier to prepare at home. Whether you’re feeding a family or just craving something cozy and crave-worthy, Cooker Peanut Chicken is about to become your go-to favorite.

Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Cooker Peanut Chicken lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Every element adds something unique to the dish, from creaminess to depth, making each bite completely irresistible.

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (1.5 lbs): Thighs offer maximum tenderness and stay juicy even after hours in the slow cooker; you can swap to breasts if you prefer a slightly leaner cut.
Natural peanut butter (1/2 cup): The star of the sauce, adding creaminess and a distinctive rich, nutty flavor that ties the whole dish together.
Soy sauce (1/4 cup): Brings salt, savory depth, and a hint of umami; tamari is a great gluten-free alternative.
Chicken broth (1/4 cup): Thins the sauce and infuses extra savory essence into the mix.
Honey or maple syrup (2 tablespoons): Balances the salt and acidity with a touch of sweetness — use maple syrup for a slightly more earthy note.
Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Adds gentle acidity to brighten the flavors without overwhelming the peanut sauce.
Lime juice (1 tablespoon): A splash of citrus that wakes up the whole dish.
Minced garlic (2 cloves): Fresh garlic delivers punchy, aromatic notes that blend beautifully into the sauce.
Fresh ginger, grated (1 tablespoon): Fresh ginger brings warmth and a subtle zest you just can’t skip.
Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Sprinkle in for a light heat, or adjust to your comfort level for an extra kick.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances flavor and provides the perfect background seasoning.
Sliced bell peppers (1 cup): Use any color you love; they add color, sweetness, and a hint of crunch.
Chopped onions (1/2 cup): Onions sweeten as they cook and add layered flavor to the sauce.
Chopped peanuts (2 tablespoons, for garnish): Sprinkle on at the end for crunch and a toasted nutty hit.
Chopped fresh cilantro (2 tablespoons, for garnish): Cilantro freshens up every bite and makes the finished dish pop.

How to Make Cooker Peanut Chicken

Step 1: Layer the Chicken

Begin by placing your boneless, skinless chicken thighs right at the bottom of your slow cooker insert. Nestling them in first ensures they cook evenly and soak up every drop of that luscious peanut sauce. This step is as easy as it gets — just lay them out in a single layer and you’re good to go.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, chicken broth, honey or maple syrup, rice vinegar, lime juice, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Don’t worry if it looks thick at first — keep whisking until it’s silky and smooth, with no lumps. This is the flavor powerhouse that’s going to make Cooker Peanut Chicken irresistibly good!

Step 3: Assemble and Top with Veggies

Pour the prepared peanut sauce evenly over the chicken, using a spatula to coax out every last bit. Next, scatter the sliced bell peppers and chopped onions over the top. These veggies will contribute sweetness, color, and a little crunch, making each spoonful a treat.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Pop on the lid and set your slow cooker: cook on low for 5 to 6 hours, or on high for 2.5 to 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through. As it cooks, the sauce thickens and the aromas fill your kitchen — get ready for supreme anticipation!

Step 5: Shred, Stir, and Finish

Once done, you can shred the chicken directly in the cooker using two forks, or serve it whole if you prefer chunkier pieces. Give everything a good stir to coat the chicken in that incredible peanut sauce then get ready to serve! Top it with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro to send it over the top.

How to Serve Cooker Peanut Chicken

Garnishes

You can’t skip garnishing Cooker Peanut Chicken — those final touches are what make it truly shine! A handful of chopped peanuts brings toasty crunch, while fresh cilantro adds vibrant color and a refreshing contrast to the creamy sauce. For extra flair, a few lime wedges or an extra sprinkle of red pepper flakes will wow your taste buds and your guests.

Side Dishes

This dish loves some good company! Cooker Peanut Chicken is dreamy served over fluffy white rice, nutty brown rice, or even a bowl of rice noodles to soak up every bit of sauce. For a lighter twist, try spooning it onto crisp lettuce leaves or serving it alongside steamed veggies like broccoli or snap peas. You can even pair it with a simple cucumber salad for a refreshing bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Stretch your imagination! Try serving Cooker Peanut Chicken family-style on a platter with a fan of colorful bell peppers and extra cilantro, or pile it inside lettuce cups for easy finger food. If you like things bold, see if your crew enjoys it in a toasted baguette roll as an Asian-inspired sandwich — trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser in every form.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cooker Peanut Chicken is a dream for meal prep! Just let everything cool, then transfer to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It will keep up to four days and seems to get even better as the flavors meld overnight.

Freezing

If you want to stash some away for later, this dish freezes beautifully. Divide the cooled chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, press out as much air as possible, and label with the date. It’ll stay fresh for up to three months, ready for a last-minute dinner rescue.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the Cooker Peanut Chicken gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce is too thick. You can also zap it in the microwave, stirring halfway through for even heat. With both methods, top with fresh cilantro and peanuts just before serving for the best taste and texture.

FAQs

Can I substitute the chicken thighs with chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well in Cooker Peanut Chicken, especially if you prefer a leaner cut. Just be aware that breasts may cook a little faster and can be less juicy than thighs, so keep an eye on the timing to avoid overcooking.

Is it possible to make Cooker Peanut Chicken spicier?

Yes! If you’re a fan of heat, simply increase the red pepper flakes, add a dollop of your favorite sriracha, or even spicy chili paste directly into the sauce. You can customize the heat to your liking, turning the dish from gently warming to fiery-hot.

Can I prepare Cooker Peanut Chicken ahead of time?

Definitely! The whole dish can be cooked a day in advance, cooled, and stored in the fridge. In fact, letting it rest overnight often deepens the flavors. When you’re ready, just reheat gently and finish with the garnishes.

What kind of peanut butter should I use?

Natural, unsweetened peanut butter is the best choice for Cooker Peanut Chicken, as it keeps the sauce perfectly creamy without added sugar or oil. If you only have regular peanut butter on hand, just cut back slightly on the sweetener to balance things out.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Simple! Just swap out the soy sauce for tamari or your favorite gluten-free soy sauce alternative. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you won’t have to make any other adjustments.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a meal that’s easy, satisfying, and soul-warming, give Cooker Peanut Chicken a try. It’s a definite crowd-pleaser that feels special enough for company yet simple enough for a weeknight. Enjoy every bite — and don’t be surprised if it earns a permanent spot in your dinner rotation!

Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken recipe is a delicious and easy Asian-inspired dish that features tender chicken thighs in a flavorful peanut sauce. Perfect for a simple weeknight dinner or to impress guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Peanut Sauce:

1/2 cup natural peanut butter
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon lime juice
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Additional:

1 cup sliced bell peppers (any color)
1/2 cup chopped onions
2 tablespoons chopped peanuts (for garnish)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

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Instructions

Prepare Chicken: Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
Make Peanut Sauce: Whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, chicken broth, honey, rice vinegar, lime juice, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Pour over chicken.
Add Vegetables: Add bell peppers and onions on top of the chicken.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or on high for 2.5–3 hours until chicken is tender.
Shred and Serve: Shred chicken in the slow cooker and stir to coat with sauce. Serve warm over rice, noodles, or lettuce. Garnish with peanuts and cilantro.