Dinner

Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken with Thai-Inspired Peanut Sauce Recipe

Name: Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken with Thai-Inspired Peanut Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 5 min
Cuisine: Thai-inspired
Ingredients: 1.5 lb chicken breasts; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1/2 large yellow onion, diced; 2 garlic cloves, chopped; 1/2 cup peanut butter, creamy (or crunchy with minimal ingredients); 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1 tbsp honey; 1 tsp sesame oil; 1 tsp chili garlic paste; 1 tbsp lime juice; 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped

Bylina moretti February 3, 2026February 3, 2026

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Introduction

Enjoy a flavorful and protein-packed dinner with this Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken recipe. With only five minutes of prep and a rich Thai-inspired peanut sauce, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hands-off meal.

A white bowl holds a bed of fluffy white rice as the bottom layer. On top, there are several pieces of cooked chicken coated in a thick, orange-brown sauce mixed with small chunks of tomato. The chicken looks tender with a slightly rough texture. Scattered on top are light brown crunchy peanut pieces and bright green fresh cilantro leaves adding a fresh look. A silver fork rests inside the bowl, partly under the chicken. The background shows a white marbled surface with a soft focus. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1.5 lb chicken breasts
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 large yellow onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (or crunchy with minimal ingredients)
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp chili garlic paste
1 tbsp lime juice
2 tbsp cilantro, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Add the diced red bell pepper, yellow onion, and chopped garlic to the bottom of your slow cooker. Place the chicken breasts on top of the vegetables.
Step 2: In a bowl or glass measuring cup, whisk together peanut butter, chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and chili garlic paste until smooth.
Step 3: Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker.
Step 4: Cover and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or on LOW for 4-5 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Step 5: Remove the lid, then stir in lime juice and chopped cilantro. Serve warm, ideally over rice or noodles.

Tips & Variations

Use crunchy peanut butter for extra texture, but ensure it has minimal added ingredients for best flavor.
Substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier result.
Add a handful of chopped peanuts on top before serving for added crunch.
Adjust chili garlic paste amount depending on your preferred spice level.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with three main layers: the bottom layer is fluffy white rice, evenly spread across the bowl; on top, there are thick slices of cooked chicken covered in a rich, smooth orange-brown peanut sauce; scattered over the chicken and sauce are crunchy light tan peanut pieces and bright green chopped cilantro leaves adding fresh color. A silver fork is resting inside the bowl, with a slice of chicken on its tip. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a blurred bowl of green food in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook the chicken and sauce on the stovetop in a covered skillet over low heat for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and tender.