Description
If you’re a fan of bold, creamy, and slightly spicy flavors, then Slow-Cooked Thai Peanut Chicken is the perfect dish for you! This meal brings together tender, juicy chicken, a rich and nutty peanut sauce, and fragrant Thai spices, all slow-cooked to perfection. The slow cooker makes it incredibly easy—just set it and forget it until you’re ready to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home.
This dish is not only packed with flavor but also highly versatile. You can serve it over steamed rice, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. Plus, it’s a fantastic make-ahead meal, as the flavors deepen and improve overnight.
Now, let’s dive into the details of how to make this delicious Slow-Cooked Thai Peanut Chicken!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
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2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 tablespoon vegetable oil (optional, for browning)
For the Thai Peanut Sauce:
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1 cup (240ml) coconut milk (full-fat for best flavor)
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½ cup (120g) peanut butter (creamy or chunky, based on preference)
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3 tablespoons soy sauce
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2 tablespoons honey (or brown sugar)
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1 tablespoon lime juice
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar
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1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
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1 teaspoon sesame oil
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½ teaspoon turmeric (optional, for color)
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¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
For Garnish and Serving:
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½ cup roasted peanuts, chopped
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¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
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2 green onions, thinly sliced
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1 red chili, thinly sliced (optional)
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Lime wedges for serving
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Steamed jasmine rice or rice noodles
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
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Season the chicken with salt and black pepper to enhance its flavor. If you have time, let it sit for 15 minutes.
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Optional: Sear the chicken in a skillet with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat for 2 minutes per side. This step isn’t necessary but adds extra depth to the flavor.
Step 2: Make the Thai Peanut Sauce
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, red pepper flakes, sesame oil, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Stir until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Chicken
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Place the seasoned chicken into the slow cooker.
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Pour the prepared peanut sauce over the chicken, ensuring that all pieces are well coated.
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Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fork-tender.
Step 4: Shred and Finish the Sauce
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Once the chicken is done, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
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Stir the shredded chicken back into the sauce and mix well. If the sauce is too thick, add a little coconut milk or water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
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Serve the Thai peanut chicken over steamed jasmine rice or rice noodles.
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Garnish with chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, red chili, and lime wedges for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (on LOW) or 3-4 hours (on HIGH)
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (approx. 1 ½ cups)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg