There’s nothing quite like the deep, nutty aroma of peanut sauce slowly simmering in your kitchen. This Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken brings together the best of comfort and bold flavor—juicy chicken breasts, creamy peanut butter, and a touch of chili garlic paste for that perfect hint of spice.
It’s a warm, hearty meal that feels both exotic and familiar, ready with minimal effort and maximum payoff.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken
This dish is bold yet balanced—rich peanut flavor meets tangy lime and savory soy for a perfect weeknight dinner.
- Set it and forget it—just mix, cook, and enjoy
- Creamy peanut sauce with just the right amount of spice
- Great over rice, noodles, or even lettuce wraps
- Meal-prep friendly and freezer-safe
- Made with pantry staples—no hard-to-find ingredients
- A family favorite that’s both healthy and comforting
I first made this one on a cool evening after a long day hauling lumber—one of those nights when you need food that tastes like it took hours but didn’t. My mom always had jars of peanut sauce in her food truck fridge, so this recipe feels like a nod to her kitchen—simple, flavorful, and meant to share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient adds depth to the dish, giving you layers of creamy, spicy, and tangy flavor.
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lb chicken breasts – boneless and skinless, perfect for soaking up sauce
- 1 red bell pepper, diced – adds sweetness and color
- 1/2 large yellow onion, diced – builds the savory base
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped – for that signature aromatic punch
For the Sauce
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter – the heart of the sauce (crunchy works too)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth – keeps everything silky and flavorful
- 1/4 cup soy sauce – adds salt and umami depth
- 1 tbsp honey – balances the savory notes with subtle sweetness
- 1 tsp sesame oil – for that toasty, nutty aroma
- 1 tsp chili garlic paste – brings gentle heat
- 1 tbsp lime juice – brightens up the richness
- 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped – fresh finish for serving
Optional Add-Ons or Substitutes
- Add broccoli or snap peas for extra veggies
- Substitute almond butter if you’re avoiding peanuts
- Use chicken thighs for juicier meat
- Add a splash of coconut milk for creamier sauce
- Pair with Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta or Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta for a family-style spread
Step-by-Step Instructions
Slow cooking makes this recipe effortless while letting flavors meld perfectly.
- Prep the slow cooker: Lightly grease the crockpot or spray with cooking spray.
- Add chicken and veggies: Layer chicken breasts, diced red bell pepper, onion, and garlic in the bottom.
- Make the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter, chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, chili garlic paste, and lime juice until smooth. (If too thick, add a splash more broth.)
- Pour over the chicken: Make sure the sauce coats everything evenly.
- Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
- Shred or slice: Once cooked, shred the chicken into the sauce or slice it into thick pieces. Stir well so everything’s coated in the peanut sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Top with fresh cilantro and extra lime juice before serving.
Quick Reminders:
- Don’t skip lime—it balances the richness perfectly
- Stir the sauce halfway through cooking if possible
- Add veggies in the last hour for crisp-tender texture
- If sauce thickens too much, thin with broth or coconut milk
Expert Tips for Success
This recipe’s flavor grows deeper the longer it cooks—here’s how to make it restaurant-worthy.
- Use natural peanut butter (no added sugar) for better balance
- For extra heat, add more chili garlic paste or crushed red pepper
- Double the sauce if you love it extra creamy
- Serve over jasmine rice or noodles to soak up every drop
- Add chopped peanuts on top for crunch
- Try pairing with Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice for a slow-cooker duo dinner
Slow cooking lets the sauce infuse every bite of chicken, so you get that perfect creamy-spicy balance every time.
Serving Suggestions
This slow cooker peanut chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and toppings.
- Serve over steamed jasmine rice or brown rice
- Toss with rice noodles for a Thai-inspired bowl
- Add fresh cucumber salad for crunch
- Garnish with chopped peanuts and cilantro
- Pair with grilled pineapple for a sweet contrast
- Serve in lettuce cups for a lighter option
However you serve it, the sauce ties everything together with its creamy, slightly spicy depth.
Storing and Reheating
This dish tastes even better the next day—perfect for meal prep.
How to Store It
- Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the fridge
- Freeze portions up to 2 months in freezer-safe bags
- Let cool completely before sealing
- Store rice or noodles separately for best texture
How to Reheat It
- Stovetop: Warm gently over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or coconut milk
- Microwave: 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through
- Slow Cooker: Reheat on low for 1 hour if reheating a large batch
The sauce stays rich and creamy, and the chicken stays tender after reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes! It adds texture and nutty crunch to the sauce.
Can I make it spicier?
Absolutely—just add extra chili garlic paste or a drizzle of sriracha.
What’s the best way to serve it?
Over jasmine rice, noodles, or even mashed sweet potatoes for a unique twist.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken is one of those dishes that makes you feel like you put in hours of effort when you didn’t. It’s creamy, savory, and full of comfort with a global twist that never fails to impress.
- Easy to prep, hard to forget
- Rich, creamy, and full of balanced flavor
- Perfect weeknight slow cooker recipe for the whole family
From my Texas kitchen to yours—let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting, and you just enjoy the comfort in every bite.
Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Lightly grease the slow cooker or spray with cooking spray.
- Layer chicken breasts, diced red bell pepper, onion, and garlic in the slow cooker.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter, chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, chili garlic paste, and lime juice until smooth.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir to coat evenly.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours until chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Shred or slice the chicken and stir into the sauce. Serve topped with fresh cilantro and additional lime juice if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
- For best results, use natural peanut butter and don’t skip the lime—it cuts through the richness beautifully.
- Stir the sauce once or twice if possible, and add veggies like snap peas in the final hour for extra freshness.
- Perfect over jasmine rice or noodles.
