Easy Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe
This Easy Thai Peanut Chicken recipe features tender slow-cooked chicken thighs or breasts soaked in a creamy, flavorful peanut sauce made from natural peanut butter, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of spice. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it can be served over jasmine rice, noodles, or fresh sides to create a complete and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 to 6 hours on Low or 2.5 to 3.5 hours on High
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes (depending on slow cooker setting)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Thai
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1.5 to 2 lbs (700–900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Sauce
- 1 cup unsweetened natural peanut butter (creamy)
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup honey or brown sugar
- 2–3 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (optional but adds flavor)
- 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1–2 tsp red chili flakes or Sriracha (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 cup canned coconut milk (optional for creaminess)
- ½ cup water or chicken broth (to loosen sauce)
Garnish (optional)
- Crushed peanuts
- Chopped cilantro
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar or lime juice, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, chili flakes or Sriracha, and water or chicken broth until smooth. If using, add the coconut milk to create a creamier sauce.
- Add Chicken to Slow Cooker: Place the chicken pieces at the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the prepared peanut sauce evenly over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated well.
- Cook: Cover and cook on Low for 5–6 hours or on High for 2.5–3.5 hours. The chicken should be tender and easily shredded with a fork by the end of cooking.
- Shred & Stir: Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir thoroughly so the shredded chicken is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Garnish & Serve: Serve the peanut chicken hot, topped with your choice of crushed peanuts, chopped cilantro, green onions, or sesame seeds. Pair with your preferred sides such as jasmine rice, noodles, or fresh salads.
Notes
- You can use chicken thighs for more flavor and juiciness or chicken breasts for a leaner option.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the chili flakes or Sriracha.
- For a creamier sauce, include the optional coconut milk; for a lighter sauce, omit it.
- Slow cooker times may vary; check chicken tenderness before shredding.
- Garnishing with fresh herbs and nuts adds texture and visual appeal.
- Serve with sides like jasmine rice, rice noodles, coconut rice, cucumber salad, or lettuce wraps for a variety of flavor and texture combinations.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe (approximately 170g)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: Thai peanut chicken, slow cooker chicken, peanut sauce chicken, easy Thai recipe, creamy peanut chicken, slow cooked peanut chicken, gluten free Thai recipe
Find it online: https://messykitchenmagic.com/easy-thai-peanut-chicken-recipe-2/
