Crockpot Thai Peanut Chicken
Introduction
Crockpot Thai Peanut Chicken is the perfect blend of convenience and rich, aromatic flavor. With tender chicken simmered slowly in a creamy, sweet-savory peanut sauce, this dish delivers the comforting warmth of slow cooking combined with the bold, vibrant tastes of Thai-inspired cuisine. It’s easy enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough for guests — a guaranteed family favorite.
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Description
This dish features slow-cooked chicken that becomes fork-tender in a sauce made from coconut milk, peanut butter, garlic, ginger, honey, soy sauce, and lime. The result is a velvety peanut sauce that’s simultaneously creamy, tangy, slightly sweet, and gently spicy. Serve it over rice or noodles, top with cilantro and peanuts, and you’ll have a hearty, flavorful meal that tastes like it simmered all day — because it did!
Ingredients & Quantities
Main Ingredients
1 ½ lbs chicken breasts or thighs, boneless skinless
1 cup canned coconut milk
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
¾ cup natural creamy or crunchy peanut butter
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp lime juice
3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
2 tbsp rice wine vinegar
½ tsp red pepper flakes
Thickener: 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Peanuts, chopped (optional garnish)
Cooked rice or rice noodles, for serving
Instructions
1. Prepare the Sauce
1. In a bowl, whisk together:
Coconut milk
Peanut butter
Garlic
Ginger
Honey
Lime juice
Soy sauce
Rice wine vinegar
Red pepper flakes
2. Add to the Crockpot
1. Place the chicken (breasts or thighs) in the slow cooker.
2. Pour the peanut sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated.
3. Cook
Cook on Low for 5–6 hours or High for 2–3 hours until the chicken is very tender.
4. Thicken the Sauce
1. Remove the chicken and shred or cut into chunks.
2. Stir the cornstarch slurry (2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) into the sauce.
3. Turn the slow cooker to High and cook for 15–20 minutes until thickened.
4. Return the chicken to the pot and stir to coat.
5. Serve
Spoon over cooked rice or rice noodles.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and peanuts if desired.
Origin
This recipe is Thai-inspired, built on flavors iconic to Thai cooking: coconut milk, peanut, lime, ginger, and soy. While not a traditional Thai dish, it draws from the essence of Thai cuisine—balancing sweet, salty, tangy, and spicy elements. Crockpot adaptations like this became popular in Western kitchens, merging Thai flavors with slow-cooker convenience.
Cultural Significance
Thai cuisine emphasizes harmony and contrast of flavors; this dish reflects that principle.
Peanut sauces are widely loved in Thai-American cuisine because they are comforting, rich, and accessible.
Slow cooker meals have become modern cultural staples for busy households seeking high flavor with low effort.
This fusion recipe is a celebration of global flavors made easy for home cooks everywhere.
Optional Additions & Variations
Add Veggies
Sliced bell peppers
Shredded carrots
Broccoli florets
Snap peas
For More Heat
Add more red pepper flakes
Mix in sriracha or Thai chili paste
Protein Swap
Turkey, pork tenderloin, or tofu
Garnish Options
Green onions
Lime wedges
Sesame seeds
Make It Creamier
Add extra coconut milk or a splash of heavy cream
Tips for Success
Use thighs if you want the most tender, moist chicken.
Stir the sauce well before adding to the crockpot so the peanut butter fully blends.
For a thicker sauce, use extra cornstarch or remove the lid during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
If the sauce seems too thick at first: add a few tablespoons of warm water or coconut milk.
Garnish with fresh cilantro for brightness — it makes a big difference.
Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)
Varies based on rice/noodles and cut of chicken.
Calories: 420–550
Protein: 32–38 g
Fat: 24–32 g
Carbohydrates: 20–28 g
Sugar: 7–10 g
Fiber: 2–3 g
Conclusion
Crockpot Thai Peanut Chicken is an effortless, richly flavorful meal that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Comforting yet exotic, wholesome yet indulgent, it’s the kind of recipe that becomes part of your family’s regular rotation — delicious, dependable, and deeply satisfying.
Recommendation
Serve this dish:
Over jasmine rice or rice noodles
With steamed vegetables on the side
Topped with cilantro, lime, and crunchy peanuts
As leftovers — it tastes even better the next day!
Pair with iced tea, coconut water, or a crisp salad for a balanced meal.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
You can enjoy this rich, creamy dish while still keeping things balanced:
Use light coconut milk for fewer calories.
Swap honey for a low-glycemic sweetener if desired.
Add plenty of vegetables to increase nutrients and reduce calorie density.
Use chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner protein.
Serve with cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
Balanced eating is about joy and nourishment — and this dish offers plenty of both.
If you want, I can also create:
a printable recipe card
a Pinterest-style long image
a short-form social media caption
Just let me know!
