thai peanut chicken

Thai peanut chicken is one of those magical dishes that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. The combination of creamy peanut butter, aromatic spices, and tender chicken creates a symphony of flavors that’s both comforting and exciting. There’s something truly special about walking into your home after a long day to find dinner practically ready, with those enticing aromas of ginger, garlic, and coconut filling the air.

I first fell in love with this dish during my early cooking experiments when I was trying to recreate the flavors from my favorite Thai restaurant. After several attempts (including one memorable disaster when I accidentally quadrupled the red curry paste!), I finally perfected this slow cooker version. It’s become a staple in my home, especially during busy weeks when I need something delicious that doesn’t require standing over the stove.

This slow cooker thai peanut chicken recipe is perfect for busy families and food lovers alike. Not only is it incredibly convenient—just a quick prep before letting your crockpot do all the work but it’s also endlessly customizable to suit your taste preferences. My secret? Don’t skip the fresh lime juice at the end it brightens all the flavors and makes the dish come alive.

What You Need to Make This Recipe

For this thai peanut chicken, you’ll need a handful of pantry staples alongside fresh ingredients. The creamy peanut butter forms the base of our velvety sauce, while coconut milk adds richness and authentic Thai flavor. Fresh ginger and garlic are non-negotiables in my kitchen for their aromatic punch. The complete ingredients list with measurements is in the recipe card below.

How to Make Thai Peanut Chicken

Creating this thai peanut chicken is wonderfully straightforward, perfect for those days when you need a flavorful dinner solution without fuss. You’ll simply prepare your veggies, whisk together the addictively creamy peanut sauce, add everything to your slow cooker, and let it transform while you’re away. Much like my chicken corn chowder, the slow cooking process develops deep, comforting flavors with minimal effort.

Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken

This creamy, aromatic Thai Peanut Chicken cooks to tender perfection in your crockpot, combining rich peanut butter, coconut milk and authentic Thai spices for an effortless weeknight dinner that tastes like it came from your favorite restaurant.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Thai

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 red bell pepper sliced into thin strips
• 1 onion diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced

For the Thai Peanut Sauce

• 1 cup coconut milk full-fat
• 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter natural, no sugar added preferred
• 3 tbsp soy sauce low-sodium
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
• 1 tbsp ginger freshly grated
• 2 tbsp red curry paste
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes adjust to taste
• 2 tbsp lime juice freshly squeezed

For Serving

• 3 cups cooked jasmine rice
• 1/4 cup cilantro chopped, for garnish
• 1/4 cup peanuts chopped, for garnish
• 2 green onions sliced, for garnish
• 1 lime cut into wedges

Equipment

• Slow Cooker (Crockpot)
• Mixing Bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Sharp Knife

Method

 

Prepare the Ingredients

1. Cut the chicken breasts into 2-inch pieces. Slice the bell pepper and dice the onion. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger.

Make the Sauce

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, grated ginger, red curry paste, red pepper flakes, and lime juice until smooth and well combined.

Assemble in Slow Cooker

1. Place the chicken pieces, bell pepper, onion, and garlic in the slow cooker.
2. Pour the peanut sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring gently to coat everything evenly.

Cook

1. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
2. About 30 minutes before serving, gently stir the mixture. If the sauce seems too thick, add 2-3 tablespoons of chicken broth or water to thin it to your desired consistency.

Serve

1. Serve the Thai peanut chicken over cooked jasmine rice.
2. Garnish with chopped cilantro, peanuts, sliced green onions, and lime wedges for squeezing over the top.

Notes

1. For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red curry paste or red pepper flakes.
2. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days and reheat well.
3. You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier result.
4. Serve with steamed vegetables or a side salad for a complete meal.

Pro Tips for Making This Thai Peanut Chicken

After making this dish countless times, I’ve gathered some helpful insights to ensure your thai peanut chicken turns out perfectly every time:

Don’t Overcook the Chicken: While the slow cooker is forgiving, boneless chicken breasts can dry out if cooked too long. If your crockpot runs hot, check for doneness at the 3-hour mark on high or 5-hour mark on low.

My Secret Trick: I always sauté the onions, garlic, and ginger for 2-3 minutes before adding them to the slow cooker. This extra step helps release their flavors and adds wonderful depth to the final dish.

For creamier sauce, use full-fat coconut milk rather than light versions. The richness makes a noticeable difference in the texture and flavor of your thai peanut chicken.

If you prefer a spicier kick, add more red curry paste or crushed red pepper. Remember, you can always add heat, but you can’t take it away!

Fun Variations for Thai Peanut Chicken

One of the things I love most about thai peanut chicken is how adaptable it is. Here are some of my favorite ways to change things up:

Vegetarian Delight

Replace the chicken with extra-firm tofu (pressed to remove moisture) and add more vegetables like broccoli, snow peas, or carrots. My vegetarian sister requests this version whenever she visits, and it’s become a family favorite slow cooker meal.

Seafood Twist

Substitute the chicken with shrimp for a delicious alternative. Since shrimp cooks quickly, add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking time to prevent them from becoming tough.

Nutty Alternatives

If you have a peanut allergy in your family, almond butter makes an excellent substitute in this recipe. The flavor profile shifts slightly but remains delicious with all the same thai-inspired elements.

Serving Style Options

Instead of serving over rice, try rice noodles or zucchini noodles for a lower-carb option. The peanut sauce clings beautifully to either alternative, creating a different but equally delicious meal experience.

What to Serve With Thai Peanut Chicken

Creating a complete meal around your thai peanut chicken is simple and can elevate your dinner experience. Jasmine rice is the traditional accompaniment, absorbing all that luscious peanut sauce while providing a neutral backdrop for the bold flavors. For a lighter option, cauliflower rice works beautifully too.

Fresh cucumber slices drizzled with rice vinegar offer a cool, crisp contrast to the warm, creamy thai peanut chicken. This simple side dish takes just minutes to prepare but adds wonderful texture and balance.

If you’re looking for another dish to round out the meal, a simple side salad with matchstick carrots, bean sprouts, and a light rice vinegar dressing complements the rich flavors perfectly. When entertaining, I sometimes serve this alongside my garlic butter steak bites for an impressive spread that pleases everyone.

Don’t forget a basket of warm naan bread or roti perfect for scooping up every last bit of that delicious sauce!

How to Store Thai Peanut Chicken

Refrigerator Storage

This thai peanut chicken actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The sauce may thicken slightly when chilled, which is perfectly normal.

Freezer-Friendly Option

For longer storage, thai peanut chicken freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. I recommend freezing it in individual portions for easy reheating. Be sure to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.

Reheating Tips

When reheating, add a splash of coconut milk or chicken broth if the sauce seems too thick. My favorite trick is to sprinkle fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime over reheated portions to brighten the flavors and make it taste freshly made.

Nutritional Benefits

This thai peanut chicken offers more than just incredible flavor it’s packed with nutritional benefits too. The chicken provides lean protein essential for muscle maintenance, while peanuts add healthy fats and additional protein. Ginger and garlic aren’t just flavor enhancers; they also offer anti-inflammatory properties. The colorful bell peppers add vitamin C and antioxidants to this satisfying slow cooker meal.

FAQs

Can I make this Thai peanut chicken in an Instant Pot instead?

Absolutely! Use the sauté function to brown the chicken slightly, then add remaining ingredients. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes with a 10-minute natural release for perfectly tender thai peanut chicken in a fraction of the time.

Is this dish very spicy?

As written, this thai peanut chicken has a mild-to-medium heat level. You can easily adjust by reducing the red curry paste and red pepper flakes for less heat, or increasing them if you prefer things spicier.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and often stay more tender during slow cooking. The cooking time remains the same, and many of my friends actually prefer this variation.

My sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it?

If your thai peanut chicken sauce needs thickening, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking with the lid off.

Conclusion

This thai peanut chicken in the crockpot represents everything I love about home cooking it’s approachable yet impressive, convenient yet packed with flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or meal prepping for busy weekdays, it’s bound to become a regular in your recipe rotation. The combination of creamy peanut sauce, tender chicken, and aromatic spices creates a dish that feels like a special treat without hours of effort. For more comforting slow cooker meals, try my crockpot lasagna soup another family favorite.