Looking for a delicious, easy-to-make meal that combines rich flavors with minimal effort? Crockpot Thai Peanut Chicken is just what you need. This savory dish features tender chicken simmered in a creamy peanut sauce, infused with Thai-inspired ingredients like soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or meal prepping for the week, this slow-cooked recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal hands-on time. Let your Crockpot do all the work as you enjoy this comforting and exotic meal!
Ingredients: To make this delicious Crockpot Thai Peanut Chicken, gather the following ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (smooth or chunky)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice, for serving
Directions: Follow these simple steps to make Crockpot Thai Peanut Chicken:
- Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of your Crockpot.
- Make the peanut sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, lime juice, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add the chicken broth or water to thin out the sauce a bit.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken: Pour the peanut sauce over the chicken in the Crockpot, ensuring the chicken is coated evenly.
- Cook: Cover the Crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred the chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the Crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the Crockpot and stir it into the sauce.
- Serve: Serve the Thai Peanut Chicken over a bed of rice, garnished with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor.
- Optional add-ons: If you like, you can add steamed vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers to the Crockpot in the last hour of cooking to make the dish even heartier.
Nutritional Information: Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional values per serving (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Sugar: 8g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Note: These values may vary based on the exact ingredients used and portion sizes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid: While Crockpot Thai Peanut Chicken is an easy dish to make, here are a few mistakes to watch out for:
- Using the wrong cut of chicken – While chicken breasts work well, chicken thighs give the dish a richer flavor and remain moist during slow cooking. Thighs are a great option for this recipe.
- Not adjusting the sauce consistency – If the sauce is too thick, you can always add a bit more chicken broth or water to get the right consistency. Conversely, if it’s too runny, you can thicken it with a tablespoon of peanut butter or cornstarch slurry.
- Skipping the garnishes – The chopped peanuts and cilantro add not only flavor but also texture and color to the dish. Don’t skip these garnishes—they really elevate the overall experience!
- Overcooking the chicken – If you cook the chicken for too long, it can become dry, especially if you’re using chicken breasts. Make sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken and remove it from the Crockpot once it’s fully cooked.
Helpful Tips:
- Make it spicier: If you love spice, you can add extra red pepper flakes or a chopped Thai chili to the sauce for more heat.
- Meal prep-friendly: This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Simply make a large batch and store it in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat it with a little extra rice or veggies for an easy lunch or dinner.
- Customizing the dish: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like shredded carrots, bell peppers, or snow peas to the Crockpot in the last hour of cooking for added texture and nutrients.
- Use natural peanut butter: For a healthier alternative, try using natural peanut butter without added sugars or oils. It will still provide the creamy texture and nutty flavor that makes this dish so delicious.
Conclusion: Crockpot Thai Peanut Chicken is the perfect combination of convenience and flavor. With its rich, creamy peanut sauce and tender chicken, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that’s easy to prepare or a flavorful meal prep option, this recipe checks all the boxes. Plus, with the versatility to customize with your favorite veggies or extra heat, you’ll have a dish that’s uniquely your own. Give it a try, and enjoy the amazing taste of Thai-inspired comfort food right from your Crockpot!