Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken

Name: Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 h
Total time: 5 h 15 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 2 cans light coconut milk; 1/4 cup peanut butter; 3 tablespoons red curry paste; 2 tablespoons fish sauce (or soy sauce as substitute); 2 tablespoons coconut sugar or brown sugar; 2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into pieces; 1 small butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1/2-inch cubes; 2 large red bell peppers, cored and thinly sliced; 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced; 2 cups frozen peas, thawed; 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice; Prepared brown rice for serving; Chopped fresh cilantro for serving

Posted on October 23, 2025

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Healthy slow cooker Thai peanut chicken is a delightful dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Thailand right to your kitchen. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, as it requires minimal prep time and lets your slow cooker do all the work. With its creamy peanut sauce, tender chicken, and nutritious veggies, this meal is both satisfying and wholesome. Enjoy the unique combination of flavors that will impress family and friends alike!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Preparation: Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic.
Flavor Explosion: The blend of coconut milk, peanut butter, and red curry paste creates a rich and delicious sauce.
Versatile Ingredients: Customize with your favorite vegetables or serve over rice, noodles, or quinoa.
Healthy Option: Packed with lean protein and fresh veggies, this dish supports a balanced diet without sacrificing taste.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delicious slow cooker Thai peanut chicken, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools that make cooking easier.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Slow Cooker
Whisk
Cutting Board
Knife
Measuring Cups/Spoons

Why These Tools Matter

Slow Cooker: This tool allows for hands-free cooking, ensuring tender chicken while you go about your day.
Whisk: Perfect for combining ingredients smoothly to create that luscious peanut sauce.
Cutting Board & Knife: Essential for prepping your fresh veggies quickly and safely.

Ingredients

Healthy slow cooker Thai peanut chicken recipe made with a simple, delicious Thai peanut coconut milk sauce, veggies, and juicy chicken.

For the Sauce

2 cans light coconut milk
1/4 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
3 tablespoons red curry paste
2 tablespoons fish sauce
2 tablespoons coconut sugar or brown sugar
2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

For the Chicken and Veggies

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces)
1 small butternut squash (peeled, seeded, and cut into 1/2-inch cubes)
2 large red bell peppers (cored and thinly sliced)
1 medium yellow onion (thinly sliced (about 3 cups))
2 cups frozen peas (thawed)

For Serving

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice (about 1 lime)
Prepared brown rice (for serving)
Chopped fresh cilantro (for serving)

How to Make Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a 6-quart or larger slow cooker, whisk together the following ingredients until smooth:
1. Coconut milk
2. Peanut butter
3. Red curry paste
4. Fish sauce
5. Coconut sugar
6. Ginger
7. Garlic
8. Crushed red pepper flakes

Step 2: Add Chicken and Veggies

Add the following ingredients into the slow cooker:
– Chicken pieces
– Butternut squash cubes
– Sliced red bell peppers
– Sliced yellow onion

Gently stir to coat everything with the sauce; note that it will be thick.

Step 3: Cook

Cover the slow cooker:
– Cook on high for 2 to 3 hours or on low for 5 to 6 hours.

Step 4: Add Peas and Lime Juice

Thirty minutes before serving:
– Add thawed peas to the mixture.
– Just before serving, stir in freshly squeezed lime juice.

Step 5: Serve

Serve over prepared brown rice with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro on top. Enjoy your flavorful meal!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken

Serving Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken can be a delightful experience that enhances the flavors of this dish. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Over Brown Rice

Flavorful Base: Serve the chicken over prepared brown rice for a hearty and nutritious meal. The rice absorbs the delicious peanut sauce beautifully.

With Steamed Vegetables

Nutritious Accompaniment: Pair with steamed broccoli or green beans for added nutrition and color. These vegetables provide a nice crunch and balance out the creamy sauce.

In Lettuce Wraps

Fresh & Light: Spoon the chicken mixture into large lettuce leaves for a fresh take. This makes for a fun, low-carb option that is perfect for lighter meals.

With Quinoa

Protein-Packed Alternative: For a protein-rich option, serve over cooked quinoa. It’s nutty flavor complements the Thai spices well.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

Herbaceous Finish: Garnish with extra chopped cilantro or green onions just before serving. This adds freshness and enhances the overall flavor profile.

As a Sandwich Filling

Creative Twist: Use leftovers as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. The peanut sauce makes it deliciously creamy and satisfying.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken

To achieve the best results with your Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken, follow these helpful tips.

Bold Flavor Enhancements: Adjust the amount of red curry paste to suit your spice preference. More paste will intensify the flavor and heat of your dish.
Quality Ingredients Matter: Use high-quality coconut milk and natural peanut butter. This ensures a rich, creamy texture and authentic taste.
Prep Ahead: Chop your vegetables in advance to save time on cooking day. Having everything ready will make assembly quick and easy.
Thicken If Needed: If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last hour of cooking to allow excess liquid to evaporate.
Rest Before Serving: Let the dish sit for about 10 minutes after cooking before serving. This helps flavors meld together nicely.
Experiment with Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like snap peas or carrots for added texture and nutrition.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken can enhance its flavors and create a balanced meal. Here are some excellent options:

Coconut Rice: Prepare rice cooked in coconut milk for an aromatic side that complements the peanut sauce perfectly.
Thai Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad made with cucumbers, lime juice, and mint provides crunch and acidity to balance richness.
Stir-Fried Noodles: Quick stir-fried noodles tossed in soy sauce offer an enjoyable chewy texture alongside the tender chicken.
Garlic Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter make an unexpected but delightful addition to soak up any leftover sauce.
Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn grilled until slightly charred adds sweetness and is simple to prepare alongside your main dish.
Mango Salad: A vibrant salad featuring fresh mango provides sweetness that contrasts beautifully with savory flavors in your chicken.
Asian Slaw: Crunchy slaw made from cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing adds texture and brightness to your plate.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes roasted until caramelized pair wonderfully with the savory notes of this dish, adding earthiness.

Enjoy creating and serving this delicious meal!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to make mistakes when preparing Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.

Ignoring the Cooking Time: Each slow cooker behaves differently. Always check your dish at the minimum cooking time to prevent overcooking.
Skipping the Veggies: Vegetables add nutrition and flavor. Don’t omit them; include a variety for a balanced meal.
Not Measuring Ingredients: Improper measurements can change the dish’s outcome. Use precise measurements for best results.
Overcrowding the Slow Cooker: Too much food can hinder cooking. Follow the recommended ingredient amounts for even cooking.
Adding Dairy Products Early: Adding items like cream too soon can curdle. Stir in dairy at the end of cooking for a smooth finish.

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken

Portion into freezer-safe containers.
It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring halfway through, for about 2-3 minutes or until hot.
Stovetop: Heat gently in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken?

Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken is a flavorful dish made with chicken, coconut milk, peanut butter, and spices, cooked slowly for a tender texture.

Can I customize the vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add or substitute your favorite vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snap peas to suit your taste.

How do I serve Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken?

Serve it over prepared brown rice or quinoa, and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime juice for added flavor.

Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

Yes! This recipe works well with turkey or even lamb if you prefer something different.

How long does it take to cook?

Cooking times vary but expect about 2-3 hours on high or 5-6 hours on low depending on your slow cooker settings.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it with different veggies or proteins based on your preference. Give this recipe a try for a satisfying meal that will impress family and friends!