Oh my gosh, you have to try this peanut butter chicken slow cooker recipe! It’s become my absolute go-to when I want something ridiculously easy but packed with flavor. I first made it on one of those crazy weeknights when I had zero time to cook, and now it’s in our regular rotation. The rich peanut butter sauce coats tender chicken perfectly, and the best part? You just dump everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic. Trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing all day while this simmers away. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone ask for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Chicken Slow Cooker Recipe
This recipe is a total game-changer, and here’s why you’re going to adore it:
- Set it and forget it magic: Dump everything in before work, come home to a fully cooked meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen
- That sauce though: The peanut butter mixture transforms into this velvety, rich coating that clings to every bite of chicken
- Pantry-friendly ingredients: I bet you have most of these items already – no fancy grocery runs needed
- Big flavor payoff: The sweet-salty-spicy combo will have everyone scraping their plates clean
- Perfect for busy nights: Even on my most frazzled days, I can throw this together in minutes
Seriously, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort – what’s not to love?
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Chicken Slow Cooker
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this dreamy peanut butter chicken – and I promise, it’s all stuff you probably already have in your kitchen right now:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – about 1.5 lbs total (thighs work great too if you prefer dark meat)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter – the regular kind, not natural (it blends better)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce – regular or low-sodium both work
- 1/4 cup honey – the perfect sweet balance to the salty soy
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – fresh is best, but 1/2 tsp garlic powder works in a pinch
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated – this bright flavor is non-negotiable in my book
- 1/2 cup chicken broth – helps thin the sauce to perfection
- 1 tbsp lime juice – that little zing makes all the difference
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) – for those who like a kick
- Chopped peanuts & fresh cilantro – for garnish, because we eat with our eyes first!
Equipment You’ll Need
Here’s the simple lineup you’ll need to make this peanut butter chicken magic happen:
- 6-quart slow cooker – big enough to fit everything comfortably
- Mixing bowl – any medium-sized one will do for whisking the sauce
- Measuring cups & spoons – because eyeballing peanut butter never ends well
- Forks – for that glorious shredding action at the end
- Rubber spatula – to scrape every last drop of that amazing sauce
How to Make Peanut Butter Chicken in the Slow Cooker
Okay, let me walk you through just how crazy-easy this recipe is. I promise, if I can do this on my most sleep-deprived mornings, you’ve totally got this!
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
First things first – grab those chicken breasts and plop them right into your slow cooker. No need to trim them or anything fancy – we’re keeping this simple, remember?
Step 2: Make the Sauce
Now for the magic potion! In a mixing bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, chicken broth, lime juice, and red pepper flakes (if you’re feeling spicy). At first it’ll look kinda weird and separated, but keep stirring – it’ll come together into this glossy, dreamy sauce that smells absolutely incredible.
Step 3: Cook and Shred
Pour that glorious sauce over your chicken, pop on the lid, and let the slow cooker work its magic. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3-4 hours. When it’s done, the chicken will be so tender it practically shreds itself! Use two forks to pull it apart right in the pot, then stir to coat every piece in that luscious peanut sauce. The smell at this point? Pure torture (in the best way possible).
Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Chicken Slow Cooker
After making this dozens of times (no exaggeration!), here are my absolute can’t-miss tips:
- Thicken it up: If the sauce looks too thin, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes – that steam escape works wonders!
- Spice control: Start with 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, then taste and add more after cooking if needed
- Don’t peek! Resist opening the slow cooker – every lift of that lid adds 15-20 minutes to cooking time
- Fresh garnishes: Those chopped peanuts and cilantro? Non-negotiable for texture and freshness
- Double batch: This freezes beautifully – I always make extra for future lazy nights
Serving Suggestions for Peanut Butter Chicken
Oh, the possibilities! My favorite way to serve this peanut butter chicken is over a big pile of steaming jasmine rice – it soaks up that amazing sauce like a dream. But don’t stop there! Try it with:
- Rice noodles for a lighter option (my kids love slurping these up)
- Quinoa if you’re feeling extra healthy
- Steamed broccoli or snap peas for crunch
- Warm naan bread to scoop up every last bit of sauce
Honestly? I’ve even eaten it straight from the slow cooker with a spoon when no one was looking. No judgment here!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
This peanut butter chicken keeps like a dream! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days – the flavors actually get better. For freezing, portion it out and it’ll last 2-3 months. When reheating, I like to add a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce, then warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Pro tip: If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first for best texture. Those chopped peanut and cilantro garnishes? Always add those fresh when serving!
Peanut Butter Chicken Slow Cooker Variations
Oh, the fun you can have with this recipe! Here are my favorite ways to mix it up when I’m feeling adventurous:
- Nut butter swap: Almond or cashew butter work beautifully if you’re out of peanut butter (just watch the salt content)
- Veggie boost: Toss in bell peppers or snap peas during the last hour of cooking for extra crunch
- Coconut twist: Swap half the broth for coconut milk for a Thai-inspired flavor
- Extra protein: Throw in some shrimp during the last 30 minutes – it cooks perfectly in the hot sauce
- Sweet heat: Add a tablespoon of sriracha if you really want to turn up the spice
The best part? This recipe forgives experimentation beautifully – have fun with it!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick heads up – these numbers are estimates based on my exact ingredients. Your peanut butter chicken slow cooker nutrition might vary slightly depending on your brands and measurements:
- Calories: About 450 per serving
- Protein: A whopping 35g – perfect for post-workout fuel
- Carbs: Around 20g (mostly from that delicious honey)
- Fat: 25g – but hey, it’s the good kind from peanut butter!
Remember, nutrition labels differ – always check your specific ingredients if you’re tracking closely!
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve gotten so many questions about this peanut butter chicken slow cooker recipe over the years – here are the ones that come up most often:
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! I actually love the little texture surprises from crunchy peanut butter. Just know the sauce won’t be quite as smooth – but trust me, it’s still delicious!
How can I make this less spicy for my kids?
Easy fix – just skip the red pepper flakes entirely. The sauce has plenty of flavor without the heat. You can always add a pinch to individual servings for spice lovers!
My sauce seems too thin – what did I do wrong?
Nothing at all! Slow cookers vary. Just remove the lid for the last 30-45 minutes of cooking – that extra evaporation will thicken it right up.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Thighs actually stay juicier during long cooking. Use 1.5 lbs (about 6 thighs) and follow the same timing. The extra richness pairs beautifully with the peanut butter.
Is there a good substitute for soy sauce?
For gluten-free, try tamari or coconut aminos. The flavor will be slightly different but still tasty. Just avoid liquid aminos – they’re way too salty for this recipe!
Irresistible Slow Cooker Peanut Butter Chicken in 3 Hours
A simple and delicious slow-cooked chicken dish with a rich peanut butter sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped peanuts (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, chicken broth, lime juice, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Shred the chicken with forks and mix with the sauce.
- Garnish with chopped peanuts and cilantro before serving.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Serve over rice or noodles.
- Adjust red pepper flakes for desired spice level.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
