Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken – The Ultimate Comfort Dish

This slow cooker Thai peanut chicken is the perfect combination of bold flavors, easy preparation, and a creamy, luscious peanut sauce that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Imagine tender, juicy chicken coated in a deliciously rich sauce infused with coconut milk, peanut butter, and aromatic spices. This dish is a weeknight lifesaver—the slow cooker does all the work while you get all the compliments. Plus, it’s highly adaptable to suit different diets and tastes!

The best part? It’s as healthy as it is indulgent. Packed with fresh vegetables like bell peppers and spinach, and using natural peanut butter, this dish feels special while staying comforting and wholesome.

Whether you’re looking for an easy Thai peanut chicken recipe or a dish the entire family will adore, this one checks all the boxes!

My Story Behind This Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken

The inspiration for this slow cooker Thai peanut chicken came during a culinary trip to Bangkok. I was mesmerized by the way chefs balanced sweet, salty, sour, and spicy in every dish.

When I returned home, I wanted an approachable way to bring those flavors to my kitchen. That’s when I developed this recipe—it’s become a go-to for busy nights.

Over the years, I’ve tested variations to make it the best peanut chicken recipe you’ll ever try. The addition of lime juice brings freshness, while the creamy peanut sauce hugs every bite of chicken. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this Thai-inspired chicken dish is a flavorful winner.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken

Here’s everything you need to make this flavorful dish:

• • 1½ – 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
  • 1 medium red bell pepper (diced)
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (5-ounce) carton or bag of fresh baby spinach
  • Juice of 1 large or 2 small limes (1/4 cup)

For The Peanut Sauce:

• • 4 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 cup light or full-fat canned coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup natural creamy peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup coconut aminos (or soy sauce)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
  • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon fish sauce (optional)
  • 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger (or 1 teaspoon dried ground ginger)
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Optional Garnishes:

• Chopped peanuts
• Cilantro
• Sliced green onions

How to Make Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken

Follow these simple steps for a foolproof result:

1. Add the chicken pieces, diced onion, and red bell pepper to your slow cooker. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, tossing to combine.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together all the peanut sauce ingredients—garlic, coconut milk, peanut butter, coconut aminos, rice vinegar, honey (if using), sesame oil, fish sauce (if using), ginger, and red pepper flakes.
3. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 4½ hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. Taste the sauce and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Stir in the spinach and lime juice, letting the heat soften the spinach for about 2-3 minutes.
6. Serve over Jasmine rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles and garnish with chopped peanuts, cilantro, and sliced green onions if desired.

My Chef Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken

• Browning the chicken: If you have a few extra minutes, searing the chicken in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker will enhance the dish’s depth of flavor.
• Substitutions for peanut allergies: Swap peanut butter for almond or sunflower butter for a unique twist on the creamy sauce.
• Customize heat levels: Adjust the red pepper flakes to make it as mild or spicy as you’d like.
• Make it ahead: This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld beautifully. Perfect for meal prepping!
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thickening the sauce: If the sauce feels runny, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking or stir in a cornstarch slurry.

Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are more forgiving and remain juicy, making them perfect for this healthy peanut chicken slow cooker recipe.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as written, it’s naturally gluten-free. Be sure to use gluten-free coconut aminos or tamari instead of soy sauce.

Can I make this with frozen chicken?

I recommend thawing chicken first for even cooking, but if using frozen, expect to extend the cooking time by 30 minutes.

What sides go well with this dish?

Pair this creamy peanut sauce chicken with steamed Jasmine rice, vegetable stir-fry, or lightly sautéed bok choy for a well-rounded meal.

Ready to Make This Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken?

This slow cooker Thai peanut chicken is a game-changer for effortless weeknight meals with restaurant-quality results. The creamy peanut sauce combined with tender chicken and vibrant veggies hits all the right notes. I promise your family will be asking for this Thai-inspired chicken dish on repeat!

Tell me in the comments—how do you plan to customize your version of this dish? Don’t forget to share your results and tag me on social media when you try it. Let’s turn your kitchen into a flavor powerhouse!