Easy Thai Peanut Chicken Crockpot: Simple Weeknight Dinner (Print Version)

Whip up this Easy Thai Peanut Chicken Crockpot recipe for a simple, flavorful weeknight meal. Tender chicken in a rich, creamy peanut sauce, minimal effort.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 4 Hours minutes
Total Time: 19 minutes
Servings: 4-6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Thai-Inspired
Dietary: Gluten-Free Option, Dairy-Free

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs (1.5 lbs), cut into 1-inch pieces
02 - Chicken Broth (1 cup, low-sodium)

→ Peanut Sauce Essentials

03 - Creamy Peanut Butter (1/2 cup)
04 - Soy Sauce (1/4 cup, or Tamari for gluten-free)
05 - Fresh Ginger (1 tbsp, grated)
06 - Fresh Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
07 - Honey (2 tbsp, or maple syrup)
08 - Lime Juice (2 tbsp, freshly squeezed)
09 - Sriracha (1-2 tsp, or to taste)

→ Fresh Add-ins & Garnish

10 - Bell Peppers (1 large, any color, sliced)
11 - Red Onion (1 small, sliced)
12 - Fresh Cilantro (1/4 cup, chopped)
13 - Crushed Peanuts (1/4 cup)

# Instructions:

01 - Alright, first things first for this Easy Thai Peanut Chicken Crockpot. Grab your chicken, whether it's breasts or thighs, and cut it into roughly 1-inch pieces. I find this size cooks evenly and gets perfectly coated in that amazing peanut sauce. If you're feeling fancy, you can quickly sear the chicken pieces in a skillet for a few minutes before adding them to the crockpot – it adds a lovely depth of flavor, honestly. But if you're short on time, just toss them straight in, no judgment here!
02 - Now for the good stuff! In a medium bowl, whisk together your peanut butter, chicken broth, soy sauce (or tamari), grated ginger, minced garlic, honey, lime juice, and sriracha. Whisk it really well until it's super smooth. This is where the magic happens, and you'll start to smell all those incredible aromas mingling. I always give it an extra vigorous whisk, because sometimes peanut butter can be a little stubborn and leave clumps. We want silky smooth, right?
03 - Pour that glorious peanut sauce over the chicken in your slow cooker. Give it a good stir to make sure every single piece of chicken is coated. This is where I start picturing dinner already, and the smells are just starting to bloom. Add your sliced bell peppers and red onion now too. They'll soften beautifully and soak up all the flavors. Don't worry if it looks a little thick now; it'll loosen up as it cooks.
04 - Put the lid on your crockpot and set it to cook. I usually do 3-4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low. Honestly, I've done both, and both work out great for this Easy Thai Peanut Chicken Crockpot. The low setting tends to make the chicken just fall apart, which is my personal favorite. Just let it do its thing, and try not to peek too much! That's always my biggest challenge, I swear.
05 - Once the cooking time is up and the chicken is fork-tender, you can either leave it in chunks or, my favorite way, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the crockpot. It just makes it so much easier to eat and ensures every strand of chicken is drenched in that delicious sauce. Stir it all together one last time, making sure everything is well combined and looking utterly delicious.
06 - Before serving your Easy Thai Peanut Chicken Crockpot, give it one final taste test and adjust seasonings if needed. A little extra lime juice, a dash more sriracha? Your call! Ladle it over rice or noodles, and then, for the grand finale, sprinkle generously with fresh chopped cilantro and crushed peanuts. The crunch and freshness really make it pop. It should look vibrant, smell incredible, and taste even better!

# Notes:

01 - Don't skip searing the chicken if you have time-it really locks in flavor and gives it a better texture.
02 - Always stir the peanut sauce well before adding it; sometimes peanut butter can get a little clumpy.
03 - Fresh lime juice at the end is non-negotiable for that bright, authentic Thai flavor.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - 6-quart slow cooker
02 - whisk
03 - measuring cups and spoons

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 450 kcal
Total Fat: 28g
Total Carbohydrate: 25g
Protein: 30g

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