Crockpot Thai Peanut Chicken: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Introduction to Crockpot Thai Peanut Chicken
This Crockpot Thai Peanut Chicken is not just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace in a bowl! Imagine coming home after a long day to the warm aroma of savory peanut butter and tender chicken wafting through your kitchen. Perfectly paired with rice or noodles, this dish is a delightful fusion of flavors that brings the taste of Thailand right into your home.
A Personal Story Behind My Crockpot Thai Peanut Chicken Journey
I remember the first time I tasted Thai peanut chicken at a cozy little restaurant. The combination of creamy peanut butter and spices was unforgettable! I wanted to recreate that magic at home, and thus began my journey with this Crockpot Thai Peanut Chicken recipe. It has become a family favorite, perfect for busy weeknights and special occasions alike.
What Makes This Crockpot Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe Special?
This recipe stands out because of its simplicity and the rich flavors that develop from slow cooking. The creamy peanut sauce is packed with umami and a hint of sweetness from the honey, making every bite a delight. Plus, it’s made in a slow cooker, which means you can set it and forget it! This is a dish that not only pleases the palate but also warms the heart.
The Full Crockpot Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb chicken breasts
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp chili garlic paste
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Start by placing the diced bell pepper, onion, and garlic at the bottom of your slow cooker. This will create a flavorful base for the chicken.
- Add the chicken breasts on top of the vegetables.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the creamy peanut butter, chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and chili garlic paste until smooth. This combination is what makes the sauce rich and delicious!
- Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring that the chicken is well coated.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or on LOW for 4-5 hours. The longer it cooks, the more tender the chicken will become. If you’re in a hurry, HIGH works just fine!
- Once cooked, stir in the lime juice and chopped cilantro. This adds a fresh, zesty flavor to finish the dish.
- Serve the peanut chicken over rice or noodles, and enjoy your flavorful meal! Don’t forget to garnish with extra cilantro if desired.
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Crockpot Thai Peanut Chicken
This dish shines when served over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or alongside steamed vegetables. For a fun twist, you can also serve it with rice noodles for a hearty meal. If you’re looking to add some crunch, top it with chopped peanuts or cashews right before serving. Don’t hesitate to customize the heat level to your liking by adding more chili garlic paste or serving it with a side of chili flakes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Thai Peanut Chicken
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just ensure to increase the cooking time by about an hour if cooking on LOW.
What can I substitute for peanut butter?
If you have a nut allergy, you can substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter, which will provide a similar creamy texture.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients a day ahead and store them in the fridge. Just pop it in the slow cooker the next day when you’re ready to cook.
Is this dish spicy?
The spice level can be adjusted based on your preference. The chili garlic paste adds heat, but you can reduce or omit it for a milder flavor.
Enjoy this delicious, easy-to-make Crockpot Thai Peanut Chicken recipe that is perfect for any occasion!
Recipe Stats
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours on HIGH or 4-5 hours on LOW
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes – 5 hours 10 minutes
Calories per Serving: 320
Servings: 4
Crockpot Thai Peanut Chicken
Equipment
- Slow Cooker A 4-quart or larger slow cooker is recommended.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lb chicken breasts boneless, skinless
- 1 medium red bell pepper diced
- 0.5 large yellow onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic chopped
- 0.5 cup creamy peanut butter
- 0.5 cup chicken broth
- 0.25 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp chili garlic paste
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp cilantro chopped
Instructions
- Place the diced bell pepper, onion, and garlic in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Add the chicken breasts on top of the vegetables.
- In a separate bowl, mix the peanut butter, chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and chili garlic paste until smooth.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or on LOW for 4-5 hours.
- Once cooked, stir in lime juice and cilantro.
- Serve over rice or noodles and enjoy!