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Slow cooker peanut chicken served with vegetables in a bowl.

Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken

This slow cooker peanut chicken features tender chicken thighs braised in a creamy peanut sauce, perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or a comforting meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Comfort Food
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 lbs chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless) Bone-in stays juicier; boneless shreds faster.
  • 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky) Natural or commercial both work; adjust salt accordingly.
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce Low-sodium if preferred.
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced (or 1 tsp ground ginger)
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions For garnish.
  • to taste Salt and pepper

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and minced ginger until smooth. If the sauce is very thick, stir in 1–2 tablespoons warm water to loosen it.
  2. Pat the thighs dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper. Arrange them in a single layer in the slow cooker.
  3. Pour the peanut sauce evenly over the thighs, turning pieces so they’re well coated.
Cooking
  1. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F and shreds easily with a fork.
Finishing
  1. If you want a thicker, silkier sauce, transfer the cooked chicken and sauce to a skillet and simmer over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring, until reduced to your liking.
  2. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Notes

For a saucier finish, remove the chicken, shred with two forks, then return the meat to the sauce and stir to combine. Cool leftovers quickly and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if it’s too thick.