Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure with this mouthwatering Slow Cooker Thai Spicy Peanut Chicken! Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of tender, perfectly seasoned chicken swimming in a rich, creamy peanut sauce that will make your taste buds dance with joy. This recipe is not just a meal; it's a flavor explosion that combines the bold, tangy notes of Thai cuisine with the comforting ease of slow cooker magic.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Thai
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken thighs
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon red curry paste
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Gather 2 pounds of chicken thighs, ensuring they are boneless and skinless for easier cooking and shredding later.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of peanut butter, 1/2 cup of soy sauce, 1/4 cup of honey, 1 tablespoon of red curry paste, and 1 tablespoon of lime juice. Stir the mixture until it is well blended and smooth.
- Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer if possible to ensure even cooking.
- Pour the peanut butter mixture over the chicken thighs, making sure to coat them thoroughly. Use a spatula to spread the sauce evenly over the chicken.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. If you are short on time, you can set it to high for 3 hours, but the low setting will yield more tender chicken.
- After the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the chicken thighs from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, mixing it back into the sauce to ensure it is well coated.
- Once the chicken is shredded, taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary. You can add more lime juice for acidity or a dash of soy sauce for saltiness, depending on your preference.
- To serve, scoop the spicy peanut chicken into bowls or onto plates. Garnish each serving with 1/4 cup of chopped peanuts for added crunch and flavor.
- Enjoy your Slow Cooker Thai Spicy Peanut Chicken with steamed rice or fresh vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips
- Chicken Selection: Choose boneless, skinless chicken thighs for maximum tenderness and flavor absorption. They're more forgiving in the slow cooker and stay incredibly moist.
- Sauce Consistency: For a smoother sauce, whisk the peanut butter mixture thoroughly before pouring over the chicken. This ensures even coating and prevents clumping.
- Spice Control: Adjust the red curry paste to match your heat preference. Start with less and add more if you want an extra kick.
- Meal Prep Hack: This recipe freezes beautifully! Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months for quick future meals.
- Garnish Game: Don't skip the chopped peanuts - they add a crucial crunch that elevates the entire dish's texture and flavor profile.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with jasmine rice, cauliflower rice, or even zucchini noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Time-Saving Tip: For an even quicker prep, you can mix the sauce ingredients the night before and store in the refrigerator, ready to pour over chicken in the morning.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 180mg
