Crockpot Peanut Chicken

Crockpot Peanut Chicken is a dish that checks every box: it’s rich, satisfying, simple to make, and bursting with bold flavors. The creamy peanut sauce infuses the chicken with savory sweetness and just a touch of heat, while a medley of crisp-tender veggies brings color and texture to the bowl. Every bite feels like a warm embrace, perfect for cozy nights or easy meal prep.

The slow cooker takes care of most of the work, making it an ideal choice for busy days when you still want a home-cooked meal. You can easily adjust the spice level and swap in different veggies to suit your taste. Whether you’re feeding your family or storing leftovers for the week, this dish delivers on taste, nutrition, and convenience.

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced

• 1 cup shredded carrots

• 1 cup snap peas

• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

• 1 tablespoon sriracha (optional for heat)

• 1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium)

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

• Cooked jasmine or brown rice, for serving

• Chopped cilantro and crushed peanuts, for garnish

Directions:

1. Whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, sriracha, and chicken broth in a mixing bowl until smooth.

2. Place the chicken, bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas in the crockpot.

3. Pour the peanut sauce over the chicken and vegetables, tossing to coat everything evenly.

4. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or on HIGH for 2–3 hours, until chicken is fully cooked and tender.

5. In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.

6. Re-cover and continue cooking until the sauce has thickened.

7. Serve over rice and top with cilantro and crushed peanuts.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 4 hours | Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 430 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

What Makes Crockpot Peanut Chicken So Special?

Crockpot Peanut Chicken is more than just a weeknight dinner solution—it’s a flavorful journey that brings together comfort food and global flair in one dish. Inspired by the warm, rich flavors of Southeast Asian cuisine, this recipe features tender chicken slow-cooked in a savory peanut sauce. It’s creamy, slightly spicy, nutty, and packed with umami.

One of the most attractive features of this dish is its balance of textures and tastes. The sauce, made with peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic, has a silky, luscious quality. Meanwhile, crisp vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas add a satisfying crunch, contrasting beautifully with the tender chicken and fluffy rice.

But beyond the flavor, Crockpot Peanut Chicken wins hearts because it’s a “set it and forget it” meal. There’s no need to stand over the stove or dirty multiple pots. Just toss everything in the slow cooker, and a few hours later, you’ve got a wholesome, comforting meal that feels gourmet—but without the stress.

A Fusion of Cultures and Flavors

Peanut-based sauces are widely used in various global cuisines, most notably in Thai, Indonesian, and African dishes. This recipe brings a Western twist to a traditionally Eastern flavor profile. By using the convenience of a crockpot and familiar pantry ingredients, Crockpot Peanut Chicken makes a globally inspired dish accessible to anyone.

While not traditionally Thai, this dish borrows elements from satay sauces and Thai peanut curry. The combination of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and peanut butter creates a sauce that is rich, salty, sweet, and aromatic all at once. It’s a versatile base that can also be adapted with extra spices or a dash of coconut milk for creaminess.

Perfect for Busy Lifestyles

One of the biggest challenges home cooks face today is finding time to make nutritious, satisfying meals after a long day. Crockpot Peanut Chicken is a hero in this regard. It fits seamlessly into busy schedules with minimal prep and cleanup.

You only need around 10 minutes to get everything into the slow cooker. Once that’s done, the machine takes over. There’s no babysitting, no checking in, no worrying about burning the food. This makes it ideal for families, professionals, or anyone trying to streamline their evening routine.

It also works wonderfully for meal prep. Make a large batch and store individual servings in the fridge or freezer for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.

Customizable to Fit Your Diet

Whether you’re cooking for a picky eater, a vegetarian, or someone on a gluten-free diet, Crockpot Peanut Chicken is highly adaptable. The chicken can be substituted with tofu or chickpeas to make the dish vegetarian or vegan. Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep it gluten-free. Add coconut milk to make it creamier, or swap the vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand.

You can also control the spice level. If you love a bit of heat, add extra sriracha or red chili flakes. If you prefer a milder version, skip the hot elements altogether. The flexibility of this dish makes it a go-to in households with varying dietary needs or preferences.

Kid-Friendly and Family Approved

Despite its rich and complex flavor profile, this recipe is often a hit with children as well. The creamy peanut butter base offers a familiar taste that many kids already love, and the sweetness from honey or maple syrup helps balance the more savory and spicy notes.

Because the sauce is thick and flavorful, it coats the chicken and vegetables beautifully, encouraging even picky eaters to enjoy their veggies. Served over a bed of rice, it’s a complete, filling meal that satisfies both young and mature palates.

Nutritional Value and Balance

Peanut butter may have a reputation for being high in fat, but it’s also a rich source of protein, healthy fats, and vitamins like E and B3. Combined with lean chicken, a variety of vegetables, and whole grains like brown rice, this dish offers a well-rounded nutritional profile.

You’re getting a good amount of fiber, antioxidants, and micronutrients from the vegetables, while the chicken provides essential amino acids. The overall calorie count is moderate and can be adjusted by changing portion sizes or ingredients like sweeteners and oil.

This balance makes Crockpot Peanut Chicken not just tasty, but also supportive of most health goals, including weight management, muscle maintenance, and blood sugar control.

Great for Entertaining

If you’re hosting a casual dinner or feeding a crowd, this dish is a winner. It scales up beautifully—just double the ingredients, use a large slow cooker, and you’re good to go. It can be made a day in advance, and the flavors actually deepen over time, making leftovers even more delicious.

You can also serve it buffet-style with a variety of toppings and sides: chopped cilantro, crushed peanuts, lime wedges, rice noodles, or steamed jasmine rice. This allows guests to customize their bowls to their liking and makes the experience interactive and fun.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Crockpot Peanut Chicken stores exceptionally well. In fact, it often tastes even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or rewarm gently in a saucepan with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. If reheating from frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor.

Serving Ideas

While the classic pairing is with rice, you’re not limited to it. This dish also pairs well with:

• Rice noodles

• Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option

• Stir-fried greens or bok choy

• Lettuce wraps for a fun, crunchy twist

• Warm naan or flatbread for scooping

You can even transform leftovers into a wrap filling or a quick stir-fried rice dish by adding scrambled egg and extra veggies.

Conclusion

Crockpot Peanut Chicken is a standout dish in any home cook’s rotation. It’s rich in flavor, easy to prepare, and endlessly adaptable to dietary needs and personal taste. It bridges the gap between comfort food and globally inspired cuisine, all while using simple, everyday ingredients. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something warm and satisfying, this dish delivers in every way.

The ease of preparation, combined with the bold, creamy, nutty flavors, makes it clear why this slow cooker recipe continues to grow in popularity. It’s not just a meal—it’s a reliable, flexible, and delicious solution for the modern home kitchen. Add it to your recipe box—you won’t regret it.