Easy Slow Cooker Peanut Butter

This Slow Cooker Peanut Butter Chicken is a meal I turn to when I need something both comforting and fuss free. The creamy sauce melds with tender chicken and makes for a dish that feels both soothing and a little unexpected. One pot and hands off cooking mean dinner is stress free and you can swap up toppings and sides however you like.

I first whipped this up on a packed weekday when I wanted something exciting with minimal effort. Now we keep the sauce ingredients stocked so I am always dinner ready.

Ingredients

• Chicken breast or chicken thighs: gives you lean quality protein and juicy results Thighs stay extra moist in slow cooking Choose organic or local if you can
• Peanut butter: creates a luxurious creamy sauce and works with creamy or crunchy styles Look for natural peanut butter with just peanuts and salt for the freshest flavor
• GF tamari soy sauce or coconut aminos: add deep umami and let you adjust for any dietary needs Check that yours is certified gluten free if needed
• Honey: brings sweetness and balances the other flavors Pure raw honey gives the cleanest taste
• Rice vinegar: brightens the sauce without being too tangy Choose seasoned rice vinegar for slightly more flavor
• Chicken broth: adds savory depth Go for low sodium and organic if available for better flavor and nutrition
• Garlic: fresh cloves make a big difference in taste and aroma Choose firm unblemished cloves
• Crushed red pepper: adds a little heat and color Top as much or as little as you like for spice preference
• Lime juice: brightens the dish and helps cut through richness Fresh squeezed gives you the best kick
• Fresh cilantro: adds a pop of herbal freshness and color Pick leaves that look bright and perky

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

Nestle your chicken breasts or thighs in an even layer at the bottom of your slow cooker Make sure they are not overlapping too much so they cook evenly and soak up the sauce

Mix the Sauce:

In a small mixing bowl add peanut butter soy sauce honey rice vinegar chicken broth and minced garlic Whisk until as smooth as possible The mix might look a bit lumpy at first but keep whisking so the flavors meld together

Add Sauce to Chicken:

Pour your prepared sauce right over the chicken making sure every piece is covered completely Use a spatula to scrape out every last bit

Slow Cook:

Set your slow cooker to low heat and let everything simmer for six hours Leave the lid on so the steam and flavors stay locked in Check the chicken at four hours by trying to shred with two forks If it does not shred easily continue cooking to the full time

Finish and Serve:

When the chicken is tender and falling apart shred it directly in the cooker Mix well to coat all pieces generously in the sauce Serve over a bed of fluffy rice with a side of roasted vegetables Top with red pepper lime juice and cilantro to taste

Pin

I love the rich nuttiness that creamy peanut butter gives This recipe always makes me think of the time my kids surprised me with homemade roasted peanuts for the sauce on Mother’s Day Homemade peanut butter in this is absolutely unbeatable

Storage Tips

Cool leftovers quickly and refrigerate in a sealed container for up to four days The sauce thickens and tastes even better the next day For longer keeping freeze in portions in airtight containers Thaw overnight and reheat gently with a splash of water or broth

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap almond butter for peanut butter if allergies are a concern Sunflower seed butter also works for a nut free version Maple syrup makes a fine stand in for honey and apple cider vinegar can replace rice vinegar If you use coconut aminos taste before adding honey as it gives extra sweetness

Serving Suggestions

Serve this peanut butter chicken over steamed jasmine rice or quinoa for a hearty base Roasted broccoli snap peas or bell peppers make colorful tasty sides For extra crunch top with roasted peanuts or some thinly sliced scallions

Cultural Context

Dishes pairing poultry with peanut sauces are popular in many parts of Asia from Chinese inspired peanut chicken to Indonesian satay This American adaptation brings those flavors into the slow cooker for maximum ease and home comfort Using peanut butter as a shortcut makes it much faster yet super satisfying

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, use either creamy or crunchy peanut butter based on your texture preference. Both work well in the sauce.

→ Is it possible to use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer a more tender and flavorful result, but breasts also turn out moist in the slow cooker.

→ What can I substitute for tamari or soy sauce?

Coconut aminos is a great gluten-free alternative and adds a bit of sweetness to the sauce.

→ How do I adjust sweetness if the sauce is too sweet?

Taste the sauce before adding honey, especially when using coconut aminos, as it can be naturally sweet.

→ What are the best side dishes to serve?

Steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or cauliflower rice pair nicely to absorb the saucy flavors of the chicken.

→ Can I prepare the dish in advance?

Yes, this dish can be prepared ahead and reheated. The flavors deepen and the chicken stays moist.