Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken

Healthy slow cooker Thai peanut chicken is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of Thailand right to your kitchen. It’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests with minimal effort. With its creamy coconut milk sauce and tender chicken, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious. Enjoy it over rice and topped with fresh cilantro for a complete meal that will become a favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: Simply toss everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic while you go about your day.
• Flavor-Packed Sauce: The combination of coconut milk, peanut butter, and red curry paste creates a rich and delicious sauce that elevates the dish.
• Versatile Ingredients: Use seasonal vegetables like butternut squash and bell peppers, making it adaptable to what you have on hand.
• Healthy Comfort Food: Packed with protein from chicken and fiber from veggies, this recipe satisfies hunger without compromising health.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week; it’s even better the next day!

Tools and Preparation

To make this Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken, having the right tools on hand will make the process smoother.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Slow cooker
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Why These Tools Matter

• Slow cooker: This appliance allows for low-and-slow cooking, which develops flavors beautifully while tenderizing meat.
• Whisk: Ideal for combining ingredients smoothly, especially when mixing the sauce components together.
• Cutting board & knife: Essential for prepping your vegetables and chicken efficiently.

Ingredients

Healthy slow cooker Thai peanut chicken recipe made with a simple, delicious Thai peanut coconut milk sauce, veggies, and juicy chicken.

For the Sauce

• 2 cans light coconut milk
• 1/4 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
• 3 tablespoons red curry paste
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons coconut sugar or brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

For the Chicken & Veggies

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces)
• 1 small butternut squash (peeled, seeded, and cut into 1/2-inch cubes)
• 2 large red bell peppers (cored and thinly sliced)
• 1 medium yellow onion (thinly sliced (about 3 cups))
• 2 cups frozen peas (thawed)

For Serving

• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice (about 1 lime)
• Prepared brown rice (for serving)
• Chopped fresh cilantro (for serving)

How to Make Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a 6-quart or larger slow cooker, whisk together the following ingredients until smooth:
1. Light coconut milk
2. Peanut butter
3. Red curry paste
4. Fish sauce
5. Coconut sugar
6. Minced ginger
7. Minced garlic
8. Crushed red pepper flakes

Step 2: Add Chicken and Veggies

Add the diced chicken breast along with:
– Butternut squash cubes
– Sliced red bell peppers
– Sliced yellow onion

Gently stir to coat everything in the sauce. It may look thick at this point.

Step 3: Cook

Cover your slow cooker:
– Cook on high for 2 to 3 hours or on low for 5 to 6 hours.

Step 4: Add Peas & Finish Up

Thirty minutes before serving:
– Add thawed peas directly into the slow cooker.
Before serving, stir in freshly squeezed lime juice to brighten up the flavors.

Step 5: Serve

Serve hot over prepared brown rice and garnish generously with chopped fresh cilantro for a delightful finish!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken

Serving Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken can be as delightful as making it. This dish is versatile and pairs well with various accompaniments that enhance its flavors and textures. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal experience.

Over Rice

• Steamed Brown Rice: The nutty flavor and chewy texture of brown rice make a perfect base for the rich peanut sauce.
• Jasmine Rice: Fragrant jasmine rice complements the Thai flavors beautifully, providing a light and fluffy contrast.

With Fresh Vegetables

• Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad adds crunch and balances the richness of the peanut sauce.
• Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli not only adds color but also nutrients, making your plate visually appealing.

Garnished with Herbs

• Fresh Cilantro: Chopped cilantro adds a burst of freshness, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Green Onions: Sliced green onions provide a mild onion flavor that complements the other ingredients nicely.

As Wraps

• Lettuce Wraps: Use large lettuce leaves to create wraps filled with chicken and vegetables for a fun, hand-held option.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken

To achieve the best results with your Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken, consider these handy tips. They can help you elevate your dish to restaurant-quality perfection.

• Bold Flavors: Don’t hesitate to adjust the amount of red curry paste based on your spice preference. More paste means more flavor!
• Quality Coconut Milk: Choose high-quality coconut milk for a creamy texture that enhances the sauce’s richness.
• Veggie Variety: Experiment with different vegetables such as carrots or snap peas for added color and nutrition.
• Thickening Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow excess liquid to evaporate.
• Marinating Chicken: For deeper flavor, marinate chicken pieces in the sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
• Leftovers Magic: Use leftovers to create delicious sandwiches or salads for next-day meals.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken

Pairing side dishes with Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken can elevate your dining experience. Here are some great options that complement this flavorful main course perfectly.

1. Thai Mango Salad: This salad adds sweetness and tanginess, balancing the rich flavors of the chicken.
2. Coconut Quinoa: Prepare quinoa in coconut milk for an aromatic side dish that ties in with the main course’s theme.
3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness pairs well with the savory peanut sauce.
4. Grilled Corn on the Cob: The charred sweetness enhances the overall meal while adding a delightful crunch.
5. Spicy Edamame: Tossed in sea salt and chili flakes, they provide a protein-packed snack alongside your dish.
6. Sautéed Bok Choy: Lightly sautéed bok choy adds a tender crunch that complements the softness of the chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken, avoiding common pitfalls can enhance your cooking experience and flavor. Here are some mistakes to keep in mind.

• Skipping the whisking step: Failing to thoroughly whisk the sauce can result in an uneven mixture. Make sure all ingredients are well combined before adding chicken and vegetables.
• Using low-quality coconut milk: Not all coconut milks are created equal. Choose a good quality brand for a richer flavor in your dish.
• Not adjusting spice levels: Everyone has different spice tolerances. Taste the sauce before cooking and adjust the red curry paste or red pepper flakes as needed.
• Overcrowding the slow cooker: Adding too many ingredients can hinder cooking. Stick to the recipe measurements for best results, ensuring even cooking.
• Forgetting to add lime juice at the end: Lime juice adds brightness to the dish. Don’t forget to stir it in just before serving for optimal flavor.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best taste and safety.

Freezing Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat in a covered dish for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat gently over medium-low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken?

Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken is a flavorful dish made with chicken, a rich peanut coconut sauce, and fresh vegetables cooked slowly for maximum tenderness.

Can I customize this recipe?

Absolutely! You can add different vegetables like broccoli or snap peas or swap chicken for turkey or lamb based on your preference.

How spicy is this dish?

The spice level can be adjusted by modifying the amount of red curry paste or crushed red pepper flakes used in the recipe.

Can I use other types of nut butter?

Yes, almond butter or cashew butter can be excellent alternatives if you want to switch up flavors while maintaining creaminess.

Is this recipe healthy?

Yes! It’s packed with protein from chicken and nutrients from various vegetables while being rich in healthy fats from peanut butter and coconut milk.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily modify it with your favorite veggies or proteins. The creamy peanut sauce brings comfort while remaining healthy—a perfect addition to your meal rotation. Give it a try, and feel free to experiment!

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