If you crave creamy, savory Thai-inspired flavors but want something healthy and effortless, this Healthy Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe will quickly become your new go-to. With tender chicken simmered in a luscious, velvety peanut sauce, all made hands-off in your slow cooker, this cozy dish is equally perfect for busy weeknights and special family meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless & Hands-Off: The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, so you can set it and forget it while enchanting peanut aromas fill your kitchen.
- Rich, Creamy Flavor: The peanut sauce is silky smooth, deeply savory, and just the right balance of tangy and gently spicy.
- Customizable & Family-Friendly: You can easily adjust the spice, add your favorite veggies, and serve it over rice or noodles for a dinner that everyone will love.
- Healthy Comfort Food: This Healthy Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe is protein-packed, naturally gluten-free, and filled with vibrant fresh ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Healthy Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe has a delicious job to do: from tender chicken that soaks up the sauce, to creamy coconut milk and aromatic garlic and ginger that take the flavor to new heights. Here’s what you’ll need—and why it matters!
- Boneless skinless raw chicken breasts (2 pounds, diced into 1-inch cubes): Cut into even chunks so every bite is juicy and cooks evenly in the slow cooker.
- Canned coconut milk (1 14oz can): The secret to a rich, creamy sauce—be sure to shake the can before using!
- Creamy peanut butter (1/4 cup): Adds classic Thai peanut flavor and luscious texture to the sauce.
- Low sodium soy sauce or tamari (3 tablespoons): Gives that beautiful umami and keeps things gluten-free if you use tamari.
- Lime juice (3 tablespoons): Fresh, zesty brightness to cut through the richness—don’t skip it!
- Honey (2 tablespoons): Just a touch for balanced, subtle sweetness.
- Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Thickens the sauce so it hugs the chicken and veggies.
- Fresh garlic (4 cloves, minced): Adds irresistible depth and aroma.
- Fresh ginger (1/2 tablespoon, grated): Zingy, warming flavor that brightens every bite.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon): For gentle heat—add more if you love it spicy!
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Layers of flavor you can adjust right at the end.
Variations
One of the best things about this Healthy Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe is how flexible it is! Here are a few tasty ideas to customize based on your cravings or what’s in your fridge.
- Swap the Protein: Try boneless skinless thighs, pork, shrimp, or even tofu for a plant-based twist—just adjust the cook time as needed.
- Bump Up the Veggies: Stir in bell peppers, snap peas, broccoli, or shredded carrots for even more color and crunch.
- Heat It Up: Love a fiery kick? Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a fresh Thai chili to the sauce.
- Nut-Free Option: Sunflower seed butter or almond butter works nicely if you need to skip peanuts.
How to Make Healthy Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Make the Peanut Sauce
First, gather all the sauce ingredients in a medium bowl or, even better, a mini blender. Pour in the coconut milk, creamy peanut butter, soy sauce or tamari, fresh lime juice, honey, cornstarch, minced garlic and ginger, crushed red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend or whisk everything until perfectly smooth—this ensures every spoonful is silky and flavorful!
Step 2: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Add your cubed raw chicken directly to the slow cooker. Pour the prepared peanut sauce over the top, then use a spoon to mix so the chicken is well coated and nestled in all that goodness.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Set your slow cooker to low and let it do its magic for about 3 hours. If you’re around, give it a gentle stir once or twice to make sure every piece of chicken stays immersed in the sauce, absorbing maximum flavor. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is cooked through and super tender!
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
When the Healthy Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe is done, spoon that saucy chicken over bowls of steamed brown rice, rice noodles, or sautéed vegetables. Don’t forget your favorite garnishes—chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, and crisp green onion for the ultimate finish!
Pro Tips for Making Healthy Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe
- Uniform Chicken Pieces: Cut your chicken into even 1-inch chunks—it’ll cook uniformly, preventing dry or overdone bits.
- The Creamiest Sauce: Use full-fat coconut milk and blend the sauce before adding it to the slow cooker for extra silkiness.
- Maximize Flavor Absorption: If you’re home, stir the chicken every hour or so to ensure every piece soaks up that glorious peanut sauce.
- Repurpose Leftover Sauce: This recipe makes a generous portion of sauce—try drizzling extra over cooked veggies, grains, or even as a dip later in the week!
How to Serve Healthy Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Take your Healthy Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe over the top with piles of fresh, colorful garnishes. I love a generous scatter of chopped peanuts for crunch, bright green cilantro leaves for freshness, and a sprinkle of sliced green onions. If you like extra heat, a dash of toasted sesame seeds or thinly sliced chili adds a pretty pop.
Side Dishes
This saucy chicken begs to be paired with fluffy brown rice, tender rice noodles, or your favorite whole grains. For a low-carb option, scoop it over cauliflower rice. Stir-fried vegetables—think bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots—soak up every last drop of sauce and bring extra nutrition and color to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Healthy Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe in lettuce cups for a lighter meal or snackable appetizer. Or, build colorful bowls with layers of rice, shredded cabbage, and veggies, then top with the saucy chicken and extra lime wedges for a DIY Thai-inspired feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers of this recipe will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors get even deeper and better as they sit, making lunch or dinner the next day a true delight!
Freezing
If you want to make this Healthy Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe ahead, let everything cool completely before portioning into freezer-safe bags or containers. It freezes well for up to three months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for an instant meal.
Reheating
When you’re ready to reheat, warm your portions in a skillet over medium heat, stirring gently until hot. You can also microwave in a glass container in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. If the sauce thickens too much, a splash of coconut milk or water brings it right back to its original lusciousness.
FAQs
-
Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a flavorful and juicy alternative. Simply cut them into similar-sized cubes, and follow the same instructions and cook time for succulent results.
-
Can I make the peanut sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can blend the sauce a day or two in advance. Store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble, then simply pour it over the chicken in your slow cooker when it’s time to start cooking.
-
Is this Healthy Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe spicy?
The base recipe is gently spiced thanks to the red pepper flakes, but not overly hot. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can use less or omit them; if you want more kick, add extra to taste or include sliced fresh chilis.
-
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to fit double the ingredients, and you may need to add a little extra time to ensure everything cooks evenly. Stir occasionally for the best results.
Final Thoughts
This Healthy Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe is a true weeknight winner—and a nourishing comfort meal that makes your kitchen smell absolutely incredible. I hope you give it a try soon and discover just how easy, flavorful, and fun homemade Thai-inspired cooking can be!
Print
Healthy Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 3 hrs
- Total Time: 3 hrs 15 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Thai
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Healthy Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a flavorful weeknight meal. Tender chicken cooked in a creamy, savory peanut sauce served over a bed of sautéed veggies and rice noodles. A satisfying and nutritious dish that will please the whole family.
Ingredients
For the peanut sauce:
- 1 (14oz) can full-fat coconut milk
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey (or sub in tamari sauce)
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Other ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless skinless raw chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch cubes
- Sliced red peppers, snap peas, diced broccoli, thinly sliced carrots for sautéed veggies
- Chopped peanuts, cilantro, and diced green onion for garnish
Instructions
- Make the peanut sauce: Combine all peanut sauce ingredients in a blender or medium-sized bowl. Blend until smooth.
- Cook the chicken: Place cubed chicken in the slow cooker and add the peanut sauce. Cook on low for 3 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Serve: Serve the chicken and peanut sauce over sautéed veggies and brown rice or rice noodles. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Top with chopped peanuts, cilantro, and green onion.
Notes
- Cut the chicken into uniform size pieces for even cooking.
- Use full-fat coconut milk for a richer sauce.
- Blending the sauce ingredients ensures a smooth consistency.
- Extra peanut sauce can be stored for future use with other proteins and veggies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
