Name: Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken + 8 Perfect Pairings for Dinner
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon dried parsley; ½ teaspoon salt; Freshly ground pepper, to taste; 28 oz marinara sauce; ½ cup chicken broth; 4 oz mozzarella, shredded or sliced; ¼ cup fresh Parmigiano Reggiano, grated; 24 oz potato gnocchi; Optional: Fresh basil for garnish

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Thai-inspired Peanut Chicken is everything you want in a weeknight meal: rich, bold, and easy to make. With no need to hover over the stove, the slow cooker does all the work while you go about your day. The creamy peanut sauce has just the right balance of sweet, spicy, and savory, and it’s a dish that’s equally loved by kids and adults. Whether you prefer it mild or spicy, you can easily adjust the heat to suit your taste. It’s also perfect for meal prep and batch cooking, making it a go-to in your dinner lineup.

Ingredients

1.5 to 2 lbs (700–900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1 cup unsweetened natural peanut butter (creamy)
½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
¼ cup honey or brown sugar
2–3 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
1 tbsp sesame oil (optional but adds flavor)
1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
3 garlic cloves, minced
1–2 tsp red chili flakes or Sriracha (adjust to heat preference)
1 cup canned coconut milk (optional for creaminess)
½ cup water or chicken broth (to loosen sauce)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken + 8 Perfect Pairings for Dinner

Directions

Make the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, vinegar or lime juice, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, chili flakes, and water or broth. If using coconut milk, add it in as well.
Add Chicken to Slow Cooker
Place the chicken pieces at the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the top, ensuring the chicken is well-coated.
Cook
- Low: 5–6 hours
- High: 2.5–3.5 hours
  The chicken should be tender and easily shredded with a fork.
Shred & Stir
Shred the chicken inside the slow cooker with two forks, stirring the chicken into the sauce until everything is well-coated.
Garnish & Serve
Top the chicken with crushed peanuts, chopped cilantro, green onions, or sesame seeds. Serve the dish with your choice of sides.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4–6 hours (low) or 2.5–3.5 hours (high)
Total Time: 10 minutes prep + 4–6 hours cook

8 Perfect Pairings for Thai Peanut Chicken

To complete your meal, pair this creamy and bold Thai peanut chicken with one of the following sides:

1. Jasmine Rice

Classic and simple, jasmine rice is a fragrant and fluffy base that complements the rich peanut sauce perfectly.

2. Cucumber Salad

A refreshing cucumber salad with a light vinaigrette adds a crisp contrast to the richness of the peanut sauce.

3. Lettuce Wraps

Serve the peanut chicken in fresh lettuce leaves for a fun, light, and low-carb alternative to rice or noodles.

4. Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and zucchini add a savory, caramelized touch that pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce.

5. Asian Noodles

Soft, chewy noodles such as soba or rice noodles can be tossed with the peanut sauce, making for a hearty and satisfying meal.

6. Steamed Broccoli

Steamed broccoli offers a slightly bitter bite that helps balance the richness of the peanut sauce, making it an ideal side dish.

7. Coleslaw

A tangy, crunchy slaw adds a fresh contrast and pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the peanut chicken.

8. Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries are a fun and crispy side that complements the flavor profile of the peanut sauce with their natural sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover peanut chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work well, but they may be a bit less juicy than thighs. You can still achieve great flavor and tenderness with breasts.

2. Can I make this dish spicy?

Absolutely! Adjust the amount of chili flakes or Sriracha to your liking for more heat.

3. Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow the chicken to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

4. Can I make this dish without coconut milk?

Yes, if you prefer a lighter sauce, you can omit the coconut milk. The sauce will still be delicious without it.

5. Can I use peanut butter with added sugar?

It’s best to use unsweetened peanut butter to control the level of sweetness in the dish. If you use sweetened peanut butter, reduce the amount of honey or brown sugar.

6. Can I use a slow cooker on high heat if I’m short on time?

Yes, cooking on high heat for 2.5–3.5 hours works well if you’re short on time. Just make sure the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

7. Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?

Yes, you can add vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas to the slow cooker for extra flavor and texture.

8. Can I use this recipe for meal prep?

Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep! It stores well and can be reheated for quick and easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

9. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

You can use crunchy peanut butter for added texture, though creamy peanut butter will result in a smoother, silkier sauce.

10. What if I don’t have sesame oil?

If you don’t have sesame oil, you can substitute it with vegetable oil or olive oil, though it will lack the signature nutty flavor.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken is a perfect weeknight meal that’s both bold and easy to prepare. The creamy peanut sauce, combined with tender chicken and a touch of spice, makes it a comforting and flavorful dish. Paired with any of the 8 side options listed, this meal becomes even more satisfying. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this dish is sure to be a family favorite.

Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken + 8 Perfect Pairings for Dinner

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Author: Paula
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

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Description

This Easy Stovetop Gnocchi Lasagna is the perfect one-pan meal for busy weeknights. With a delicious combination of tender potato gnocchi, savory ground beef, marinara sauce, and plenty of cheese, it’s a comforting dish that comes together in under an hour. The stovetop method eliminates the need for layering and baking, making this lasagna incredibly easy to prepare. It’s a hearty, family-friendly dinner that’s packed with flavor and will quickly become a favorite!

Instructions

In a large sauté pan, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Once cooked, drain off any excess grease.
Add olive oil to the pan, then toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sprinkle in the onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the onion softens and the mixture becomes fragrant.
Stir in the marinara sauce and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Stir in the potato gnocchi, cover the pan, and simmer for another 10 minutes, or until the gnocchi is tender and has absorbed the sauce.
Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and well incorporated. Sprinkle the Parmigiano Reggiano on top for an extra cheesy touch.
Garnish with fresh basil (optional) and serve hot.

Notes

If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or more veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.

For extra veggies, try adding spinach, kale, or roasted vegetables to the sauce for more nutrition and flavor.

Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as cheddar, ricotta, or a blend of Italian cheeses.