Name: Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h 30 min
Total time: 4 h 45 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite size pieces; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 1 medium red bell pepper, diced; ½ teaspoon sea salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 (5-ounce) carton or bag fresh baby spinach; Juice of 1 large lime (¼ cup); 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup canned coconut milk (light or full-fat); ½ cup natural creamy peanut butter; ¼ cup coconut aminos; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon honey (optional); 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil; 1 teaspoon fish sauce (optional); 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger (or 1 teaspoon dried ground ginger); ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

There’s something incredibly cozy about diving into a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish that practically cooks itself while filling your home with an amazing aroma. This Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe is one of those kitchen gems you’ll want to make again and again—simple, nourishing, and bursting with that perfectly balanced peanut sauce magic.

A white bowl filled with a layered dish starting with white thin noodles at the bottom, topped with chunks of cooked light brown chicken mixed with bright red bell pepper pieces. There are green herbs like cilantro and green onions scattered throughout with crushed peanuts sprinkled on top. Two lime wedges rest on the side of the bowl, adding a touch of light green. The background is a clean white marbled surface with some cilantro leaves and crushed peanuts scattered around. A golden spoon is placed inside the bowl, slightly leaning against the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I absolutely adore this recipe because it takes the guesswork out of dinner while delivering layers of flavor you'd expect from a restaurant dish but with the comfort of home cooking. It’s one of those meals that feels effortless yet impresses every time.

Hands-Off Cooking: You just toss everything in the slow cooker and forget about it, freeing up your time for other things.
Rich, Authentic Flavor: The peanut sauce combines coconut milk, fresh ginger, and a hint of spice for a Thai-inspired flavor that’s both comforting and vibrant.
Customizable and Versatile: Whether you want to add more veggies, skip the fish sauce, or amp up the heat, this recipe adapts effortlessly.
Healthy and Hearty: With lean chicken, fresh spinach, and nutrient-rich ingredients, it’s a filling meal that doesn’t feel heavy.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe lies in the harmony between fresh veggies, simple seasonings, and that creamy peanut sauce. Each ingredient has a role in building the perfect balance of richness, tang, and a little kick.

Flat lay of boneless, skinless chicken breast pieces, a medium yellow onion diced, a medium red bell pepper diced, fresh baby spinach leaves, two whole limes, four garlic cloves peeled, a small white bowl of creamy peanut butter, a small white bowl of light coconut milk, a small white bowl of coconut aminos, a small white bowl of rice vinegar, a small white bowl of honey, a small white bowl of toasted sesame oil, a small white bowl of fish sauce, a small white bowl of grated fresh ginger, a small white bowl of crushed red pepper flakes, a small white bowl of sea salt, a small white bowl of black pepper, all arranged symmetrically and balanced on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Boneless Chicken Breast or Thighs: I usually use thighs for juiciness, but breasts work great if you want leaner meat—both absorb the sauce beautifully.
Yellow Onion: Adds a mild sweetness that deepens the overall flavor once slow-cooked.
Red Bell Pepper: Brings a subtle crunch and vibrant color that livens up the dish.
Sea Salt and Black Pepper: Simple but essential for seasoning throughout.
Baby Spinach: I love tossing this in at the end—it wilts quickly and adds freshness without overpowering.
Lime Juice: The zesty brightness at the end is crucial—it lifts all the flavors and keeps things balanced.
Garlic Cloves: Minced fresh garlic makes all the difference—it’s the backbone of that irresistible aromatic quality.
Coconut Milk: Use full-fat for creaminess or light if you prefer—this is the silky base that carries the peanut flavor.
Creamy Peanut Butter: Natural peanut butter with no added sugar or salt works best to keep the dish wholesome and authentic.
Coconut Aminos: A great soy sauce alternative that’s slightly sweeter and perfect for Thai-inspired sauces.
Rice Vinegar: Adds mild acidity and subtle tang notes to balance the richness.
Honey (Optional): I sometimes add a touch for gentle sweetness, but it’s entirely up to your taste.
Toasted Sesame Oil: A little drizzle adds a deep nutty aroma that enhances the entire dish.
Fish Sauce (Optional): This adds authentic umami—if you’re avoiding it, the recipe still shines.
Fresh Ginger: Grated fresh ginger brightens the sauce with subtle warmth; dried works in a pinch but fresh is best.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For that gentle heat—add more or less depending on how spicy you want it.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I love adding extra veggies like snap peas or shredded carrots to boost crunch and color. You can also swap in chicken thighs if you want it richer, or go lighter with breast meat. Play around with spice levels — I usually keep the red pepper flakes mild for family dinners but crank it up when it’s just me!

Variation: Sometimes I swap the coconut aminos for low-sodium soy sauce if I want a more traditional sauce flavor—it works beautifully without changing the character.
Make it Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so just double-check your peanut butter and coconut aminos ingredients to be safe.
Extra Protein: For a heartier meal, I add chopped roasted peanuts on top right before serving for some extra texture and protein.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe

A black slow cooker filled halfway with chopped light pink raw chicken pieces mixed with small white onion bits and red bell pepper pieces on one side, while a thick, creamy tan sauce with small lumps is being poured over the other side from a glass container above. The slow cooker sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Season the Chicken

I start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces—they cook more evenly this way and soak up all that sauce. Next, the onion and red pepper get diced into similar sizes. I toss everything in the slow cooker with salt and pepper so every piece is nicely seasoned before the sauce goes on.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Creamy Peanut Sauce

In a separate bowl, I combine the peanut butter, coconut milk, garlic, coconut aminos, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, fish sauce, ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes. Whisk it thoroughly until it’s smooth—this sauce is where all the magic happens, so mixing well is key for an even flavor.

Step 3: Combine and Set It Slow

Next, I pour that luscious sauce over the chicken and veggies in the slow cooker, giving everything a good stir to coat evenly. Set the cooker on low for 4 to 4 ½ hours—this slow, gentle heat tenderizes the chicken and blends the flavors while you go about your day.

Step 4: Finish Fresh with Spinach and Lime

Once the chicken is cooked through, I remove the lid and stir in fresh baby spinach and freshly squeezed lime juice. Stir it gently and let it heat just a few more minutes—the spinach wilts wonderfully into the sauce, giving it a fresh pop of green and a bright finish from the lime.

Top Tip

From my experience making this recipe a dozen times, a few little tricks make all the difference in your final dish's flavor and texture. Slow cooking is forgiving, but these tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and nail it every time.

Use Fresh Ginger: I once used ground ginger out of convenience and felt the flavor fell flat—fresh grated ginger really brightens the sauce beautifully.
Don’t Skip the Lime Juice: Adding that acidic tang at the end is a game changer; it cuts through the richness and brings the whole dish alive.
Check Chicken Thickness: If your chicken pieces are bigger, cooking time might need a bit of adjustment—test for doneness before serving.
Stir Spinach Last: Tossing spinach in too early makes it mushy and dull; adding it at the end keeps it vibrant and fresh-tasting.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe

Thai Peanut Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

For garnishes, I’m a sucker for chopped fresh cilantro and roasted peanuts sprinkled on top—that crunch is delightful. A few extra lime wedges on the side are nice for anyone wanting more fresh zing. Sometimes I toss on thinly sliced green onions or a handful of bean sprouts for some fresh snap.

Side Dishes

I usually serve this over fluffy jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. Sometimes, I pile it atop cooked pad Thai noodles to make it more indulgent. Steamed greens or a simple cucumber salad are great for balance and crunch, keeping the meal light and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I made this for a casual dinner party and served it in small bowls garnished with edible flowers and extra roasted peanuts—everyone loved the presentation! You can even stuff the chicken and sauce into lettuce cups for a fun, hands-on experience or serve with rice paper rolls on the side for a fresh, interactive meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I transfer leftovers to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge—they keep well for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, which makes leftovers a perfect lunch or quick dinner.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish before without issues. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Just note that spinach wilts more during the freezing process, so consider adding fresh spinach after reheating if you want that vibrant freshness.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and preserve creaminess. If the sauce seems thickened, add a splash of coconut milk or water to loosen it. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep the texture and flavors at their best.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but I recommend thawing it completely before adding it to the slow cooker to ensure even cooking and the best texture. Cooking from frozen on slow cook can result in uneven cooking and potentially unsafe meat temperatures.

What can I substitute for peanut butter if I’m allergic?

If you have a peanut allergy, try using sunflower seed butter or tahini as alternatives. They have a different flavor but will still provide creaminess and a nutty character to the sauce. Adjust seasoning to your taste as these substitutes are less sweet and salty.

How spicy is this Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe?

The recipe has a mild kick thanks to the crushed red pepper flakes, which you can easily adjust. For less heat, use less or omit the flakes entirely. For more spice, add additional crushed red pepper or even a touch of fresh chopped chili.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare all the ingredients and the sauce ahead, store them separately in the refrigerator, and combine them in the slow cooker right before cooking. This makes weeknight dinners even easier. The cooked dish also reheats well, making it great for meal prep.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe is definitely one I keep returning to whenever I want a meal that’s both fuss-free and packed with flavor. It’s like a warm hug on a day when you need it most but also elegant enough to serve without fuss when friends drop by. Give it a try—you’ll find it hits all the right notes and quickly becomes part of your meal rotation, just like it did in my kitchen.