Easy Crockpot Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe for Perfect Meal Prep
A quick and easy slow cooker recipe featuring tender chicken simmered in a creamy, tangy Thai peanut sauce, perfect for meal prep and packed with bold flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-6 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds chicken breasts or thighs
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Chopped peanuts (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, garlic, ginger, fish sauce (if using), red pepper flakes, and chicken broth until smooth and creamy. Add more chicken broth if sauce is too thick.
- Place chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Pour the prepared peanut sauce evenly over the chicken, coating each piece.
- Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender.
- Shred the chicken in the crockpot using two forks or tongs and stir to combine with the sauce.
- If sauce is too thin, cook uncovered on high for an additional 15-20 minutes to thicken.
- Garnish with sliced green onions, chopped peanuts, and fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for juicier meat or breasts for leaner option. Fresh ginger and garlic are essential for authentic flavor. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain temperature. For thicker sauce, cook uncovered on high after shredding. Can substitute soy sauce with tamari for gluten-free. For peanut allergies, use almond or sunflower seed butter. Adding coconut cream after shredding enhances creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1/6 of
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 25
Keywords: crockpot, slow cooker, Thai peanut chicken, meal prep, easy dinner, peanut sauce, healthy, gluten-free option