Slow-Cooked Thai Peanut Chicken

Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken is a delightful fusion of tender chicken simmered in a creamy, flavorful peanut sauce. The combination of coconut milk, peanut butter, soy sauce, and spices creates a rich and savory dish that's both comforting and exotic. This hands-off recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, allowing you to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home with minimal effort. Serve it over rice or noodles, and garnish with fresh herbs and chopped peanuts for added texture and flavor. It's a family-friendly dish that's sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

• 1 cup canned coconut milk

• ¾ cup natural peanut butter (creamy or chunky)

• 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar

• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

• 1 tablespoon lime juice

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)

• Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

• Chopped peanuts, for garnish

• Cooked rice or rice noodles, for serving

Directions:

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl or blender, whisk together the coconut milk, peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice wine vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes until smooth.

2. Combine in Slow Cooker: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the slow cooker. Pour the prepared peanut sauce over the chicken, ensuring it's well-coated.

3. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.

4. Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the sauce.

5. Thicken Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch-water mixture and lime juice. Cover and cook on high for an additional 20–30 minutes until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

6. Serve: Serve the Thai peanut chicken over cooked rice or rice noodles. Garnish with chopped cilantro and peanuts.
   
   

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: Approximately 327 kcal

• Protein: 29 g

• Fat: 18 g

  • Saturated Fat: 9 g

• Carbohydrates: 14 g

  • Dietary Fiber: 1 g

  • Sugars: 7 g

• Cholesterol: 72 mg

• Sodium: 390 mg

• Potassium: 618 mg

• Vitamin A: 35 IU

• Vitamin C: 3 mg

• Calcium: 25 mg

• Iron: 2 mg