Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken: Powerful 3-Hour Weeknight Meal

Name: Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lb chicken breasts; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1/2 large yellow onion, diced; 2 garlic cloves, chopped; 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1 tbsp honey; 1 tsp sesame oil; 1 tsp chili garlic paste; 1 tbsp lime juice; 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a dinner that feels special but fits into a chaotic weekday, Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken is about to become your new best friend. This is the kind of recipe that understands you—the busy schedule, the last-minute dinner scramble, the desire for something comforting without babysitting the stove.

With just 5 minutes of prep, your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you go live your life. And the payoff? Tender chicken drenched in a rich, Thai-inspired peanut sauce that’s savory, slightly sweet, and downright addictive. It’s cozy, protein-packed, and weeknight-approved.

Trust me—this one has “repeat recipe” written all over it.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken

Let’s be honest. We all need recipes that work—not just on Pinterest, but in real life. Here’s why this Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken earns a permanent spot in your rotation:

Minimal prep, maximum flavor – Five minutes. That’s it. No chopping marathons.
Set-it-and-forget-it magic – Let the slow cooker do its thing while you tackle your to-do list.
Family-friendly – Creamy peanut sauce = picky-eater peace treaty.
Protein-packed comfort food – Filling, nourishing, and satisfying.
Gluten-free – Just use gluten-free soy sauce if needed.

It’s one of those meals that makes your kitchen smell like a cozy hug—and who doesn’t want that on a Tuesday?

Ingredients You’ll Need

Nothing fancy here. Just simple, easy-to-find ingredients that come together beautifully.

For the Chicken

1.5 lb chicken breasts – Boneless, skinless, and slow-cooker perfect
1 red bell pepper, diced – Adds sweetness and color
½ large yellow onion, diced – For depth and flavor
2 garlic cloves, chopped – Because garlic makes everything better

For the Peanut Sauce

½ cup creamy peanut butter (or crunchy, minimal ingredients)
½ cup chicken broth
¼ cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey – Balances the savory notes
1 teaspoon sesame oil – Adds that subtle nutty aroma
1 teaspoon chili garlic paste – Gentle heat (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon lime juice – Brightens everything up
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro – Fresh and herby finish

How to Make Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken (Step-by-Step)

This is one of those recipes where the instructions are blissfully short—but the flavor payoff is huge.

Step 1: Layer the Base

Add the diced bell pepper, onion, and garlic to the bottom of your slow cooker. This creates a flavorful bed and keeps the chicken juicy.

Step 2: Add the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts right on top of the veggies. No need to cut them first—your slow cooker’s got this.

Step 3: Whisk the Sauce

In a bowl or glass measuring cup, whisk together the peanut butter, chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and chili garlic paste until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Pour & Cook

Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken.

Cook on HIGH for 2–3 hours or
LOW for 4–5 hours

Your house will smell incredible. Fair warning.

Step 5: Finish with Freshness

Remove the lid and stir in the lime juice and chopped cilantro. That little pop of freshness takes the sauce from “good” to “wow.”

Serve and enjoy!

How to Serve It (Because Options Are Everything)

This Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken is wonderfully versatile. Here are a few favorite ways to serve it:

Over steamed jasmine or basmati rice
With brown rice or quinoa for extra fiber
Over rice noodles for a stir-fry vibe
In lettuce wraps for a lighter option
Alongside steamed broccoli or snap peas

Honestly? Even spooned straight from the slow cooker is fair game. No judgment here.

Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken served over fluffy white rice with cilantro and chopped peanuts — Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken served warm over rice, finished with fresh cilantro and crunchy peanuts

Helpful Tips for the Best Peanut Chicken

Sauce too thick? Stir in a splash of warm chicken broth. Crisis averted.
Want more heat? Add extra chili garlic paste or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Chicken shredding easily = it’s done. Use two forks and give it a quick mix right in the sauce.
Using crunchy peanut butter? Totally fine! It adds texture and personality.

Cooking should feel flexible, not stressful.

A Little Personal Note from My Kitchen

This recipe saved me during one of those weeks where everything felt loud and busy and dinner kept sneaking up on me. I tossed everything into the slow cooker, walked away, and came back to something that felt comforting and grounding.

That’s why I love slow cooking so much—it gives you space. Space to breathe, to rest, to enjoy your evening without hovering over a pan.

And when dinner tastes this good? That’s a win.

FAQs About Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken

Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Absolutely. Boneless, skinless thighs work beautifully and turn extra tender.

Is this recipe spicy?

It’s mildly warm, not spicy. You can easily adjust the heat up or down based on your preference.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats like a dream.

Can I freeze it?

Yes! Let it cool completely, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Good news—it already is! Just double-check your peanut butter and soy sauce labels.

Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving)

Calories: 439
Protein: 46g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 3g

Filling, balanced, and satisfying—exactly what dinner should be.

Let’s Make Dinner Easier (and Tastier)

If you’re looking for a recipe that delivers big flavor with barely any effort, Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken truly checks every box. It’s cozy, dependable, and perfect for nights when you want dinner handled for you.

So dust off that slow cooker, give yourself permission to relax, and let this creamy, comforting meal take care of dinner tonight. You deserve it.

More Cozy Dinners to Try Next

If this Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken earned a spot in your regular dinner rotation, here are a few more comforting, flavor-packed meals you might want to try next. They follow the same easy, hands-off spirit and pair beautifully with busy weeknights when you still want something satisfying on the table.

If you loved the creamy texture and rich sauce, you’ll enjoy slow cooker creamy tomato basil chicken—it’s warm, comforting, and feels like a hug in a bowl.
In the mood for something with a little more boldness? black pepper chicken brings deep, savory flavor while staying simple enough for a weeknight win.
If peanut sauce is your love language, Thai peanut chicken wraps are a fun, fresh way to enjoy similar flavors in a lighter, handheld style.
For another easy favorite that balances sweet and savory beautifully, slow cooker honey garlic chicken is always a crowd-pleaser.
And if you’re curious to explore a slightly different take on peanut-sauce chicken, this Slow Cooker Thai Chicken with Peanut Sauce is a lovely option to add to your meal-planning inspiration.

Whether you’re planning ahead or just saving ideas for those “what’s for dinner?” moments, these recipes are here to make your evenings a little easier—and a whole lot tastier.