If your week has been a whirlwind of school drop-offs, emails, laundry piles, and the eternal mystery of where all the socks disappear to, then let me introduce you to your new hero: Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken. This dish is comforting, creamy, a little bit nutty (kind of like all of us on a busy Wednesday), and practically cooks itself while you’re tackling life.
I’m all about helping you create delicious meals without stress, fuss, or 47 dirty dishes. And trust me—this Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken is exactly the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you’ve got it all together… even if you’re reheating your coffee for the third time today.
This recipe shines on crazy evenings when you need something flavorful, reliable, and family-friendly. It’s the perfect blend of savory peanut butter, lime, garlic, and tender chicken—plus it fills your home with a smell so good your family will wander into the kitchen asking, “Is dinner ready yet?” And honestly, isn’t that the dream?
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken
Let’s talk about why this recipe might just make its way into your weekly rotation:
- Hands-off cooking — your slow cooker does nearly all the work.
- Rich, creamy flavor that feels indulgent without being complicated.
- Budget-friendly ingredients you probably already have.
- Kid-approved (my daughter calls it “peanut butter chicken magic,” so there’s that).
- Perfect for meal prep—it reheats like a dream.
And best of all? You can toss everything in the pot and walk away. That’s the kind of kitchen magic I live for.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken
- 1.5 lb chicken breasts
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
For the Sauce
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (or crunchy if that’s what’s in the pantry)
- 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 cilantro, chopped
How to Make Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken
Making this Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken is as simple as it gets. The hardest part might actually be resisting the urge to open the lid every hour because it smells so darn good.
1. Layer Your Veggies
Add the diced bell pepper, onion, and garlic to the bottom of your slow cooker. This creates a little veggie “bed” that helps keep the chicken juicy while boosting the flavor.
2. Add the Chicken
Lay the chicken breasts right on top of the veggies. No need to cut them—your slow cooker will work its tenderizing magic.
3. Whisk the Peanut Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- peanut butter
- chicken broth
- soy sauce
- honey
- sesame oil
- chili garlic paste
The mixture will look a little thick at first (kind of like what happens when peanut butter refuses to cooperate), but keep whisking and it’ll turn silky.
4. Pour and Cook
Pour your sauce over the chicken, making sure it’s evenly coated.
Cook on:
- HIGH for 2–3 hours, or
- LOW for 4–5 hours
If your family is anything like mine, they’ll walk by and try to peek inside. Hold strong. The slow cooker needs its space!
5. Finish With Freshness
Remove the lid and stir in:
- lime juice
- cilantro
These brighten up the creamy sauce beautifully.
Serve with rice, noodles, or even inside warm tortillas if you want a fun twist.
Tips for the Creamiest, Dreamiest Peanut Chicken
Here are a few little nuggets of wisdom from my kitchen to yours:
- Use creamy peanut butter if you want a smooth sauce. Crunchy works too—it just adds texture.
- Don’t panic if the sauce looks separated before cooking. It all comes together as it simmers.
- Adjust the heat by adding more (or less) chili garlic paste. Mild or spicy—your call!
- Shred the chicken right in the slow cooker if you prefer more sauce-coated bites.
And my favorite tip:
If your sauce is a little too thick at the end, just splash in a bit more chicken broth. Think of it like giving your sauce a tiny spa day.
A Little Story From My Kitchen
The first time I made this Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken, I wasn’t sure how my kids would react. Peanut butter in dinner? It felt like a gamble. But they absolutely devoured it. My son even licked his plate (I pretended not to see it, but between us—my heart melted a little).
Since then, this recipe has become my go-to when I want something comforting that doesn’t glue me to the stove. And on days when I’m juggling recipes, writing, and cleaning up cookie crumbs I swear I didn’t drop, this dish saves my sanity.

FAQs About Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Thighs work beautifully in Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken. They stay extra juicy and soak up tons of flavor.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Yes! Add more chili garlic paste or a pinch of red pepper flakes. It’s an easy way to crank up the heat without changing the main flavor.
What’s the best way to serve this?
Rice, noodles, quinoa—even cauliflower rice if you’re keeping it lighter. The sauce pairs well with pretty much anything.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftover Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen, so it tastes even better the next day.
Can I freeze this?
You can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight and warm gently in a pan.
Bring the Magic to Your Dinner Table
Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken has this wonderful way of making dinner feel special without adding any stress to your already busy day. The creamy peanut sauce, the tender chicken, the pop of lime—it’s comfort food with personality. And let’s be honest: getting a flavorful dinner on the table with almost no effort? That’s real magic.
Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, hungry teenagers, or just yourself after a long day, this dish has your back. So go ahead, grab your slow cooker, and let this peanut chicken work its cozy, flavorful charm.
If you try it, don’t forget to share your creations with me—I love seeing how you bring these recipes to life in your own kitchen.
Happy cooking,
Craving More Cozy, Flavor-Packed Chicken Dinners?
If this Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken won your heart (and made your kitchen smell heavenly), you’re going to adore these other comforting, easy weeknight meals. They’re warm, welcoming, and perfect for those nights when you just want dinner to take care of itself — just like this recipe did.
Here are a few delicious favorites you can jump into next:
- If you love saucy, sweet, melt-in-your-mouth chicken, you have to try my Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken. It’s one of those dishes the whole family asks for on repeat.
- Want something creamy with a little Southwestern kick? My Slow Cooker Creamy Southwest Chicken is cozy, rich, and perfect for busy nights when you still want dinner to feel special.
- In the mood for a little heat? My Spicy Jalapeño Chicken with Creamy Sauce brings the perfect balance of creamy + spicy — and honestly, it’s addictive in the best way.
- And if you’re craving a bowl-and-soup kind of comfort, my Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup is warm, hearty, and exactly what you want on a chilly evening.
Go ahead and dive into any of these next — your taste buds deserve a little extra joy today.
Print
Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy, comforting, and full of bold peanut flavor, this Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken is the perfect easy dinner for busy weeknights. Tender chicken simmers in a rich, savory peanut sauce and pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or veggies.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
-
1.5 lb chicken breasts
-
1 red bell pepper, diced
-
1/2 large yellow onion, diced
-
2 garlic cloves, chopped
For the Sauce:
-
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 cilantro, chopped
Instructions
-
Add the diced bell pepper, onion, and garlic to the bottom of your slow cooker.
-
Place the chicken breasts on top of the vegetables.
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In a bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and chili garlic paste.
-
Pour the sauce over the chicken.
-
Cook on HIGH for 2–3 hours or LOW for 4–5 hours until the chicken is tender.
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Stir in the lime juice and cilantro before serving.
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Serve over rice, noodles, or your favorite sides. Enjoy!
Notes
-
Add more chili garlic paste if you love heat.
-
For an extra smooth sauce, use creamy peanut butter.
-
Chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts.
-
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth at the end.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (LOW) or 2.5 hours (HIGH)
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 415 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 1080 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 112 mg