Crock Pot Thai Peanut Chicken: A Deliciously Easy Weeknight Meal

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy meal idea, crock pot Thai peanut chicken is a fantastic choice that combines rich flavors with minimal effort. This dish brings together tender chicken and a creamy peanut sauce that will have your taste buds dancing.

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With just a few simple ingredients, you can set this dish to cook while you attend to your day. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to come home to a warm and satisfying meal that feels like a treat.

Once you try making it, you’ll see why it’s a favorite for busy nights or gatherings with friends and family.

Get ready to impress everyone with this mouthwatering dish that’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation!

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Crock Pot Thai Peanut Chicken Essentials

When making Crock Pot Thai Peanut Chicken, it’s important to focus on the right ingredients and safe usage of your crock pot. Here’s what you need to know.

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Ingredient Insights

For this dish, you will need the following key ingredients:

  • Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work best. They stay moist during cooking.
  • Peanut Butter: Creamy or chunky, depending on your preference. This adds the signature flavor.
  • Coconut Milk: Use full-fat for creaminess and depth of flavor.
  • Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium to control the saltiness.
  • Garlic and Ginger: Fresh minced garlic and ginger enhance the taste significantly.
  • Vegetables: Bell peppers, carrots, and snow peas add texture and nutrition.

Make sure your ingredients are fresh for the best flavor. You can also customize your veggies based on what you have at home.

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Crock Pot Usage and Safety

When using your crock pot, follow these guidelines for safety and efficiency:

  • Layering: Place denser ingredients like chicken at the bottom. Veggies can go on top to cook evenly.
  • Temperature Control: Set your crock pot to low for around 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Avoid leaving it unattended for too long.
  • Lid: Keep the lid on while cooking to prevent heat loss.
  • Cleaning: Make sure to clean your crock pot promptly after use to avoid food residue buildup.

Pay attention to these tips to ensure your meal is safe and delicious. Enjoy your cooking!

Cooking Methodology

This section covers how to prepare and cook Thai peanut chicken in a crock pot. You will find steps for prepping the chicken, blending flavors, cooking times, and ideas for serving.

Preparing the Chicken

Start with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the best flavor and tenderness. Trim any excess fat if needed. Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces to help it cook evenly.

Next, season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper. You might also want to add a splash of soy sauce for added depth. Place the chicken pieces directly into the crock pot as your first step.

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Combining Flavors

For a tasty sauce, mix peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, and lime juice in a bowl. You can add garlic and ginger for extra flavor.

Stir the mixture until smooth. If you want a little heat, add some chili flakes or sriracha. Pour the sauce over the chicken in the crock pot. Make sure to mix everything well so the sauce covers all pieces.

Cooking Time and Temperature

Set your crock pot to low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. Cooking on low gives the flavors more time to meld and makes the chicken very tender.

Check for doneness by ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking.

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Crock Pot Thai Peanut Chicken

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons red curry paste (adjust to taste)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced or grated
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped green onions and chopped peanuts for garnish
  • Cooked rice or quinoa, for serving
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

To prepare, start by placing the chicken in the bottom of your crock pot. In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, red curry paste, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes until smooth.

Pour this sauce over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated. Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.

Once done, shred the chicken using two forks right in the crock pot, mixing it into the sauce to combine everything nicely.

Serve the Thai peanut chicken over cooked rice or quinoa, garnishing with chopped green onions, chopped peanuts, and fresh cilantro if desired. Enjoy this flavorful dish!

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Serving Suggestions

Serve your Thai peanut chicken over steamed rice or noodles. Adding some chopped green onions and crushed peanuts on top makes it extra special.

You can also pair it with fresh veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for crunch. Serve lime wedges on the side for a zesty kick. Enjoy your delicious meal!

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