I first discovered slow cooker Thai peanut chicken after a trip to Thailand in my early 40s.
It wasn’t at a fancy restaurant, just a small food stall tucked inside a crowded night market. I was tired, jet-lagged, and just looking for something quick and warm to eat. The vendor handed me a simple paper bowl: chicken, peanut sauce, rice, crushed peanuts on top.
One bite and I was hooked.
It was bold. Comforting. A little spicy, a little sweet.
And honestly? It stuck with me.
When I came back home, I knew I had to try making something similar. But let’s be honest: life after 40 feels different. Between family, work, and needing to protect what little energy I have by the end of the day, I wasn’t about to stand at the stove whisking sauces for an hour.
So I started experimenting and this easy slow cooker version quickly became a go-to in my kitchen. It’s rich, flavorful, and the best part? The slow cooker handles most of the work while I go about my day.
If you’re looking for something warm, bold, and low-effort this dish might just earn a regular spot in your weeknight lineup.
Why You’ll Love This Thai Peanut Chicken:
- No standing over the stove – just dump and go
- Bold Thai flavors with creamy peanut sauce
- Kid-friendly and adult-approved
- Easy to customize: spicy or mild, rice or noodles
- Perfect for batch cooking or meal prep
Easy Thai Peanut Chicken (Slow Cooker Recipe)
Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4–6 hours (low) or 2–3 hours (high)
Style: Thai-inspired comfort food
Ingredients:
- 1.5 to 2 lbs (700–900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup unsweetened natural peanut butter (creamy)
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup honey or brown sugar
- 2–3 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (optional but adds flavor)
- 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1–2 tsp red chili flakes or Sriracha (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 cup canned coconut milk (optional for creaminess)
- ½ cup water or chicken broth (to loosen sauce)
Instructions:
1. Mix the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, vinegar or lime juice, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, chili flakes, and water/broth. If using coconut milk, add it in too.
2. Add Chicken to Slow Cooker
Place the chicken pieces at the bottom. Pour the sauce over the top. Make sure it coats everything well.
3. Cook
- Low: 5–6 hours
- High: 2.5–3.5 hours
- Chicken should be tender and easily shredded with a fork.
4. Shred & Stir
Shred the chicken inside the slow cooker with two forks. Stir everything to coat evenly in sauce.
5. Garnish & Serve
Top with crushed peanuts, chopped cilantro, green onions, or sesame seeds. Serve hot with your choice of side.
What to Serve with Thai Peanut Chicken
Once your slow cooker has worked its magic, the question becomes: What do I serve it with?
This Thai peanut chicken is bold, creamy, and packed with flavor but it truly shines when paired with the right side.
Whether you want something classic like jasmine rice, something playful like lettuce wraps, or a refreshing contrast like cucumber salad, I’ve gathered my favorite ways to turn this dish into a full meal. Each option brings out a different side of the peanut sauce from cozy to fresh to downright crave-worthy.
So whether it’s a weeknight dinner or something you’re sharing with friends, here are 8 delicious sides that make this dish complete.
1. Steamed Jasmine Rice
Steamed jasmine rice is the classic, most beloved companion to Thai peanut chicken. The soft, fluffy grains soak up every bit of that rich, creamy, spicy-sweet sauce. It’s simple, comforting, and lets the bold flavors of the chicken shine. This pairing is especially great for people who enjoy balancing the mellow rice tones down the spice while keeping the full flavor experience.
When serving, consider fluffing the rice with a fork and spooning the saucy chicken directly over the top. A sprinkle of crushed peanuts or chopped green onions adds both texture and color. If you’re planning to make this a weekly meal, jasmine rice is easy to batch-cook and refrigerated well, making leftovers just as delicious the next day.
How to Add:
Make jasmine rice fresh or in advance. Simply rinse 2 cups of rice until the water runs clear. Cook in 3 cups water, bring to boil, reduce to low, and simmer for 15 minutes. Let rest for 5 minutes, then fluff.
Serving Tip:
Scoop rice into bowls or plates. Spoon peanut chicken over it, allowing sauce to soak into the rice. Top with chopped peanuts and green onions.
2. Rice Noodles or Pad Thai Noodles
If you want to switch it up from rice, flat rice noodles (like Pad Thai noodles) are a beautiful, slurpable alternative. They absorb the sauce beautifully and bring a fun, more “takeout-style” twist to your homemade meal. After the noodles are cooked, toss them lightly with a drizzle of sesame oil before topping them with the peanut chicken for extra depth.
This combo turns your slow cooker chicken into a noodle bowl that’s comforting, satisfying, and totally weeknight-friendly. You can even add lightly steamed broccoli or carrots on the side of the noodles for a quick veggie boost. A squeeze of lime over the top takes it to another level just like something you’d find at a Thai street market.
How to Add:
Boil flat rice noodles (like Pad Thai noodles) according to package directions. Drain and toss with a little sesame oil to prevent sticking.
Serving Tip:
Place noodles in a bowl, top with hot shredded peanut chicken, and spoon extra sauce over it. Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges.
3. Coconut Rice
Coconut rice adds a subtly sweet, fragrant twist that pairs beautifully with the savory peanut chicken. The light coconut flavor complements the creamy peanut sauce, creating a tropical, restaurant-quality flavor at home. The texture is still fluffy, but slightly richer than plain rice, which adds a comforting body to the plate.
To make it, just cook jasmine rice in a mix of water and canned coconut milk with a pinch of salt and sugar. Serve it with your peanut chicken, and you’ll instantly elevate a simple weeknight meal into something that feels celebratory. The slight sweetness helps mellow out any spiciness in the sauce, making it great for kids or spice-sensitive guests.
How to Add:
In a pot, add 1 cup jasmine rice, 1 cup coconut milk, ½ cup water, 1 tsp sugar, and ½ tsp salt. Bring to a boil, reduce to simmer, and cover for 18–20 minutes.
Serving Tip:
Plate coconut rice and add chicken on top or beside. Sprinkle toasted coconut or chopped herbs for a tropical feel.
4. Cool Cucumber Salad
Thai peanut chicken is rich and creamy, so a fresh, cooling side brings balance. Enter cucumber salad crisp, tangy, and just a bit sweet. Sliced cucumbers tossed with rice vinegar, sugar, salt, and maybe a touch of chili make the perfect refreshing counterpoint to the deep peanut flavor.
This salad not only brightens the meal but also adds crunch and variety in texture. It’s great served on the side or even spooned directly onto the plate next to the chicken and rice. Add red onion slices or a handful of fresh cilantro if you want to go bolder. This one’s perfect for summer nights when you want a lighter feel with your comfort food.
How to Add:
Slice cucumbers thin. Toss with 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sugar, a pinch of salt, and optional chili flakes. Let it chill for 10 minutes.
Serving Tip:
Serve chicken with rice or noodles, and add a generous scoop of cucumber salad on the side for cool, crisp contrast.
5. Asian-Style Slaw
A crunchy cabbage slaw with an Asian twist is another great companion to peanut butter chicken. Think shredded cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and maybe some scallions all tossed in a tangy sesame vinaigrette. The brightness cuts through the heaviness of the sauce and adds a refreshing crunch to every bite.
Slaw is also a smart meal-prep choice. You can make it in advance, and it actually gets better as it sits. Pair it on the same plate or even build a peanut chicken rice bowl with slaw on one side, chicken on the other, and a scoop of rice underneath. It makes the dish feel more rounded and visually appealing not to mention super satisfying.
How to Add:
Mix shredded cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, and green onion. Toss with a dressing made of 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tsp honey, and a pinch of salt.
Serving Tip:
Add the slaw to the plate next to the chicken and rice. Or build a rice bowl with half slaw, half peanut chicken. Drizzle sauce over both.
6. Lettuce Wraps
For a lighter take, try serving your peanut chicken in large butter lettuce or romaine leaves. It turns a heavier meal into something more playful and low-carb. The crispness of the lettuce adds texture, and it’s a great way to serve this dish in summer or for guests looking for lighter fare.
To assemble, spoon a bit of warm chicken into each leaf, top with shredded carrots, chopped peanuts, maybe a squeeze of lime, and you’re done. These wraps make a great party appetizer or a casual weeknight dinner that feels hands-on and interactive. Plus, they’re kid-friendly like tacos, but fresher and more vibrant.
How to Add:
Use large butter lettuce or romaine leaves. Wash and pat dry. Scoop a few tablespoons of shredded chicken into each leaf.
Serving Tip:
Top with shredded carrots, chopped peanuts, and a drizzle of sauce. Serve on a platter with lime wedges for squeezing.
7. Warm Roti or Flatbread
Though not traditional in Thai cuisine, soft flatbreads or warm roti pair surprisingly well with peanut chicken especially if you want to scoop up every last bit of sauce. The contrast between the chewy, doughy texture and the rich, velvety peanut sauce is simply irresistible.
You can warm up store-bought flatbreads or make simple ones at home with flour and yogurt. Serve them in a bread basket on the side, and encourage your guests to tear and dip. This option brings a cozy, shareable vibe to the meal, and it’s a great alternative when you’re out of rice or just craving something different.
How to Add:
Warm up store-bought roti or naan in a pan or oven. You can also make homemade by mixing 1½ cups flour with ½ cup yogurt and a pinch of salt.
Serving Tip:
Serve roti in a basket with peanut chicken on the side. Let people scoop the chicken and sauce into warm flatbread pieces.
8. Grilled Veggies
Peanut chicken already brings strong flavor, so grilled vegetables zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, or even mushrooms provide a smoky, earthy balance. Lightly seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper, these veggies hold their own while letting the chicken be the star.
Lay the grilled vegetables on a platter and top with the chicken, or serve them on the side with rice. This option is especially good when you’re feeding a crowd or want something a little more substantial without adding carbs. It also gives the whole meal a summery, outdoor-dining feel, even if you’re eating at the kitchen table.
How to Add:
Slice zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant. Brush with olive oil and grill or pan-fry until tender and charred.
Serving Tip:
Plate the grilled vegetables and serve chicken either beside or on top. This works great on a large platter or bowl with jasmine rice underneath.
Tips and FAQs
Before putting the chicken in the slow cooker, you might want to consider searing it in a hot skillet first. It is because of this that the chicken acquires a surface that is crispy and caramelized, which in turn makes the meal more complex and crunchy.
Want a sauce that is creamier?
At the very end of the cooking process, include a bit of heavy cream or coconut milk into the sauce by stirring it in.
The night before you plan to cook this dish, chop the vegetables and create the peanut sauce. This will allow you to prepare it ahead of time. After storing them in separate containers that are airtight in the refrigerator, you can cook them the following day.
Is there a way to make it nut-free?
Indeed! Instead of using peanut butter, you can use seed butter, such as tahini or sunflower seed butter. This is all that is required of you. The flavors will be slightly altered as a result of them, but the final dish will still have the same characteristic of being creamy and nutty.
In place of chicken, what other options are there?
This recipe is wonderful with a wide variety of proteins, not just chicken, and it is definitely worth trying! Both shrimp and steak bites are excellent options to consider. An variation that is suitable for vegetarians is to use baked tofu or vegan “chicken.”
What is the best way to prepare this on the stovetop?
On the stovetop, prepare peanut chicken by sautéing the chicken and vegetables in a skillet or wok that has been greased until they have a light brown color around them. Place them on a plate at this point. In the meantime, prepare the peanut sauce and then pour it into the skillet that is currently empty. Allow it to reach the desired temperature before putting the chicken and vegetables back into the pan. First, toss everything together, then stir in the lime juice and cilantro, and finally, serve.
Are you able to prepare this in the oven?
Indeed! The chicken and diced vegetables should be placed in a baking dish, and then the peanut sauce should be poured over the top. Bake the chicken at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for twenty to twenty-five minutes, or until it is fully cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
What is a good complement to peanut chicken meals?
It is recommended that each portion of Thai chicken prepared in a slow cooker be served atop a solid bed of cooked rice, such as jasmine rice or coconut rice. There are also tasty options available, such as rice noodles or udon noodles. It is recommended that you serve it with vegetable-forward sides such as steamed broccoli, carrots, and a cool cucumber salad in order to round off the meal.
Leave a feedback below if you have tried out this dish and found it to be delicious. Thank you!
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