Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken
Try this Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken recipe.
Try this Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken recipe.
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 6 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce
- 3/4 cup of pb2â powdered peanut butter
- 1/2 cup trop 50 orange juice
- 1/4 cup orange marmalade (i used reduced sugar)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (more for garnish if des
- 3/4 cup canned lite coconut milk
- Carbohydrate 2.56464444422063 g
- Cholesterol 58.5696832444445 mg
- Fat 3.62538786856279 g
- Fiber 0.13544444284057 g
- Protein 23.8112618294196 g
- Saturated Fat 0.672937738647952 g
- Serving Size 1 1 (1/2 cup) serving (124g)
- Sodium 380.406120023454 mg
- Sugar 2.42920000138006 g
- Trans Fat 0.439346627089166 g
- Calories 144 calories
Step-by-step
- Lay the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of your slow cooker.
- In a large bowl, combine the PB2 and water and stir until creamy.
- Add the remainder of the ingredients and stir until well combined.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker to cover the chicken.
- Cook on low for 5-6 hours until chicken is cooked through and shreds easily.
- Remove the chicken to a plate or cutting board and shred with two forks (it should fall right apart).
- Put the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker and stir into the sauce.
- Continue to cook on low for another 5-10 minutes without the lid and then serve.
- Feel free to sprinkle a pinch more crushed red pepper flakes on yours if you’d like some heat.
My Go-To Weeknight Dinner: Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and healthy meals can feel like a Herculean task. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and all the other demands of modern life, the last thing I want to deal with is a complicated recipe. That’s why I’ve become obsessed with slow cookers. They’re my secret weapon for creating flavorful, satisfying meals with minimal effort. This Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken is a perfect example. It's quick to prepare, requires minimal active cooking time, and tastes absolutely phenomenal.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. I start by layering boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Then, in a separate bowl, I whisk together a creamy sauce made with powdered peanut butter (PB2 is my favorite – it's lower in calories and fat), water, teriyaki sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, orange juice, orange marmalade, and a touch of crushed red pepper flakes for a little kick. The combination of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors is incredibly addictive! I pour this luscious sauce over the chicken, set the slow cooker on low, and let it work its magic for several hours. The result is incredibly tender, flavorful chicken that practically falls apart at the touch of a fork. I usually shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker to make it even easier to serve.
This dish is incredibly versatile. It's fantastic served over rice, quinoa, or even zucchini noodles for a lighter option. I often add a side of steamed broccoli or a simple green salad to round out the meal. The leftovers are just as good, if not better, the next day – perfect for a quick and easy lunch. This recipe is also a great way to use up leftover rice or quinoa. Sometimes, I’ll add a handful of chopped peanuts for extra crunch and flavor. It's a recipe that truly grows with me, and I’ve found myself adapting it to my moods and available ingredients over time. For example, if I’m feeling extra adventurous, I might add a splash of coconut milk or lime juice for an extra layer of flavor.
One of the things I love most about this recipe is that it’s incredibly forgiving. If you don't have all the ingredients on hand, you can easily substitute or omit certain elements without drastically affecting the final outcome. For instance, if you don't have orange marmalade, a little extra honey or maple syrup would work just as well. The key is to balance the sweet, savory, and spicy flavors to your liking. Experiment and find what works best for your palate!
Beyond its convenience and deliciousness, this Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken is also a healthy and nutritious option. It’s packed with lean protein from the chicken, and the peanut butter provides a good source of healthy fats. The orange juice and marmalade add a touch of sweetness without relying on excessive added sugars. Of course, you can always adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary needs and preferences. Maybe reduce the soy sauce if you are watching your sodium intake, or experiment with different types of peppers for different levels of spice.
In conclusion, this Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken is more than just a recipe; it’s a lifesaver for busy weeknights. It’s a testament to the power of simple, delicious food that requires minimal effort. It’s a meal that I can feel good about serving to my family, knowing that it’s both healthy and satisfying. It’s become a staple in our household, and I'm confident it will become one of your favorites, too. Give it a try, and let me know what you think!
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for extra heat.
- Add some veggies: Toss in some broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, or snap peas during the last hour of cooking.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve over rice, quinoa, or noodles.
- Garnish generously: Sprinkle with chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, or green onions for added texture and flavor.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week.
