Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken With Coconut Lime Drizzle

Craving a flavorful, satisfying meal that practically makes itself? Look no further than this Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken with Coconut Lime Drizzle! This recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken infused with a rich, savory peanut sauce, brightened by a zesty coconut-lime drizzle. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner solution – minimal effort, maximum flavor. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to enjoy a delicious, restaurant-quality meal with ease. This dish is a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and spicy, and it’s sure to become a family favorite. Plus, the vibrant garnish of toasted coconut, cilantro, and lime zest adds a beautiful finishing touch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1.5 kg (3 ½ lb) boneless skinless chicken thighs: We’re using chicken thighs here because they stay incredibly moist and tender during the long slow cooking process. Chicken thighs have more fat than breasts, which contributes to a richer flavor and prevents them from drying out. Be sure to trim any excess fat before cooking.
• 150 g (5 ¼ oz) smooth peanut butter: Smooth peanut butter is key for a creamy, luscious sauce. Avoid using natural peanut butter that separates, as it can result in a grainy texture. Look for a peanut butter with just peanuts and maybe a touch of salt as the ingredients.
• 200 ml (⅞ cup) full‑fat coconut milk: Full-fat coconut milk provides the richness and creaminess that makes this sauce so irresistible. The higher fat content also helps to emulsify the sauce, creating a smooth and cohesive texture. Don’t use ‘lite’ coconut milk, as it won’t deliver the same depth of flavor.
• 60 ml (¼ cup) low‑sodium soy sauce (halal‑certified): Soy sauce adds umami and saltiness to the sauce. Using low-sodium soy sauce allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish. Halal-certified ensures it meets specific dietary requirements.
• 30 ml (2 Tbsp) freshly squeezed lime juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is essential for brightness and acidity, balancing the richness of the peanut butter and coconut milk. Bottled lime juice doesn’t have the same vibrant flavor.
• 15 g (1 Tbsp) fresh ginger, grated: Freshly grated ginger adds a warm, spicy, and aromatic element to the sauce. Grate it finely to ensure it distributes evenly throughout the sauce.
• 3 cloves garlic (≈1 Tbsp) minced: Garlic provides a pungent and savory base for the sauce. Mincing it finely ensures it releases its flavor fully during cooking.
• 30 g (2 Tbsp) brown sugar: Brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness and molasses-like depth to the sauce, complementing the peanut butter and soy sauce. Light or dark brown sugar can be used.
• 1 tsp chili flakes: Chili flakes add a subtle kick of heat. Adjust the amount to your preference – more for a spicier dish, less for a milder one.
• 1 tsp smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a smoky depth of flavor that enhances the overall complexity of the sauce.
• 1 tsp salt: Salt enhances all the other flavors in the dish.
• ½ tsp ground black pepper: Black pepper adds a subtle spice and complexity.
• 150 ml (⅔ cup) water: Water helps to thin out the sauce to the desired consistency.
• 2 Tbsp (≈15 g) toasted coconut flakes: Toasted coconut flakes add a delightful crunch and tropical flavor as a garnish.
• 2 Tbsp (≈6 g) fresh cilantro, chopped: Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous note as a garnish.
• Zest of 1 lime: Lime zest adds a burst of citrusy aroma and flavor as a garnish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Don’t have everything on hand? Here are a few simple substitutions you can make:

• Peanut Butter: Almond butter or cashew butter can be used as a substitute for peanut butter, though the flavor will be different.
• Coconut Milk: If you don’t have coconut milk, you can use heavy cream, but it won’t have the same coconut flavor.
• Soy Sauce: Tamari (gluten-free) or coconut aminos can be used as a substitute for soy sauce.
• Lime Juice: Lemon juice can be used in a pinch, but lime juice provides a more authentic flavor.

Detailed Cooking Instructions for Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: Begin by generously seasoning the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides. This foundational step ensures the chicken is flavorful throughout. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – chicken thighs can handle it!
2. Prepare the Peanut-Coconut Sauce: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the smooth peanut butter, full-fat coconut milk, low-sodium soy sauce, freshly squeezed lime juice, grated ginger, minced garlic, brown sugar, chili flakes, smoked paprika, and water. Whisk vigorously until the sauce is completely smooth and all ingredients are well combined. A smooth sauce is key to a creamy, delicious final dish.
3. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Carefully place the seasoned chicken thighs into the slow cooker. Pour the prepared peanut-coconut sauce over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is thoroughly coated. This even coating is crucial for maximum flavor absorption.
4. Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover the slow cooker and cook on Low for 6-7 hours, or on High for 3-4 hours. The chicken is ready when it’s incredibly tender and easily shreds with a fork. Cooking time can vary slightly depending on your slow cooker, so check for tenderness.
5. Thicken the Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, transfer the cooking liquid from the slow cooker to a saucepan. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir in an extra 2 tablespoons of coconut milk and 1 teaspoon of lime juice. This will loosen the sauce and create a beautiful, drizzling consistency. Simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has slightly thickened.
6. Plate and Drizzle: Arrange the cooked chicken on a wide serving plate or in a shallow bowl. Spoon some of the thickened sauce around the base of the chicken.
7. Garnish and Serve: Drizzle the bright coconut-lime sauce over the chicken in a thin ribbon, allowing it to pool slightly for visual appeal. Sprinkle generously with toasted coconut flakes, chopped fresh cilantro, and lime zest. Serve immediately with steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice.

Why Slow Cooking Enhances Flavor

Slow cooking is a fantastic method for developing deep, complex flavors, especially in dishes like this Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken. The extended cooking time allows the flavors of the peanut butter, coconut milk, ginger, garlic, and spices to meld together beautifully. The low and slow heat also breaks down the tough fibers in the chicken thighs, resulting in incredibly tender and juicy meat. This method is particularly effective with chicken thighs, which benefit from the long, moist cooking process.

Tips for the Best Coconut-Lime Drizzle

The coconut-lime drizzle is what truly elevates this dish. To ensure it’s perfect, use full-fat coconut milk for the richest flavor and texture. Don’t skip the extra lime juice – it brightens the sauce and balances the sweetness of the peanut butter and brown sugar. Simmering the sauce gently allows it to thicken without scorching, creating a luxurious consistency that clings to the chicken.

Serving Suggestions & Side Dishes

While jasmine rice or cauliflower rice are classic pairings, this Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken is incredibly versatile. Consider serving it with:

• Asian-Inspired Noodles: Lo mein or rice noodles tossed with a little sesame oil and soy sauce.
• Stir-Fried Vegetables: Broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas stir-fried with a touch of garlic and ginger.
• Fresh Spring Rolls: A light and refreshing accompaniment.
• A Simple Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette.

Adjusting the Spice Level

This recipe includes 1 teaspoon of chili flakes, which provides a mild to moderate level of heat. If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to increase the amount of chili flakes to 1.5 or even 2 teaspoons. Alternatively, you can add a dash of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped fresh chili pepper to the sauce. For a milder flavor, reduce the chili flakes to ½ teaspoon or omit them altogether.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs? While you can use chicken breast, it may become dry during slow cooking. If using chicken breast, reduce the cooking time and check for doneness frequently.
• Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, simply use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
• Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! The chicken can be cooked a day in advance and reheated. The sauce is best made fresh, but can also be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

This Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken with Coconut Lime Drizzle is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! The combination of creamy peanut sauce, tender chicken, and bright citrus flavors is simply irresistible. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for later!

Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken With Coconut Lime Drizzle

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• Author: Lily Carter
• Total Time: 3-7 hours
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: General

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Description

This Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken delivers tender, juicy chicken in a rich peanut sauce, brightened with a zesty coconut-lime drizzle. It’s a simple weeknight meal with maximum flavor, perfect for a satisfying and easy dinner.

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Ingredients

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• 1.5 kg chicken thighs, trimmed
• 150 g smooth peanut butter
• 200 ml full-fat coconut milk
• 60 ml low-sodium soy sauce
• 30 ml lime juice
• 15 g grated ginger
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 30 g brown sugar
• 1 tsp chili flakes
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 150 ml water
• 2 Tbsp toasted coconut flakes
• 2 Tbsp chopped cilantro
• Zest of 1 lime

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Instructions

1. Season Chicken: Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
2. Make Peanut Sauce: Whisk peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, ginger, garlic, brown sugar, chili flakes, paprika, and water until smooth.
3. Combine & Cook: Place chicken in slow cooker, pour sauce over, and cook on Low for 6-7 hours or High for 3-4 hours.
4. Thicken Sauce: Simmer sauce with extra coconut milk and lime juice until thickened.
5. Plate & Garnish: Arrange chicken, spoon sauce, and garnish with coconut, cilantro, and lime zest.

Notes

For best results, use full-fat coconut milk and freshly squeezed lime juice. Adjust chili flakes to your preferred spice level.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 3-7 hours
• Category: Poultry
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg