Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken is a delightful dish that combines rich flavors and healthy ingredients, making it the perfect meal for busy weeknights. This recipe is not only low carb but also keto-friendly, ensuring you can enjoy a hearty supper without the guilt. It’s ideal for family dinners or gatherings, impressing guests with its unique Thai-inspired taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 5 minutes of prep time, you can set up your meal and let the slow cooker do the work.
- Flavorful and Rich: The combination of coconut milk and peanut butter creates a creamy, savory sauce that elevates chicken to new heights.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy this dish over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or even on its own for a satisfying low-carb meal.
- Family-Friendly: Kid-approved flavors make this dish a winner for all ages, ensuring everyone at the table will enjoy it.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and healthy fats, this recipe aligns perfectly with low-carb and keto diets.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes cooking easy and enjoyable. For this Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken recipe, you’ll need some basic kitchen equipment to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Medium mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: This is crucial for infusing flavors into the chicken while keeping it tender and juicy throughout the long cooking process.
- Medium mixing bowl: Perfect for blending all your sauce ingredients together before pouring them over the chicken.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accuracy in ingredient amounts, which is key to achieving that perfect flavor balance.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to prepare this delicious dish:
Chicken
- 2 lb boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into bite sized pieces)
- salt and pepper
Sauce Mixture
- 1 can coconut milk
- ½ cup peanut butter
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp red curry paste
- 3 tsp fish sauce
- to taste liquid stevia (or sweetener of choice)
Garnish (Optional)
- Roasted Peanuts
- Cilantro (chopped)
How to Make Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken | Low Carb
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Add the chicken breast pieces to the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- In a medium bowl, combine the coconut milk, peanut butter, minced garlic, red curry paste, fish sauce, and liquid stevia (start with about 1/4 tsp).
Step 3: Combine in Slow Cooker
- Pour the peanut butter mixture over the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker.
- Stir well to coat all pieces evenly.
Step 4: Cook
- Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve as is or over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or shirataki noodles.
- If desired, top with chopped peanuts and cilantro for added flavor and presentation.
Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken as a satisfying main course that aligns perfectly with your low-carb lifestyle!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken | Low Carb
Slow cooker Thai peanut chicken is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer it on its own or with a side, there are many delicious options to enhance your meal.
Over Cauliflower Rice
- Cauliflower rice is a fantastic low-carb alternative to traditional rice. It absorbs the flavors of the peanut sauce beautifully.
With Zucchini Noodles
- Zucchini noodles are light and refreshing. They pair perfectly with the creamy peanut sauce for a satisfying meal.
In Lettuce Wraps
- For a fun twist, serve the chicken in crisp lettuce leaves. This option is great for a low-carb and gluten-free experience.
Topped with Roasted Peanuts
- Adding roasted peanuts as a garnish provides an extra crunch and enhances the nutty flavor of the dish.
Drizzled with Extra Sauce
- Don’t forget to drizzle some additional peanut sauce over your serving for that rich flavor boost!
Garnished with Cilantro
- Fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness that balances out the richness of the peanut butter sauce.
How to Perfect Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken | Low Carb
To make your slow cooker Thai peanut chicken even better, consider these helpful tips.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and high-quality coconut milk will enhance the overall flavor.
- Adjust sweetness: Taste and adjust the amount of liquid stevia or sweetener according to your preference.
- Cook low and slow: For best results, cook on low heat; this allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Add veggies: Feel free to toss in bell peppers or snap peas for added nutrition and texture.
- Experiment with spices: If you like heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or sriracha for an extra kick.
- Store leftovers properly: Keep any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken | Low Carb
Pairing side dishes with your slow cooker Thai peanut chicken can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Steamed Broccoli: This nutritious vegetable adds vibrant color and pairs well with the creamy dish.
- Garlic Sautéed Spinach: Quick and easy, sautéed spinach complements the flavors while providing essential nutrients.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The caramelized edges of Brussels sprouts add depth to your meal.
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad brings crunch and balances out the richness of the chicken.
- Shirataki Noodles: These zero-calorie noodles are perfect for those looking to keep carbs low while enjoying a hearty meal.
- Zesty Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can add a nice crunch and contrast to the soft textures of the chicken.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken, it’s easy to overlook some important details. Avoid these common mistakes for the best results.
- Measurements: Always measure your ingredients accurately. Using too much or too little of key ingredients like peanut butter can alter the flavor and texture significantly.
- Chicken Preparation: Don’t skip cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and absorbs all the delicious flavors of the sauce.
- Cooking Time: Avoid cooking at too high a temperature. Cooking on low for 5-6 hours yields tender chicken, while high heat can make it tough.
- Ingredient Substitutions: Be cautious when substituting ingredients. For example, using regular sugar instead of liquid stevia can increase carbs and change the dish’s keto-friendly status.
- Garnishing: Don’t underestimate garnishes like cilantro and roasted peanuts. They add freshness and texture that enhance the overall dish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Allow the meal to cool before sealing to prevent condensation.
Freezing Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken | Low Carb
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Portion out servings for easier thawing later.
Reheating Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken | Low Carb
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 25 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or coconut milk if necessary, until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken | Low Carb that many people have.
Can I use different meats for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with turkey or pork. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
What can I serve with Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken?
Cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or shirataki noodles are excellent low-carb options that pair well with this dish.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken is great for meal prep. It stores well in the fridge or freezer for easy reheating during busy weeks.
How spicy is this dish?
The spiciness depends on how much red curry paste you use. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your taste preference.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Its rich flavors make it a perfect weeknight meal, while its low-carb profile suits various dietary needs. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices to make it uniquely yours!
Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken
Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that beautifully combines authentic Thai flavors with the convenience of a slow cooker. This low-carb, keto-friendly recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a rich, creamy peanut sauce that envelops tender chicken pieces.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients
- 2 lb boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 can coconut milk
- ½ cup peanut butter
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp red curry paste
- 3 tsp fish sauce
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Place the chicken pieces in the slow cooker and season with salt and pepper.
- In a medium bowl, mix the coconut milk, peanut butter, minced garlic, red curry paste, fish sauce, and liquid stevia.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and stir to coat evenly.
- Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Serve with your choice of cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles; garnish with roasted peanuts and cilantro if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
