Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken

📝Shopping list

To make this incredible slow cooker recipe, you will need these simple ingredients:

• Natural peanut butter - chunky is a great option
• Soy sauce
• Ginger - minced
• Rice wine vinegar
• Garlic - minced
• Sriracha
• Sesame oil
• Agave
• Mirepoix - diced carrots, onions and celery
• Chicken thighs - or chicken breasts
• Sugar snap peas
• Express Rice Noodles - fully cooked
• Crush peanuts, chopped fresh cilantro, and slice green onion - optional garnish

🔪Instructions

This great recipe involves just a few simple steps:

Preparing your slow cooker

Prepare your slow cooker by coating it with a non-stick agent.  Any nonstick cooking spray or oil will work. Olive oil and avocado oil are my go-to coatings. 

 NOTE: some slow cooker inserts come with a nonstick surface.  Use of a non-stick agent is still suggested. However, oil is sometimes recommended rather than spray to protect the longevity of the non-stick surface.  Check your slow cooker's manual if you have any concerns. 

Alternatively, you can choose to use a slow cooker liner.  

This delicious take-off of a traditional Thai peanut chicken recipe is simple and amazing!  It is dairy free, sugar free and can be made kosher and gluten free. Tender chicken marinated and cooked to perfection in a delicious Thai peanut sauce is the ultimate dinner-time hit! 

🍽Serving suggestions

• Noodles:  Not a fan of express rice noodles?  Try using ramen noodles or brown rice in their place.  Make sure to cook them first according to the instructions on the packaging.
• Lettuce Wraps:  The peanut butter sauce in this delicious dish is the perfect complement to crisp fresh lettuce.
• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a touch of acidity that brightens up the flavors.
• Side Dishes: Steamed edamame, vanilla maple carrots,  a crisp garden salad, and crunchy wonton strips are all great pairings for this amazing chicken dish.  
• Spice: For additional heat, top with red pepper flakes

🔁Substitution ideas

1. To make this easy recipe gluten free, substitute soy sauce with Braggs Liquid Aminos. I find this to be a bit saltier than soy sauce. To compensate for this, I suggest using 2.5 tablespoons rather than 3, as instructed below.
2. No time to chop up fresh veggies?  Use frozen instead! 
3. For those with peanut allergies, other nut butters or tahini may be used in place of peanut butter.  Keep in mind that this will change the flavor of the final dish.    
4. Creamy peanut butter can be used in place of chunky, if need be.
5. I use jarred ginger, but fresh ginger would be a delicious substitution.
6. Crunchy crisp red bell peppers would also be a great addition to this Thai-like dish.  

Storing leftovers

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container or bag for 3-4 days.  Reheat gently as noodles may break apart and get mushy when reheating. 

I do not recommend freezing leftovers of this dish.  

😉Hacks and hints

1. Traditional rice noodles are very easy to make by following the instructions on the package. For an easy cheat, I use Pad Thai Express rice noodles.  They can be mixed right into your slow cooker without cooking first.   
2. Using a slow cooker liner is an optional step. I like to purchase my liners in bulk for a less expensive per-piece price.
3. Use a meat thermometer for confirmation that chicken is safe to eat. According to the FDA, chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F
4. All slow cookers are different and may have slightly different cook times. The first time you make this dish note how long it takes for your chicken to reach 165℉. This will make your timing easier to gauge the next time you make it.
5. Store leftovers in individual serving-sized containers for easy grab-and-go future meals.  They make the perfect meal for a busy day.
6. In the market for a new slow cooker? I love mine!
7. Always double check to make sure your slow cooker is on and plugged in!!! There is nothing worse than coming home to a slow cooker that was never properly turned on!🙄