If you’re looking for a cozy, flavor-packed dish that’s incredibly easy to prepare yet feels truly special, you’ve got to try this Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken with 5-Ingredient Peanut Sauce Recipe. It’s a wonderful blend of tender, juicy chicken infused with a creamy, tangy peanut sauce that’s just the right balance of sweet, savory, and a little kick of heat. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend, this recipe makes dinner feel effortless and exciting all at once, bringing bold flavors straight to your slow cooker with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, creating a harmony of taste, texture, and color that makes your dinner truly shine. These simple ingredients come together smoothly, ensuring your dish is bursting with mouthwatering flavor.
- Natural peanut butter: Adds rich creaminess and a deep nutty flavor that’s the heart of the sauce.
- Garlic clove: Brings a sharp, aromatic punch that complements the peanut butter beautifully.
- Pure maple syrup: Offers a gentle sweetness balancing the savory and tangy elements perfectly.
- Low-sodium gluten-free tamari or soy sauce: Provides umami depth and saltiness to enhance all other flavors.
- Rice vinegar or fresh lime juice: Adds a bright, zesty tang that lifts the sauce and keeps it fresh.
- Warm water: Loosens the sauce to the perfect consistency for coating the chicken.
- Hot sauce: Optional but highly recommended for a spicy kick that wakes up the entire dish.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: The tender protein that soaks up the peanut sauce as it slow cooks.
- Broccoli florets: Adds vibrant green color, crunch, and nutrition.
- Sliced red bell pepper: Brings sweetness and a pop of red for visual appeal and taste.
- Chopped green onion and cilantro (optional): Fresh garnishes that add brightness and herbal notes as a finishing touch.
How to Make Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken with 5-Ingredient Peanut Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Peanut Sauce
In a medium bowl, start by whisking together the peanut butter, garlic, maple syrup, tamari, rice vinegar (or lime juice), and warm water. Whisk until you get a perfectly smooth, creamy sauce. For an extra luscious texture, you can blend these ingredients instead. This peanut sauce is the magic that transforms simple chicken into a flavorful masterpiece.
Step 2: Toss Chicken with Peanut Sauce and Slow Cook
Place the chicken into your slow cooker, then pour in about one-third of the peanut sauce, reserving the rest for later. Cover and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours, or on low for 4 to 5 hours. You want the chicken tender enough to shred with ease, but be careful not to overcook it to keep it juicy and succulent.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks until you have nice, bite-sized pieces full of that peanut-sauce flavor. Set the shredded chicken aside while you cook the vegetables.
Step 4: Add the Vegetables
Add broccoli florets and sliced red bell pepper directly to the slow cooker. Replace the lid and cook on high for another 20 to 30 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp and vibrant. This step gives the dish great texture and fresh color.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Drain half of the remaining cooking liquid from the slow cooker to avoid excess moisture. Return the shredded chicken to the cooker along with the reserved peanut sauce. Gently stir everything together and let it heat through. Alternatively, you can toss the shredded chicken and veggies with the cooking liquid and serve the peanut sauce drizzled on top or on the side.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle chopped green onion and fresh cilantro over the top, and add extra hot sauce if you like a little more heat. This step amps up both flavor and appearance, making each bite exciting. Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious harmony of flavors.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken with 5-Ingredient Peanut Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh herbs like chopped cilantro and green onions not only freshens the dish but adds vibrant color and an herbaceous note that perfectly complements the creamy peanut sauce. A drizzle of your favorite hot sauce on top kicks up the heat and makes the flavors really pop.
Side Dishes
This Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken with 5-Ingredient Peanut Sauce Recipe goes wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Crunchy fresh cucumber salad or a simple slaw can add refreshing contrast, while warm, soft tortillas work well if you want to serve it like a sandwich or wrap.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the pulled chicken over noodles for a peanut chicken noodle bowl, or scoop it into lettuce cups for a fun, handheld meal. You can even stuff it into baked sweet potatoes for a hearty but healthy twist. The versatility here is amazing, making it perfect for both casual family dinners and a wonderful dinner party surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken with 5-Ingredient Peanut Sauce Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making it just as delicious, if not more so, the next day!
Freezing
This dish freezes well too. Store portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally to warm through evenly without drying out the chicken. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen up the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and more tender after slow cooking, which some people prefer. Both work great for this recipe.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be made gluten-free by using tamari (a gluten-free soy sauce alternative) instead of regular soy sauce, as specified in the ingredients.
What if I don’t have rice vinegar?
Fresh lime juice is an excellent substitute that provides a similar tangy brightness, keeping the sauce lively and balanced.
Can I make the peanut sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The peanut sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week, making the cooking process even quicker when you’re ready.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level is customizable. The peanut sauce itself isn’t spicy, but adding hot sauce lets you control the kick exactly to your liking.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken with 5-Ingredient Peanut Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate — comforting, flavorful, and effortlessly satisfying. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, it’s perfect for busy lifestyles without ever compromising on taste. I encourage you to give it a try and discover just how enjoyable healthy and delicious slow cooker meals can be!
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Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken with 5-Ingredient Peanut Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken with 5-Ingredient Peanut Sauce is a flavorful, easy-to-make meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken is slow-cooked to perfection and tossed with a creamy, slightly sweet peanut sauce, complemented with vibrant broccoli and bell peppers. The dish features simple ingredients and minimal prep, delivering a rich, satisfying taste with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Peanut Sauce
- â…“ cup natural peanut butter (at room temperature or melted)
- 1 garlic clove (finely grated or minced)
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 4 tablespoons low-sodium gluten-free tamari or soy sauce
- 4 tablespoons rice vinegar or fresh lime juice
- â…“ cup warm water
- Hot sauce to taste
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups sliced red bell pepper
For Serving (Optional)
- Chopped green onion
- Fresh cilantro
- Additional hot sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the peanut sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, garlic, maple syrup, tamari, rice vinegar or lime juice, and warm water until very smooth. For an extra creamy texture, blend these ingredients until smooth.
- Cook the chicken: Place the chicken and â…“ cup of the prepared peanut sauce into a 6-quart slow cooker. Reserve the remaining sauce for later. Cover and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or on low for 4 to 5 hours until the chicken is tender and can be shredded easily with a fork. Be cautious not to overcook to avoid dryness.
- Shred the chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks or chop into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- Cook the vegetables: Add the broccoli florets and sliced red bell pepper to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for an additional 20 to 30 minutes until the vegetables are just tender yet still vibrant.
- Combine and heat through: Carefully drain half of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker. Return the shredded chicken to the cooker along with the remaining peanut sauce. Gently stir to combine and heat through evenly. Alternatively, toss the chicken and vegetables with the cooking liquid and serve with the peanut sauce drizzled over the top or served on the side.
- Garnish and serve: Top the dish with chopped green onion, fresh cilantro, and additional hot sauce if desired. Serve immediately for a delicious and hearty meal.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for more flavorful and moist results, or chicken breasts for leaner protein.
- The peanut sauce can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If you prefer spicier dishes, adjust the amount of hot sauce to your taste.
- Serve with rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- Ensure to not overcook the chicken to maintain tenderness and avoid dryness.
