Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken | Low Carb

Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings bold flavors and comforting textures to your dinner table. This healthy dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. With its creamy coconut milk and rich peanut sauce, this low-carb recipe will delight your family and impress guests at any gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: Simply toss ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
• Flavorful Sauce: The combination of coconut milk, peanut butter, and spices creates a savory sauce that is hard to resist.
• Healthy Options: This dish is keto-friendly and gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary needs.
• Versatile Serving Ideas: Serve it over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or enjoy it on its own.
• Quick Cooking Time: Enjoy a hearty meal with minimal effort in just a few hours.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools to make the process smooth and efficient.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Slow cooker
• Medium mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons

Why These Tools Matter

• Slow cooker: It allows for hands-off cooking, enabling flavors to meld together beautifully over time.
• Medium mixing bowl: Perfect for combining sauces without making a mess.
• Measuring cups/Spoons: Ensures accuracy in ingredient proportions for consistent results.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 2 lb boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• salt and pepper

For the Sauce

• 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)

For 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 generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine the following:
1. Coconut milk
2. Peanut butter
3. Minced garlic
4. Red curry paste
5. Fish sauce
6. Liquid stevia (start with about 1/4 tsp)

Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Pour the peanut butter mixture over the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker. Stir gently to coat all chicken pieces evenly with the sauce.

Step 4: Cook

Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, depending on your schedule.

Step 5: Serve

Once cooked, you can serve your Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken as is or over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or shirataki noodles. If desired, top with chopped roasted peanuts and fresh cilantro for added flavor and presentation.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken | Low Carb

Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken is versatile and can be served in various delicious ways. Whether you want a simple plate or a creative twist, these serving suggestions will enhance your meal experience.

Over Cauliflower Rice

• Cauliflower rice provides a low-carb base that pairs perfectly with the creamy peanut sauce, making it an excellent choice for those looking to keep their meals light and healthy.

With Zucchini Noodles

• Zucchini noodles are a fresh and crunchy alternative to traditional pasta. They soak up the flavors of the peanut sauce, adding a delightful texture to each bite.

As Lettuce Wraps

• Use large lettuce leaves to wrap the chicken mixture for a fun, interactive meal. This option is not only low-carb but also adds a refreshing crunch.

Topped with Chopped Peanuts

• Sprinkle chopped peanuts on top for added crunch and nutty flavor. It enhances the dish’s presentation and adds an extra layer of taste.

Garnished with Cilantro

• Fresh cilantro brings brightness to the dish. Its distinct flavor complements the richness of the peanut sauce beautifully.

Served with Avocado Slices

• Adding creamy avocado slices on the side enriches your meal with healthy fats and balances out the spicy elements of the dish.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken | Low Carb

To achieve the best results with your Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken, follow these helpful tips.

• Choose Quality Chicken: Opt for fresh, high-quality chicken breast for better flavor and texture.
• Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of red curry paste or add more coconut milk to mellow it out.
• Let it Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking lets the juices redistribute, resulting in tender meat.
• Experiment with Vegetables: Add bell peppers or broccoli during cooking for extra nutrition and color in your dish.
• Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat gently on low heat for best results.
• Pair with Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs like basil or mint can elevate the flavors when used as garnishes just before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken | Low Carb

Complement your Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken with these satisfying side dishes that enhance your meal while keeping it low carb.

1. Steamed Broccoli
2. Steamed broccoli adds nutrients and fiber while providing a vibrant green color on your plate.
3. Garlic Sauteed Spinach
4. Quick sautéing spinach in garlic offers a flavorful side that’s nutritious and easy to make.
5. Cauliflower Mash
6. Creamy cauliflower mash mimics mashed potatoes without all the carbs, making it a hearty addition.
7. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
8. Roasted Brussels sprouts bring out natural sweetness and crispiness that pairs well with savory dishes.
9. Cucumber Salad
10. A refreshing cucumber salad dressed lightly can cleanse your palate between bites of rich chicken.
11. Zucchini Chips
12. Crispy baked zucchini chips provide a crunchy snack-like side that complements the main dish nicely.
13. Riced Broccoli
14. Riced broccoli serves as another fantastic low-carb base similar to cauliflower rice but with its unique flavor profile.
15. Asian Slaw
16. A tangy Asian slaw made from cabbage and carrots offers crunch and acidity, balancing out rich flavors beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken, there are some common missteps that can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here’s how to avoid them.

• Bold seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken properly can lead to blandness. Always season your chicken with salt and pepper before adding sauces.
• Bold timing errors: Cooking for too long can dry out the chicken. Make sure to stick to the recommended cooking times based on your slow cooker settings.
• Bold ingredient swaps: Using regular peanut butter instead of natural can alter the taste significantly. Use natural peanut butter for better flavor and consistency.
• Bold neglecting garnishes: Skipping garnishes like peanuts or cilantro can make your dish less appealing. Always add these for extra texture and flavor.
• Bold improper storage: Storing leftovers in non-airtight containers can lead to spoilage. Use airtight containers for proper storage.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken | Low Carb

• Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
• Place in freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken | Low Carb

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes) on medium power, stirring occasionally until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken | Low Carb?

Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken | Low Carb is a healthy, delicious meal made with chicken, coconut milk, and peanut butter, perfect for a family dinner.

Can I customize the recipe?

Absolutely! You can adjust the level of spice by adding more or less red curry paste or incorporate different vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli.

How do I serve Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken | Low Carb?

This dish pairs beautifully with cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or even shirataki noodles for a low-carb option.

What are some side dishes to accompany this meal?

Simple side dishes include steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or even low-carb bread for dipping into the sauce.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken is an appealing dish that combines rich flavors with health benefits. Its versatility allows you to customize it according to your preferences. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delightful weeknight meal!

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