If you are craving a dish that is packed with flavor but surprisingly simple to throw together, you are going to love this Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken with 5-Ingredient Peanut Sauce Recipe. It brings together tender, juicy chicken slowly cooked to perfection and bathed in a silky, savory peanut sauce that dances on your taste buds. This recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a wholesome meal waiting for you with minimal fuss, yet full of vibrant colors and satisfying textures. The balance of sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy notes from just a handful of ingredients makes this dish an instant favorite for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken with 5-Ingredient Peanut Sauce Recipe plays a crucial role, blending simple pantry staples and fresh produce to create a harmonious, flavorful experience. Each item is selected to enhance the dish’s taste, texture, and vibrant appeal.
- Natural peanut butter: This forms the creamy, nutty base of the sauce; using natural peanut butter ensures a pure, rich flavor without extra sugars or oils.
- Garlic clove: Adds a punch of aromatic depth that elevates the sauce’s savory profile.
- Pure maple syrup: Brings a gentle sweetness that balances the tang and saltiness perfectly.
- Low-sodium gluten-free tamari or soy sauce: Offers umami and saltiness while keeping the dish accessible for gluten-sensitive diets.
- Rice vinegar or fresh lime juice: Injects a lively tang that brightens the sauce and complements the peanut butter richness.
- Warm water: Helps to thin out the sauce for a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Hot sauce: Optional but highly recommended, it adds a pleasant kick to wake up the flavors.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: The star protein that soaks up all the incredible sauce flavors while becoming fork-tender.
- Broccoli florets: Introduce a fresh, crunchy element that brings color and nutrition.
- Sliced red bell pepper: Adds sweetness, crunch, and a pop of bright red that makes the dish as beautiful as it is delicious.
- Chopped green onion, cilantro, and hot sauce for serving (optional): These garnishes provide freshness, herbal brightness, and customizable heat to finish the dish.
How to Make Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken with 5-Ingredient Peanut Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Sauce
Start by whisking together the peanut butter, finely grated garlic, maple syrup, tamari, rice vinegar or lime juice, and warm water until the sauce is velvety smooth. The magic here is in creating the perfect blend of creamy, sweet, tangy, and salty flavors that will absorb beautifully into the chicken.
Step 2: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Place the chicken pieces in your slow cooker and pour in about a third of the peanut sauce you made, reserving the rest for later. This initial coating ensures the chicken begins marinating in those flavors right away. Cover and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or low for 4 to 5 hours. The slow cooker does its magic, transforming the chicken into melt-apart tenderness without drying it out.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Once cooked, take the chicken out and shred it using two forks. This step is where the dish gets its signature texture — soft, shredded chicken that’s ready to soak up even more peanut sauce.
Step 4: Cook the Vegetables
Add the broccoli florets and sliced red bell pepper to the slow cooker, then cover and cook on high heat for an additional 20 to 30 minutes. This timing keeps the vegetables crisp-tender and vibrant, adding freshness and crunch to your plate.
Step 5: Combine It All
Drain half of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker and then return the shredded chicken along with the remaining peanut sauce back into the cooker. Stir gently to mix all the flavors while reheating everything together. This ensures every bite is coated with that luscious 5-ingredient peanut sauce that makes this dish exceptional.
Step 6: Finish with Garnishes
Top your Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken with 5-Ingredient Peanut Sauce Recipe with freshly chopped green onions, cilantro, and a drizzle of hot sauce if you like a bit of heat. This step adds layers of flavor and a fresh look that will impress anyone sitting at your table.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken with 5-Ingredient Peanut Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Adding chopped green onions and cilantro brings a vibrant herbal note and lovely crunch, while a splash of hot sauce can turn up the excitement on your palate. These garnishes aren’t just for looks — they elevate the entire dish by balancing richness and adding fresh bursts of flavor.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with jasmine or basmati rice, which soak up the peanut sauce perfectly. For a lighter option, serve alongside steamed or roasted veggies, or even toss with some cooked noodles for a quick peanut noodle salad vibe. The mild side dishes help the chicken and peanut sauce stand out as the star.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this pulled chicken in lettuce wraps for a fun, handheld meal. You can also pile it onto toasted buns for a nutty twist on pulled chicken sandwiches. Wrapping the chicken and veggies in warm tortillas creates quick peanut chicken tacos that are sure to be a hit at any casual gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, so it’s just as delicious the next day. Consume within 3 to 4 days for best freshness.
Freezing
This Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken with 5-Ingredient Peanut Sauce Recipe freezes exceptionally well. Portion the shredded chicken and sauce separately from the vegetables if you can. Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 2 months, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of water or extra peanut sauce if the mixture looks dry. Reheat vegetables separately where possible to maintain their texture. Garnish fresh after reheating to keep those bright herbal notes alive.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually a fantastic choice for this recipe because they stay extra juicy and tender during slow cooking, making your Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken with 5-Ingredient Peanut Sauce Recipe even more flavorful.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce. The rest of the ingredients are naturally free from gluten, so it’s safe and tasty for those with gluten sensitivities.
How spicy is this dish?
The base recipe is mild, but you can easily adjust the heat with the amount of hot sauce you add. It’s perfect for everyone’s palate because you can customize the spice level to your liking during serving.
Can I prepare the peanut sauce in advance?
Definitely! The peanut sauce can be mixed a day or two ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick stir or whisk before using since some separation may occur over time.
What can I substitute for peanut butter if I have allergies?
You can swap peanut butter with almond or cashew butter for a similar creaminess, though the flavor will change slightly. Just be sure to check for any nut allergies and adjust accordingly.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken with 5-Ingredient Peanut Sauce Recipe is a deliciously easy way to bring bold, comforting flavors to your dinner table with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a family or just want a go-to meal that’s both healthy and satisfying, this dish effortlessly delivers. Don’t wait to make it your own favorite — the blend of tender chicken, creamy peanut sauce, vibrant veggies, and fresh garnishes is simply too good to miss.
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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: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken with 5-Ingredient Peanut Sauce is a simple and flavorful recipe perfect for an easy weeknight meal. Tender chicken breasts or thighs are slow-cooked to perfection, shredded, and combined with a creamy, tangy peanut sauce made from natural peanut butter, garlic, maple syrup, tamari, and rice vinegar. The addition of vibrant broccoli florets and red bell peppers makes this hearty dish both nutritious and delicious. Garnished with fresh green onions, cilantro, and a splash of hot sauce, it’s an irresistibly savory and sweet dish that’s sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
Peanut Sauce
- ⅓ 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
- ⅓ 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
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped green onion
- Fresh cilantro
- Additional hot sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the peanut sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter, garlic, maple syrup, tamari, rice vinegar or lime juice, and warm water until very smooth. For a creamier texture, blend all ingredients until smooth.
- Cook the chicken: Add the chicken and ⅓ cup of the prepared peanut sauce to a 6-quart slow cooker. Reserve the remaining sauce. Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 4-5 hours, until the chicken is tender enough to shred easily with a fork. Be careful not to overcook to keep the chicken moist.
- Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks or chop into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- Cook the vegetables: Add broccoli florets and sliced red bell pepper to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for an additional 20-30 minutes until vegetables are tender but still vibrant.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Carefully drain half of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker. Return the shredded chicken to the cooker along with the remaining peanut sauce. Stir gently to combine and heat through. Alternatively, toss the chicken and vegetables with the cooking liquid and serve with peanut sauce drizzled on top or on the side.
- Serve and garnish: Garnish with chopped green onion, fresh cilantro, and additional hot sauce if desired. Serve immediately for a nutritious and hearty meal.
Notes
- Use boneless skinless chicken thighs for more moist, flavorful meat or breasts for a leaner option.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce according to your heat preference.
- This dish is perfect for meal prep and stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Use gluten-free tamari to keep this recipe gluten-free.
- If you prefer a thicker peanut sauce, reduce the amount of warm water gradually.
- Feel free to swap vegetables or add your favorites like snap peas or carrots.
