Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken | Low Carb

Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken | Low Carb is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of Thailand right to your kitchen. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, as it requires minimal prep and lets the slow cooker do all the work. Not only is it healthy and low in carbs, but it’s also gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary preferences. The rich, creamy peanut sauce combined with tender chicken makes this dish a standout choice for family dinners or meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can have a delicious meal ready with little effort.
• Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of coconut milk and peanut butter creates a rich sauce that’s packed with flavor.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or on its own for a low-carb option.
• Family-Friendly: This dish appeals to both kids and adults alike, making dinner time enjoyable for everyone.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week — perfect for lunches or quick dinners.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to ensure your cooking experience is smooth and efficient.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Slow cooker
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife

Why These Tools Matter

• Slow cooker: This appliance allows you to cook meals slowly, enhancing flavors and tenderizing meats without constant monitoring.
• Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients easily before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements ensure that your flavors balance perfectly in this tasty dish.

Ingredients

For this delicious Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken | Low Carb recipe, gather the following ingredients:

For the Chicken Dish

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

Optional Garnishes

• Roasted peanuts (optional for garnish)
• Cilantro (chopped, optional for garnish)

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 the flavor.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
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)

Stir until well mixed and smooth.

Step 3: Combine in Slow Cooker

Pour the peanut butter mixture over the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker. Use a spoon or spatula to stir everything together until the chicken is evenly coated.

Step 4: Cook

Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Allow time for all those wonderful flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Serve

Once cooked, serve your delicious Thai peanut chicken on its own or over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or shirataki noodles. If desired, top with chopped roasted peanuts and fresh cilantro for added texture and flavor. Enjoy!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken | Low Carb

Serving Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken is a delightful experience, as this dish is versatile and can complement various sides. Here are some creative ways to enjoy it that will please your family and friends.

Over Cauliflower Rice

• Cauliflower rice is a great low-carb alternative to traditional rice. Its light flavor pairs well with the rich peanut sauce, making for a satisfying meal.

Zucchini Noodles

• Spiralized zucchini noodles add a fresh, crunchy element to your dish. Simply sauté them lightly before serving for the best texture.

Shirataki Noodles

• These zero-calorie noodles soak up flavors beautifully. They provide a guilt-free base for your Thai peanut chicken while keeping the carb count low.

Lettuce Wraps

• For a fun twist, serve the chicken in crisp lettuce leaves. This makes for a refreshing, hand-held option that’s perfect for gatherings.

Topped with Peanuts and Cilantro

• Garnishing with roasted peanuts and chopped cilantro enhances the flavor and adds a wonderful crunch. It’s an easy way to elevate your dish visually and taste-wise.

With Steamed Vegetables

• Pairing the chicken with steamed broccoli or green beans not only adds nutrition but also balances the richness of the peanut sauce.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken | Low Carb

Perfecting your Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken takes just a few simple steps. Here are some tips to ensure you achieve delicious results every time.

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: Fresh chicken and natural peanut butter boost flavor and nutrition.
• Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer more heat, feel free to add extra red curry paste or chili flakes.
• Cook Low and Slow: For tender chicken, cooking on low for 5-6 hours is optimal, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
• Taste Before Serving: Adjust sweetness or saltiness by adding more liquid stevia or fish sauce as needed.
• Store Leftovers Properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, ensuring you maintain freshness.
• Experiment with Garnishes: Try different herbs like basil or mint for unique flavor profiles that complement the dish.

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

Choosing side dishes that pair well with Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Steamed Broccoli
   A healthy choice that provides fiber and vitamins while balancing out the richness of the peanut sauce.
2. Garlic Sauteed Spinach
   Quick to prepare, garlic sautéed spinach adds both color and nutrients to your plate.
3. Grilled Asparagus
   Lightly charred asparagus offers a lovely smokiness that contrasts nicely with the creamy chicken.
4. Riced Radishes
   This unique riced vegetable option gives a peppery kick while remaining low in carbs.
5. Avocado Salad
   A refreshing avocado salad with lime dressing complements the flavors of the dish without adding many carbs.
6. Cucumber Salad
   Crisp cucumber salad dressed in vinegar brings brightness and crunch that balances the meal’s richness.
7. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
   Roasting Brussels sprouts caramelizes their natural sugars, offering a sweet counterpoint to your savory chicken.
8. Zucchini Fritters
   These can be made crispy on the outside while soft inside, providing additional texture alongside your main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

• Overcrowding the Slow Cooker: Filling the slow cooker too full can prevent even cooking. Make sure not to exceed the recommended capacity for best results.
• Skipping Seasoning Adjustments: Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving. Adding salt and pepper at the end can enhance flavors significantly.
• Using Low-Quality Peanut Butter: Cheap peanut butter can affect the taste of your dish. Select a natural, creamy peanut butter for a richer flavor.
• Not Preparing Ingredients Properly: Cutting chicken into uneven sizes can lead to inconsistent cooking. Aim for uniform pieces for even heat distribution.
• Ignoring Cooking Time: Cooking times can vary by slow cooker model. Check for doneness and adjust time as needed.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing it in a container to prevent condensation.

Freezing Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken | Low Carb

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• To protect against freezer burn, remove as much air as possible from bags before sealing.

Reheating Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken | Low Carb

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place in an oven-safe dish with a lid, and heat for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring between intervals.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken | Low Carb?

Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken is a healthy, low-carb meal made with tender chicken cooked in a creamy peanut sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners.

Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

Yes! You can use beef or turkey in this recipe. Just adjust cooking times according to the protein selected.

How do I serve Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken?

This dish is great served over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or shirataki noodles. You can also enjoy it on its own!

Is Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken keto-friendly?

Absolutely! This recipe is low in carbs and suitable for ketogenic diets due to its high protein content and healthy fats.

Can I customize this recipe?

Certainly! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for extra nutrition and flavor.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile and easy to customize according to your taste preferences. Whether you serve it over low-carb noodles or enjoy it straight from the slow cooker, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Try different garnishes or add your favorite veggies for even more flavor!

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