Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken | Low Carb

Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken | Low Carb is the ideal dish for a busy weeknight. This flavorful and creamy recipe combines tender chicken with a rich peanut sauce, making it a hit for both family dinners and meal prep. With its low-carb profile, this dish is perfect for those following keto or gluten-free diets. Quick to prepare and effortlessly delicious, it’s a meal that will satisfy everyone at your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 5 minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it while the slow cooker does all the work.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of coconut milk, peanut butter, and red curry paste creates a savory dish bursting with flavor.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or on its own for a low-carb meal.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this tasty dish, making it perfect for family dinners.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Perfect for batch cooking; you can enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken | Low Carb, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to streamline your cooking process. Here are the must-have items:

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Slow Cooker
• Medium Bowl
• Measuring Cups
• Knife and Cutting Board

Why These Tools Matter

• Slow Cooker: This tool allows you to cook meals slowly over hours, enhancing flavors while saving you time in the kitchen.
• Medium Bowl: Essential for mixing ingredients without splatters or mess.
• Knife and Cutting Board: Having sharp knives and a sturdy board is crucial for efficiently preparing your ingredients.

Ingredients

For this delicious recipe, you will need the following 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 them generously with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine:
1. The coconut milk
2. The peanut butter
3. The minced garlic
4. The red curry paste
5. The fish sauce
6. Liquid stevia to taste (start with about 1/4 tsp)

Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step 3: Combine and Cook

Pour the peanut butter mixture over the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker. Stir everything together gently to ensure all chicken pieces are coated.
– Cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.

Step 4: Serve

Once cooked, serve your Thai peanut chicken as is or over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or shirataki noodles.
– If desired, top with chopped roasted peanuts and cilantro for an extra burst of 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 offers versatility and flavor. You can enjoy it in various ways, making it suitable for different preferences and occasions.

Over Cauliflower Rice

• Cauliflower rice is a fantastic low-carb alternative to traditional rice. Simply steam or sauté it lightly before serving for a satisfying base.

With Zucchini Noodles

• Zucchini noodles, or zoodles, provide a fresh, crunchy texture. You can spiralize zucchini and quickly sauté them for a perfect pairing with the peanut chicken.

On Shirataki Noodles

• Shirataki noodles are another low-carb option made from konjac yam. They are easy to prepare and absorb the flavors of the sauce beautifully.

In Lettuce Wraps

• For a fun, hands-on meal, serve the chicken in large lettuce leaves. This creates a fresh wrap that’s both healthy and low in carbs.

Topped with Chopped Peanuts

• Garnishing with chopped peanuts adds crunch and enhances the nutty flavor of the dish. Sprinkle them right before serving for the best texture.

With Fresh Cilantro

• Adding freshly chopped cilantro not only brightens the dish but also complements the Thai flavors beautifully. It can be sprinkled on top just before serving.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken | Low Carb

To achieve the best results with your Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken, consider these tips that will enhance both flavor and texture.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and high-quality coconut milk will elevate the dish’s overall taste.
• Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a spicier dish, add more red curry paste or fresh chilies to suit your palate.
• Cook on Low: Cooking on low heat allows the flavors to meld perfectly over time, resulting in tender chicken.
• Taste Before Serving: Always taste your sauce before serving; adjust sweetness or saltiness if needed to match your preference.
• Consider Meal Prep: This dish holds up well in the fridge, making it an excellent choice for meal prep throughout the week.
• Pair with Fresh Vegetables: Adding steamed veggies alongside enhances nutrition and adds color to your plate.

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

Completing your meal with delicious side dishes can enhance your dining experience. Here are some fantastic options that pair perfectly with Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken.

1. Steamed Broccoli
   A nutritious choice that adds vibrant color and complements the peanut sauce nicely.
2. Sautéed Spinach
   Quick to prepare, sautéed spinach provides iron and pairs well with Asian flavors.
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
   Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts offer a great texture contrast while being low in carbs.
4. Garlic Green Beans
   Lightly sautéed green beans with garlic bring freshness and crunch to your plate.
5. Cabbage Slaw
   A simple slaw made from cabbage adds a refreshing crunch; just toss it with lime juice for extra zing.
6. Riced Broccoli
   Similar to cauliflower rice, riced broccoli is nutritious and an excellent low-carb substitute for traditional grains.
7. Avocado Salad
   Creamy avocado mixed with lime juice and diced tomatoes creates a refreshing side that balances out the richness of the chicken.
8. Radish Salad
   A simple salad of sliced radishes provides crispness and peppery notes that complement the flavors of your main dish well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken, a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.

• Overcrowding the Slow Cooker: Make sure not to pack the chicken too tightly. This can prevent even cooking and may lead to uneven flavors.
• Ignoring Seasoning: Proper seasoning is essential. Don’t skip adding salt and pepper at the beginning; this enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Using Low-Quality Peanut Butter: The quality of peanut butter affects flavor. Choose a natural brand without added sugars or oils for the best results.
• Not Checking Doneness: Cooking times can vary by slow cooker. Always check that the chicken is cooked through before serving.
• Forgetting Garnishes: Optional garnishes like chopped peanuts and cilantro add fresh flavors. Don’t skip these to elevate your dish.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the dish to cool completely before refrigerating for best results.

Freezing Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken | Low Carb

• Freeze in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• Portion out servings for convenience, making it easier to defrost only what you need.

Reheating Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken | Low Carb

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I serve with Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken?

Serve this dish over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or any low-carb alternative for a complete meal.

Can I customize the spice level?

Yes! Adjust the amount of red curry paste according to your heat preference. You can also add more chili if you like it spicier.

How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

This recipe is already dairy-free due to its use of coconut milk and peanut butter, making it suitable for most dietary preferences.

Can I use other proteins in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with turkey or lamb based on your preference.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes! It stores well and makes a great option for meal prepping for busy weeks ahead.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile and healthy. With its rich flavors and low-carb profile, it’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Feel free to customize it further by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting spices to suit your taste!

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