Crock Pot Savory Chicken Pad Thai
Satisfy your cravings for authentic Pad Thai with this easy and flavorful crock pot recipe. This dish was inspired by a spontaneous kitchen creation, utilizing ingredients readily available while still delivering a deliciously complex flavor profile. The tender chicken breast simmers in a tangy sauce made from salsa, creamy peanut butter, and fresh herbs, creating a delightful balance of savory and zesty flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this dish can also be customized to suit your taste by adding or omitting ingredients as you see fit. Serve it over perfectly cooked egg noodles and garnish with fresh bean sprouts, crushed peanuts, and vibrant cilantro for a delightful home-cooked meal that rivals any restaurant Pad Thai.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breasts
3 (cut into chunks)
salsa
1 cup (any kind)
peanut butter
1/2 cup (crunchy recommended)
lime
1 (juice and zest)
soy sauce
2 tablespoons
fresh ginger
1 teaspoon (grated)
fresh garlic
3 cloves (grated)
coconut milk
1/4 cup
mushrooms
8 ounces (sliced)
red bell pepper
1 (chopped (optional))
yellow bell pepper
1 (chopped (optional))
snow peas
1 cup (chopped (optional))
bean sprouts
1 cup
crushed peanuts
1/4 cup
fresh cilantro
(for garnish)
salt
(to taste)
pepper
(to taste)
egg noodles
(cooked)
Instructions
1
Set your crock pot to medium heat.
2
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks.
3
In a large frying pan heated over high heat, sear the chicken until browned on the outside, then transfer it to the crock pot.
4
In a mixing bowl, combine the salsa, peanut butter, soy sauce, grated ginger, garlic, the juice and zest of one lime, and coconut milk. Stir until well combined.
5
Pour the sauce mixture over the seared chicken in the crock pot and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6
Cover the crock pot with a lid, and allow it to cook. After approximately 2 hours, check if it is simmering. If not, increase the heat slightly.
7
Once the dish is simmering, add the sliced mushrooms to the pot.
8
After another hour of cooking, add the chopped bell peppers and snow peas, and allow everything to cook for an additional 45 minutes to an hour.
9
When ready, serve the chicken mixture over cooked egg noodles, and top with bean sprouts, crushed peanuts, and fresh cilantro for garnish.
10
Optional: If the sauce is too thick for your liking, you can add a splash of chicken broth to achieve your desired consistency.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish in this recipe?
The main dish is Crock Pot Savory Chicken Pad Thai.
How should I prepare the chicken breasts?
The chicken breasts should be cut into bite-sized chunks and seared in a frying pan until browned before adding them to the crock pot.
What setting should I use on my crock pot?
Set your crock pot to medium heat for this recipe.
What kind of salsa is recommended for the sauce?
You can use any kind of salsa you prefer.
What type of peanut butter works best?
Crunchy peanut butter is recommended for this recipe to add texture.
How much peanut butter is needed?
You will need 1/2 cup of peanut butter.
Does the recipe use lime?
Yes, it uses both the juice and the zest of one lime.
What ingredients are in the sauce mixture?
The sauce is a mixture of salsa, peanut butter, soy sauce, grated ginger, garlic, lime juice, lime zest, and coconut milk.
When should I add the sliced mushrooms?
Add the sliced mushrooms once the dish has reached a simmer, which is typically after about 2 hours of cooking.
When do the bell peppers and snow peas get added?
Add the chopped bell peppers and snow peas after the mushrooms have cooked for about one hour.
How long do the vegetables cook at the end?
The bell peppers and snow peas should cook for an additional 45 minutes to one hour.
What type of noodles are served with this dish?
This chicken mixture is served over cooked egg noodles.
What garnishes are suggested for this Pad Thai?
Garnish the dish with bean sprouts, crushed peanuts, and fresh cilantro.
What can I do if the sauce is too thick?
If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
Can I use frozen chicken?
The recipe calls for searing fresh chicken chunks first; if using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed before searing.
How many chicken breasts are required?
The recipe requires 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts.
What size should the chicken pieces be?
The chicken should be cut into bite-sized chunks.
How much coconut milk is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of coconut milk.
How much ginger and garlic are needed?
Use 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger and 3 cloves of grated fresh garlic.
Is the bell pepper mandatory?
No, the red and yellow bell peppers are listed as optional ingredients.
What should I do if the crock pot isn't simmering after 2 hours?
If it is not simmering after 2 hours, increase the heat setting slightly.
How much soy sauce is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of soy sauce.
Are the snow peas chopped?
Yes, the recipe suggests using 1 cup of chopped snow peas.
How much crushed peanuts are used for garnish?
Use 1/4 cup of crushed peanuts for the garnish.
What kind of mushrooms should I use?
The recipe specifies 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms, but doesn't restrict the variety.
Can I customize this recipe?
Yes, you can add or omit ingredients to suit your personal taste.
What is the total estimated cooking time?
The total cooking time is approximately 4 to 5 hours on medium heat.
Should I season the chicken?
Yes, season the chicken mixture in the crock pot with salt and pepper to taste.
Is this a spicy dish?
The spice level depends on the type of salsa you choose to use.
What is the texture of the finished chicken?
The chicken becomes tender as it simmers in the tangy and creamy sauce.