Savory Slow-Cooked Peanut Butter Chicken
Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Savory Slow-Cooked Peanut Butter Chicken recipe. A beloved family favorite for over 7 years, this dish combines tender chicken breasts with the rich, creamy texture of peanut butter and the zesty kick from diced tomatoes with green chilies. Perfect for casual family dinners or entertaining guests, you can easily customize the spice level to suit your tastes. Serve it over a fluffy bed of rice to soak up all the delicious flavors, making it a satisfying one-dish meal that everyone will rave about. Enjoy the flexibility of adding or reducing peanut butter to achieve your desired flavor profile!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken Breasts
2 lbs (boneless, skinless)
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies
2 (8 ounce) cans (mild or hot, your choice)
Peanut Butter
4-8 ounces (creamy or crunchy, modify based on taste)
White Rice
2-3 cups (cooked, for serving)
Extra Peanut Butter
to taste (for drizzling on top)
Crushed Red Pepper
to taste (for optional spiciness)
Honey
to taste (for sweetness)
Onion
1 medium (chopped)
Garlic
3 cloves (minced)
Chicken Broth
1/2 cup (low-sodium if preferred)
Instructions
1
In a crock pot, combine the peanut butter and diced tomatoes with green chilies. If you choose to use optional ingredients like crushed red pepper and honey, add them at this stage for enhanced flavor.
2
Place the chicken breasts on top of the peanut butter and tomato mixture. Feel free to cut some chicken into chunks while leaving others whole; both will become tender during cooking.
3
Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chicken broth to the crock pot. Stir gently to incorporate the ingredients without disturbing the chicken too much.
4
Cover the crock pot and set it to low heat. Allow the chicken to cook for 4-6 hours, or until it is fully cooked and easily pulled apart with a fork.
5
Once the cooking time is complete, prepare your white rice according to package instructions.
6
When the chicken is done, use a fork to shred the chicken right in the crock pot and mix it with the sauce. This way, the chicken absorbs all the delicious flavors.
7
Serve the peanut butter chicken over a bed of white rice, drizzling additional peanut butter on top if desired. Enjoy your meal!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Slow-Cooked Peanut Butter Chicken?
It is a rich comfort food dish that combines tender chicken breasts with creamy peanut butter and zesty diced tomatoes with green chilies.
How long does this recipe take to cook in a crock pot?
The chicken should be cooked on low heat for 4 to 6 hours until it is fully cooked and easy to shred.
What temperature setting should I use on my slow cooker?
You should set your crock pot to low heat for the best results and tender chicken.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts in this recipe.
What kind of peanut butter is recommended?
You can use either creamy or crunchy peanut butter based on your personal texture preference.
How much peanut butter should I add?
The recipe calls for 4 to 8 ounces, which you can adjust to achieve your desired flavor profile.
Is this peanut butter chicken spicy?
The spice level is customizable depending on whether you choose mild or hot diced tomatoes with green chilies and if you add red pepper.
What size cans of tomatoes are needed?
The recipe requires two 8-ounce cans of diced tomatoes with green chilies.
How can I make the dish sweeter?
You can add honey to taste during the initial mixing stage to enhance the sweetness of the sauce.
How can I increase the heat in this recipe?
Add crushed red pepper to the crock pot at the beginning of the cooking process for an extra kick.
Do I need to cut the chicken before putting it in the crock pot?
You can leave the breasts whole or cut some into chunks; both methods will result in tender meat that is easy to shred later.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
It is best served over a fluffy bed of white rice to soak up the savory peanut butter sauce.
Is this considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is categorized as a one-dish meal because the protein and sauce are prepared together and served as a complete unit.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to provide approximately 4 servings.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter for added texture?
Yes, crunchy peanut butter works very well and adds a nice bit of texture to the finished sauce.
Is it okay to use low-sodium chicken broth?
Yes, using low-sodium chicken broth is a great way to control the salt content of the meal.
When do I add the onion and garlic?
The chopped onion and minced garlic should be added to the crock pot after the chicken but before you start the cooking cycle.
How do I shred the chicken once it is done?
Use a fork to pull the chicken apart directly in the crock pot and mix it thoroughly with the sauce.
Can I drizzle more peanut butter on top before serving?
Yes, adding an extra drizzle of peanut butter on top of each serving is highly recommended for peanut butter lovers.
How long has this recipe been a family favorite?
This specific recipe has been a beloved family staple for over 7 years.
Can I cook this recipe on high heat instead of low?
While low is recommended for the best texture, you can cook it on high for about 2 to 3 hours if you are short on time.
What if I do not have a crock pot?
You could potentially use a heavy-bottomed pot on a very low simmer on the stove, though monitoring will be required.
Can I substitute white rice with brown rice?
Yes, brown rice is a healthy alternative and works perfectly for soaking up the sauce.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Is this meal freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe bag or container for future meals.
Do I need to stir the ingredients during the 4-6 hours of cooking?
No, it is best to leave the lid closed to maintain heat; simply stir once the cooking time is complete and you are ready to shred the chicken.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be gluten-free if you ensure your peanut butter and chicken broth are certified gluten-free.
Can I add vegetables like bell peppers to this dish?
Yes, adding bell peppers or carrots during the cooking process is a great way to incorporate more vegetables.
How much rice should I prepare?
The recipe suggests preparing 2 to 3 cups of cooked white rice for serving.
Why is honey an optional ingredient?
Honey is optional because it is used to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and add a touch of sweetness if desired.