Slow Cooker Indonesian Chicken with Creamy Peanut Sauce
Indulge in the rich flavors of Indonesia with this Slow Cooker Indonesian Chicken featuring a creamy peanut butter sauce that perfectly complements the tender chicken thighs and fresh vegetables. This hands-off recipe allows the slow cooker to do all the work, delivering succulent chicken infused with aromatic spices. Serve it as a delightful main dish at family dinners or gatherings, and watch your guests come back for seconds. Optional garnishes of chives and chopped peanuts add a vibrant touch and an extra layer of flavor, making this dish not only delicious but visually appealing. Perfect for busy weeknights, this comforting dish is sure to become a favorite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
skinless chicken thighs
8 (about 1 1/2 lb)
carrots
5 (sliced)
onions
2 (chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (finely chopped)
water
1 1/4 cups
smooth peanut butter
3/4 cup
soy sauce
1/4 cup (preferably Kikkoman or any authentic soy sauce)
ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon
chili flakes
1/4 teaspoon
frozen peas
1 cup (optional)
white wine vinegar
1 teaspoon
chopped chives
to taste (for garnish)
chopped peanuts
to taste (for garnish)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing your slow cooker. Place the skinless chicken thighs at the bottom, laying them flat.
2
Add the sliced carrots, chopped onions, and finely chopped garlic cloves evenly over the chicken.
3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the water, smooth peanut butter, soy sauce, ground ginger, and chili flakes until well combined.
4
Pour the peanut sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables, ensuring they are well coated.
5
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or on high for 2 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked and the vegetables are soft.
6
If you choose to add peas, incorporate them along with the white wine vinegar during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, mix the vinegar in without extended cooking.
7
Once done, carefully remove the lid, stir gently to combine the sauce and veggies, and serve hot, garnished with chopped chives and peanuts for added texture and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Slow Cooker Indonesian Chicken with Creamy Peanut Sauce?
It is a comforting Indonesian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken thighs and vegetables cooked in a rich, creamy peanut butter sauce using a slow cooker.
How many chicken thighs are needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 skinless chicken thighs, which is approximately 1 1/2 pounds.
What vegetables are included in the dish?
The main vegetables are 5 sliced carrots and 2 chopped onions, with an option to add 1 cup of frozen peas at the end.
How long does it take to cook on the low setting?
When using the low setting on your slow cooker, the chicken should cook for 4 to 6 hours.
Can I cook this recipe faster on a high setting?
Yes, you can cook the recipe on the high setting for 2 hours until the chicken is tender.
What ingredients are used to make the peanut sauce?
The sauce is made by whisking together water, smooth peanut butter, soy sauce, ground ginger, and chili flakes.
Is there a specific brand of soy sauce recommended?
The recipe suggests using an authentic soy sauce such as Kikkoman.
When should I add the frozen peas?
If you are using frozen peas, incorporate them during the last 10 minutes of the cooking process.
How should the garlic be prepared?
You should use 2 garlic cloves that have been finely chopped.
What is the purpose of adding white wine vinegar?
White wine vinegar is added at the end of cooking to balance the flavors of the rich peanut sauce.
What garnishes are recommended for this Indonesian chicken?
The dish is best served garnished with chopped chives and chopped peanuts for extra texture and flavor.
Do I need to brown the chicken before putting it in the slow cooker?
No, the instructions specify placing the skinless chicken thighs directly at the bottom of the slow cooker without prior browning.
How much peanut butter is required?
The recipe requires 3/4 cup of smooth peanut butter.
Is this dish spicy?
The dish contains 1/4 teaspoon of chili flakes and ground ginger, providing a mild aromatic heat rather than intense spice.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 13 ingredients in total, including the optional garnishes and peas.
How should the carrots be cut?
The 5 carrots should be sliced before being added to the slow cooker.
What type of peanut butter should be used?
Smooth peanut butter is recommended to ensure the sauce has a creamy consistency.
Can I make this for a family dinner?
Yes, it is described as a perfect main dish for family dinners or gatherings.
How much water is added to the sauce mixture?
The sauce mixture uses 1 1/4 cups of water.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to prepare the slow cooker by placing the skinless chicken thighs flat at the bottom.
Is the chicken cooked with the skin on or off?
The recipe specifically calls for skinless chicken thighs.
How much ground ginger is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger.
Should I stir the chicken and vegetables before cooking?
The instructions suggest pouring the sauce over the chicken and vegetables to coat them, but the final stirring is done once the cooking is finished.
Is this recipe suitable for busy weeknights?
Yes, it is highlighted as a hands-off recipe that is perfect for busy weeknights since the slow cooker does most of the work.
What flavor profile can I expect?
Expect a rich, savory, and nutty flavor profile infused with aromatic spices like ginger and garlic.
How many onions are needed?
You will need 2 chopped onions.
When do I mix in the white wine vinegar if I'm not adding peas?
If not adding peas, you can simply mix the vinegar in at the end of the cooking time without further extended cooking.
How should the dish be served?
It should be served hot, stirred gently to combine the sauce and veggies, and topped with garnishes.
Is the recipe easy to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy recipe' and involves simple layering and whisking steps.
What makes this dish visually appealing?
The addition of optional garnishes like green chives and chopped peanuts adds a vibrant touch and extra texture.