Description
This Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken with 5-Ingredient Peanut Sauce is a simple, flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender, juicy chicken is cooked slowly with a creamy, tangy peanut sauce made from natural peanut butter, maple syrup, tamari, and rice vinegar. Paired with vibrant broccoli and red bell peppers, it’s a wholesome, protein-packed meal that requires minimal prep and delivers big on taste.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Peanut Sauce
- 1/3 cup natural peanut butter (at room temperature or melted)
- 1 garlic clove (finely grated or minced)
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 4 tablespoons low-sodium gluten-free tamari or soy sauce
- 4 tablespoons rice vinegar or fresh lime juice
- 1/3 cup warm water
- Hot sauce to taste
Chicken and Vegetables
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups sliced red bell pepper
- Chopped green onion, cilantro, and hot sauce for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Make the peanut sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, garlic, maple syrup, tamari, rice vinegar or lime juice, and warm water until very smooth. Alternatively, blend all ingredients until smooth for an even creamier texture.
- Cook the chicken: Add the chicken and ⅓ cup of the prepared peanut sauce to a 6-quart slow cooker. Reserve the remaining sauce. Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 4-5 hours, until the chicken is tender enough to shred easily with a fork. Avoid overcooking to prevent dryness.
- Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks or chop into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- Cook the vegetables: Add the broccoli florets and sliced red bell pepper to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for an additional 20-30 minutes until the vegetables are just tender but still vibrant.
- Combine everything: Carefully drain half of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker. Return the shredded chicken to the cooker along with the remaining peanut sauce. Stir gently to combine and heat through. Alternatively, toss the chicken and vegetables with the cooking liquid and serve with the peanut sauce drizzled over the top or on the side.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped green onion, fresh cilantro, and additional hot sauce if desired. Serve immediately for a delicious, hearty meal.
Notes
- This recipe requires minimal prep and uses simple ingredients for an effortless dinner.
- Using a slow cooker ensures the chicken stays tender and flavorful without requiring much hands-on time.
- Feel free to swap chicken thighs for breasts depending on your preference for juiciness and flavor.
- Adjust hot sauce to your heat tolerance for a mild or spicy kick.
- Serve over rice, noodles, or enjoy on its own for a low-carb option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 of 6 servings
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 509 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 97 mg
