Frank’s Favorite Slow-Cooker Thai Chicken
Frank’s Favorite Slow-Cooker Thai Chicken is a flavorful and nutritious dish you’ll want to add to your collection of slow cooker chicken recipes. This delightful Thai chicken recipe is a family-friendly choice, easily made in a crockpot. Start your day by preparing this in the morning, and by the time you return home, you’ll have a delicious meal ready. You’ll need just a few staple ingredients and some patience to let the cooker work its magic. It’s a perfect way to enjoy the authentic flavors of Thailand right in your home.
Why Choose Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes?
Slow cooker chicken recipes are cherished for their convenience and delectable results. They allow for easy meal prep and are perfect for busy schedules. Furthermore, they often result in flavorful, tender meals as the long cooking process allows the ingredients to infuse and enhance each other. Moreover, using a slow cooker can help retain the nutrients in your ingredients, making your dish healthier.
Recipe Details
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It involves basic preparation and extended cooking, resulting in a succulent dish. Here is all you need to know:
Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
– ¾ cup hot salsa
– ¼ cup chunky peanut butter
– ¾ cup light coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
– 2 pounds skinless chicken thighs
– ½ cup chopped peanuts, for topping
– 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, for topping
Instructions
- In the slow cooker, combine the hot salsa, chunky peanut butter, light coconut milk, lime juice, soy sauce, sugar, and grated fresh ginger. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined.
- Add the skinless chicken thighs to the mixture in the slow cooker, ensuring they are well coated with the sauce.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Allow the chicken to cook for 8 hours. This low and slow cooking process will result in tender and flavorful chicken.
- Upon reaching the 8-hour mark, remove the chicken from the slow cooker using a slotted spoon.
- Top with the chopped peanuts and chopped cilantro before serving.
Tips for Perfectly Delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes
When preparing slow cooker chicken recipes such as this Thai chicken dish, consider the following tips:
- Choose chicken thighs instead of breast meat for a more succulent finish. Chicken thighs are more forgiving in slow cooking, remaining moist and tender.
- The strength of the hot salsa will dissipate over the long cooking time, so don’t worry about the dish being too spicy. In fact, serve some hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy an extra kick.
- Feel free to add vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers during the last hour of cooking for added nutrition and texture.
Healthier Cooking Option
For a healthier variation, consider using a slow cooker liner to reduce cleanup and potential oil use. You could also cook the chicken on high for 4 hours instead of 8 on low, which may retain more of the chicken’s natural juices.
Nutritional Benefits of Ingredients
This recipe not only satisfies your palate but also provides several health benefits:
- Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory and digestion-boosting properties.
- Chicken thighs are a great source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
- Cilantro is rich in antioxidants and can help detoxify heavy metals from the body.
- Peanuts provide healthy fats, protein, and important vitamins and minerals such as niacin and magnesium.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Frank’s Favorite Slow-Cooker Thai Chicken is a delightful addition to your slow cooker chicken recipes collection. This dish is perfect for the whole family and is quick to prepare. Above all, this recipe allows you to infuse authentic Thai flavors into your meals with minimal effort.
