Name: Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken with 5-Ingredient Peanut Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 3 h 30 min
Total time: 3 h 40 min
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: ⅓ 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; ⅓ cup warm water; Hot sauce to taste; 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs); 2 cups broccoli florets; 2 cups sliced red bell pepper; Chopped green onion, cilantro, and additional hot sauce for serving (optional)

If you’re looking for a hassle-free dinner that bursts with flavor, you’re going to adore this Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken with 5-Ingredient Peanut Sauce Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out tender, saucy, and perfectly balanced with just a touch of sweetness and tang from the peanut sauce. Plus, it cooks itself all day long—hello, effortless weeknight magic! Stick with me here, and I’ll share some of my best tips to help you make this fan-freaking-tastic meal a total winner in your kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: You don’t need a bunch of fancy stuff—just five great pantry staples to make a delicious peanut sauce.
Set-It-and-Forget-It: Slow cooker magic means minimal hands-on time and maximum flavor development while you go about your day.
Family Favorite: My crew goes crazy for this dish, and it’s a great way to sneak veggies into dinner.
Versatile & Healthy: Lean chicken, fresh veggies, and wholesome peanut sauce make this an easy, nutritious weeknight dinner.

A white round plate holds a simple meal with three main parts: on the left, bright green steamed broccoli florets with chopped fresh green onions on top; below the broccoli, several slices of fresh red bell pepper arranged in a neat row; on the right side, shredded light brown chicken covered with a smooth brown gravy and sprinkled with green onion pieces. A silver fork rests on the right edge of the plate. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface with a green and white striped cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken with 5-Ingredient Peanut Sauce Recipe is how well these ingredients come together to create something that tastes way more complicated than it is. I like to pick a good-quality natural peanut butter with no added sugar or salt—that really makes a difference. Fresh garlic and a little acidity from rice vinegar or lime juice brighten the flavor beautifully.

Natural peanut butter: Choose one that’s creamy and smooth—if it’s a bit thick, warming it slightly helps it blend perfectly.
Garlic clove: Freshly grated garlic packs a punch that pre-minced just can’t match.
Pure maple syrup: I like pure maple here for a subtle sweetness that balances the salty and tangy flavors.
Low-sodium tamari or soy sauce: Tamari is my go-to for gluten-free cooking—either works great here.
Rice vinegar or fresh lime juice: This adds a pleasant tang that lifts the entire sauce.
Warm water: Helps loosen the peanut sauce for a silky texture.
Hot sauce: Totally optional but I love adding a little kick.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Breasts are leaner, but thighs stay a bit more tender.
Broccoli florets: Fresh is best here to keep that vibrant color and crunch.
Sliced red bell pepper: Adds sweetness and a pop of bright color.
Chopped green onion, cilantro, and extra hot sauce: Optional garnishes that really bring it all together.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love tweaking this Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken with 5-Ingredient Peanut Sauce Recipe to match whatever mood I’m in or what I have on hand. You can easily customize it to be spicier, milder, or even swap out veggies seasonally.

Add Crunch: I once tossed in some chopped peanuts and crispy shallots right before serving — my family went nuts over the texture contrast!
Spice Level: Adjust the hot sauce amount or add chili flakes depending on how fiery you like it.
Veggie Swap: Try green beans, snap peas, or shredded carrots instead of broccoli and bell peppers — equally delicious.
Chicken Choice: Dark meat thighs give richer flavor; breasts keep it light—you really can’t go wrong.

How to Make Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken with 5-Ingredient Peanut Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Up That Dreamy Peanut Sauce

Start by making the peanut sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, freshly grated garlic, maple syrup, tamari (or soy sauce), rice vinegar or lime juice, and warm water until it’s silky smooth. If your peanut butter is a little thick or clumpy, a quick blast in the blender works wonders. This sauce is the heart of the recipe, so take a moment to give it a good stir — that balance of sweet, salty, and tangy is key.

Step 2: Slow Cook the Chicken in Style

Place your chicken in a 6-quart slow cooker along with about one-third of the peanut sauce. Save the rest for later. Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 4-5 hours. You want the chicken to shred easily with a fork, but watch closely near the end—overcooking can dry it out. I’ve learned that checking around the 3-hour mark on high often hits the sweet spot.

Step 3: Shred and Set Aside

Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, remove it carefully and shred it with two forks or chop it into bite-sized pieces. Set it aside while you get the veggies ready.

Step 4: Cook the Veggies Until Just Tender

Add the broccoli florets and sliced red bell pepper directly into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 20 to 30 minutes. I like them to be tender but still have a little crunch to contrast with the soft chicken.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Carefully drain out half of the cooking liquid — you don’t want it too soupy, but you want plenty of sauce to coat that chicken. Add the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker along with the remaining peanut sauce. Stir everything together gently to combine. You can also toss the chicken and veggies with the cooking liquid, then drizzle the rest of the peanut sauce over top or serve it on the side for extra flavor control.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped cilantro, sliced green onion, and a little extra hot sauce if you’re feeling adventurous. Serve hot and dig in!

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Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken with 5-Ingredient Peanut Sauce Recipe

Warm the Peanut Butter: If your peanut butter is thick or cold from the fridge, warming it slightly will help you whisk it into a smoother sauce without lumps.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken: I’ve learned the hard way that shredded chicken can dry out fast—set a timer and check early for tender, juicy results.
Fresh Garlic is Key: Using freshly minced or grated garlic really elevates the sauce flavor, much more than garlic powder or jarred garlic.
Use the Right Slow Cooker Size: A 6-quart slow cooker gives enough room for the chicken and veggies without crowding, which helps everything cook evenly.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken with 5-Ingredient Peanut Sauce Recipe

A white plate holds three main layers of food arranged side by side: bright green steamed broccoli florets on the left, vibrant red sliced bell peppers below them, and shredded light brown chicken topped with thick tan gravy and sprinkled chopped green onions on the right. A shiny silver fork rests on the right edge of the plate. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with a green and white striped cloth partially underneath. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of fresh garnishes with this dish—they really brighten it up. Chopped cilantro adds a fresh, herbaceous pop; green onions bring a subtle crunch and mild bite; and a drizzle of hot sauce gives just the right spicy kick. Sometimes I toss in a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for some extra texture and that wonderful nutty aroma.

Side Dishes

I love serving this peanut chicken over a fluffy bed of jasmine rice or cauliflower rice to keep it lighter. Steamed jasmine rice soaks up all that peanutty goodness, making every bite deeply satisfying. Alternatively, it pairs beautifully with noodles or wrapped in lettuce leaves for a fun, low-carb twist.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this pulled chicken on a vibrant platter with colorful veggie sticks and extra peanut sauce on the side, letting everyone customize their own bowls. I’ve also tried it stuffed inside warm pita pockets with crunchy slaw for a fun finger food. These little presentation twists always impress guests without adding stress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I store the pulled chicken and veggies together in an airtight container in the fridge. The sauce keeps everything juicy overnight and the flavors develop even more, making for a fantastic next-day meal. Just be sure to use within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing

This Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken with 5-Ingredient Peanut Sauce Recipe freezes really well. I portion leftover chicken and veggies into freezer-safe containers or bags. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. The peanut sauce maintains its creamy texture, which is a big plus.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend warming the leftovers slowly in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out the chicken. Stir frequently and if it gets a little thick, add a splash of water or a little extra peanut sauce to loosen it back up. Microwaving works fine too—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving, so they’re a great choice if you want extra tenderness and flavor. The cooking time stays the same, but thighs might shred even more easily.
Is the peanut sauce gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free tamari or gluten-free soy sauce in the sauce. Regular soy sauce contains gluten, so be sure to check the label if that’s a concern.
How spicy is the dish, and can I adjust it?

The base recipe is mild, with just a hint of heat from the optional hot sauce. You can easily make it spicier by adding extra hot sauce or chili flakes either while cooking or at the table, depending on your preference.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! It actually tastes even better made ahead because the flavors have more time to mingle. Cook the chicken and make the sauce the day before, then add the veggies and finish the dish just before serving.

Final Thoughts

I have to say, this Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken with 5-Ingredient Peanut Sauce Recipe has become one of my absolute favorite go-to dinners—not just because it’s delicious, but because it’s so easy to throw together and impresses every time. You can count on tender chicken with a rich, flavorful peanut sauce that brings a little exotic flair to your weeknights without extra effort. Give it a try like you’re making it for your best friend’s dinner, and I promise you’ll want to keep this recipe in your regular rotation just like I have!