This Peanut Crockpot Stir-Fry is the ultimate comfort meal that brings the rich flavors of Asian-inspired cuisine right to your home. The creamy peanut sauce clings to tender chicken and crisp vegetables, creating a harmony of flavors and textures. Perfect for busy days, this slow-cooker recipe requires minimal prep yet delivers maximum satisfaction. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping meals for the week, this dish is versatile, customizable, and guaranteed to impress. Serve it over fluffy rice or noodles for a complete, hearty meal everyone will love.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces (or tofu for a vegetarian option)
- 3 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli, carrots, bell peppers)
- 1/2 cup peanut butter, creamy
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ginger powder
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (for garnish)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Directions:
- Place the chicken (or tofu) and mixed vegetables in your crockpot.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic powder, ginger powder, red pepper flakes, and water. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Pour the peanut sauce over the chicken and vegetables, ensuring everything is coated.
- Cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- About 30 minutes before serving, whisk the cornstarch with a small amount of cold water to make a slurry. Stir it into the crockpot to thicken the sauce.
- Serve the peanut stir-fry over rice or noodles, garnished with chopped peanuts and sliced green onions.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 4 hours (on low) | Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 4
Peanut Crockpot Stir-Fry: A Flavorful, Easy, and Healthy Meal
Are you looking for a quick and flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep? Look no further than this Peanut Crockpot Stir-Fry! This dish combines the rich, creamy flavors of peanut butter with tender chicken or tofu, fresh vegetables, and a hint of Asian-inspired seasonings. Best of all, it’s made in a crockpot, meaning you can set it and forget it while your dinner practically cooks itself.
This recipe is perfect for anyone who enjoys hearty, comforting meals with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving a savory and satisfying dish, the Peanut Crockpot Stir-Fry is versatile, customizable, and delicious. Plus, with the help of your slow cooker, you’ll have a meal ready to go with little to no fuss.
The Benefits of Using a Crockpot
The crockpot, or slow cooker, is one of the most convenient kitchen appliances available, and it makes preparing a meal like this Peanut Stir-Fry a breeze. Slow cooking allows the flavors to develop over time, ensuring that every bite is rich and full of taste. The beauty of using a crockpot is that you can throw in all your ingredients, set the temperature, and walk away—no need for constant monitoring. This makes it the perfect option for busy individuals or families looking for a hassle-free meal.
Additionally, crockpot meals tend to be tender and juicy since the slow cooking process locks in moisture and allows the ingredients to break down and become more flavorful. In the case of this Peanut Stir-Fry, the chicken or tofu becomes incredibly tender, and the vegetables maintain their texture while absorbing the delicious peanut sauce.
Why This Recipe is the Best
1. Nutritious and Balanced
This Peanut Crockpot Stir-Fry packs a punch when it comes to nutrients. It includes a variety of fresh vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli—each providing essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber to support overall health. Adding chicken or tofu ensures that the dish is rich in protein, making it a well-rounded meal that can satisfy your hunger and help fuel your body.
Peanut butter, often overlooked as just a snack food, is a fantastic source of healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants. It can help support heart health, boost energy levels, and keep you feeling full for longer. When combined with the other ingredients in this dish, it creates a hearty and wholesome meal that can be enjoyed guilt-free.
2. Easy and Convenient
One of the biggest draws of this recipe is how easy it is to prepare. With minimal prep work—just chopping vegetables and cutting the chicken or tofu—you can quickly assemble the ingredients and let the crockpot do all the work. You can prepare the stir-fry in the morning before work, and by dinner time, you’ll have a flavorful and satisfying meal ready to serve.
This recipe is also perfect for meal prepping. You can make a large batch and store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it an excellent option for busy individuals who need a quick lunch or dinner throughout the week. You can even freeze the leftovers for later use.
3. Customizable to Your Taste
Another reason this Peanut Crockpot Stir-Fry stands out is its versatility. If you prefer a vegetarian or vegan version, simply swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh. You can also add or remove vegetables based on what you have in your fridge or your dietary preferences. Zucchini, snap peas, or mushrooms are great additions, while you can skip or replace ingredients like green onions or peanuts based on what you enjoy most.
Furthermore, the peanut sauce can be adjusted to your taste. If you like a little extra heat, you can add more red pepper flakes or chili paste. If you prefer a sweeter dish, a touch more honey or maple syrup can balance the flavors. The beauty of this recipe is that you can tailor it exactly to your liking without sacrificing flavor or texture.
4. Affordable and Pantry-Friendly
Another reason this recipe is a must-try is that it’s budget-friendly. Many of the ingredients—such as peanut butter, soy sauce, and rice vinegar—are pantry staples that you likely already have on hand. Vegetables like carrots and bell peppers are also relatively inexpensive, and you can purchase chicken breasts or tofu at an affordable price. This makes the Peanut Crockpot Stir-Fry a great meal option when you want something flavorful but don’t want to break the bank.
5. Kid-Friendly
If you have picky eaters at home, this recipe is a great choice for introducing new flavors to their palette. The creamy peanut sauce is a hit with kids, and the dish is mild enough to appeal to a wide range of tastes. You can serve it with rice or noodles, both of which are generally well-loved by children. Plus, you can sneak in some vegetables without any complaints!
6. Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Options
For those with dietary restrictions, this recipe is easily adaptable. By using tamari instead of soy sauce, you can make the dish gluten-free. Additionally, if you want to make it dairy-free, simply omit the optional garnishes like cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. This flexibility ensures that almost anyone can enjoy this dish without feeling left out.
A Great Way to Incorporate Healthy Fats into Your Diet
Peanut butter is a key ingredient in this stir-fry, and it’s a wonderful source of healthy fats. These fats help support brain function, lower inflammation, and promote heart health. Unlike processed foods or trans fats, the natural fats found in peanut butter are beneficial and can be part of a healthy, balanced diet.
Additionally, by using peanuts as a garnish, you’re adding even more healthy fats and protein, making the dish even more nutrient-dense.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re serving this Peanut Crockpot Stir-Fry on a busy weekday, prepping meals for the week, or bringing it to a potluck or family gathering, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The combination of comforting flavors and nutritious ingredients makes it a well-rounded dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Plus, it’s a great option for those following various dietary preferences, from gluten-free to vegetarian.
Conclusion
Incorporating this Peanut Crockpot Stir-Fry into your meal plan will make your life easier and your taste buds happier. It’s a dish that’s as simple as it is delicious, and it can be customized to fit your dietary needs and preferences. With its balanced nutrition, ease of preparation, and versatility, it’s no wonder this recipe has become a favorite in kitchens across the world. If you’re looking for a satisfying and nutritious dinner option that requires minimal effort, this Peanut Crockpot Stir-Fry is a perfect choice. It’s a meal that the whole family will love and will quickly become a staple in your cooking routine.
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Peanut Crockpot Stir-Fry
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Description
This Peanut Crockpot Stir-Fry is the ultimate comfort meal that brings the rich flavors of Asian-inspired cuisine right to your home. The creamy peanut sauce clings to tender chicken and crisp vegetables, creating a harmony of flavors and textures. Perfect for busy days, this slow-cooker recipe requires minimal prep yet delivers maximum satisfaction. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping meals for the week, this dish is versatile, customizable, and guaranteed to impress. Serve it over fluffy rice or noodles for a complete, hearty meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces (or tofu for a vegetarian option)
- 3 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli, carrots, bell peppers)
- 1/2 cup peanut butter, creamy
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ginger powder
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (for garnish)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Instructions
- Place the chicken (or tofu) and mixed vegetables in your crockpot.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic powder, ginger powder, red pepper flakes, and water. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Pour the peanut sauce over the chicken and vegetables, ensuring everything is coated.
- Cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- About 30 minutes before serving, whisk the cornstarch with a small amount of cold water to make a slurry. Stir it into the crockpot to thicken the sauce.
- Serve the peanut stir-fry over rice or noodles, garnished with chopped peanuts and sliced green onions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours