Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Sweet Potato Boats
Tender shredded chicken simmered in rich peanut sauce and served over roasted sweet potato boats creates a satisfying, nutritious meal. The sweet potatoes are roasted until fluffy and topped with the savory peanut chicken, creamy avocado, crunchy peanuts, and fresh cilantro. This recipe combines the convenience of slow cooker cooking with the wholesome appeal of stuffed sweet potatoes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something both comforting and nourishing. The contrast of textures and the balance of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors make this a crowd-pleasing dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup peanut sauce
- 4 small sweet potatoes, well scrubbed
- 1 avocado, diced
- ¼ cup peanuts, chopped
- 2 tablespoon cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, sliced
Instructions
- 1
Place chicken and peanut sauce in slow cooker and cook on low for 6-10 hours or high for 3-5 hours
- 2
Shred the chicken and mix into the sauce
- 3
About an hour before slow cooker is done, poke sweet potatoes with a fork and wrap in foil
- 4
Roast in preheated 400F oven until tender, about 45 minutes
- 5
Split sweet potatoes open and stuff with shredded peanut chicken and avocado
- 6
Sprinkle with peanuts, cilantro and lime juice
Tips
Poke sweet potatoes thoroughly with a fork before roasting to prevent bursting and ensure even cooking
Shred chicken while still warm for easier mixing with the peanut sauce
Squeeze lime juice over the boats just before serving for the brightest flavor
Good to Know
Store assembled boats in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store components separately for best quality.
Cook chicken in slow cooker and roast sweet potatoes up to 2 days ahead. Assemble just before serving.
Serve immediately while sweet potatoes are warm for best texture and flavor.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip poking the sweet potatoes to avoid them bursting in the oven
Don't add lime juice too early to prevent the avocado from browning
Substitutions
Nut-Free Alternatives
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken in the slow cooker?
Yes, frozen chicken works well in the slow cooker. Add 1-2 hours to the cooking time and ensure internal temperature reaches 165F before shredding.
What if my sweet potatoes aren't tender after 45 minutes?
Continue roasting in 10-minute intervals until they yield easily to a fork. Larger sweet potatoes may need up to 60 minutes total cooking time.
How long will the assembled boats keep?
Assembled boats are best eaten immediately but can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. The avocado may brown slightly over time.