Easy Slow Cooker Satay Chicken: A Flavorful Weeknight Favorite

There’s something magical about coming home to the rich aroma of a slow-cooked meal wafting through the house. One of my go-to comfort dishes is Easy Slow Cooker Satay Chicken. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, nutty, and slightly spicy dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Inspired by Southeast Asian flavors, this dish brings the essence of traditional satay into a convenient slow-cooker format. With minimal prep and a handful of pantry staples, you can create a meal that’s both satisfying and crowd-pleasing.

What Is Satay Chicken?

Satay is a popular Southeast Asian dish, particularly in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, consisting of skewered and grilled meats served with a flavorful peanut sauce. Traditionally, chicken satay involves marinating chicken pieces, threading them onto skewers, and grilling them over charcoal. The accompanying sauce is typically made from ground peanuts, coconut milk, and a blend of spices.

In this slow cooker adaptation, we capture the essence of satay by simmering chicken in a rich peanut sauce, eliminating the need for skewers and grilling while still delivering that signature flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Minimal Prep: Just a few minutes of chopping and mixing, then let the slow cooker do the work.
• Flavorful and Comforting: The combination of peanut butter, coconut milk, and spices creates a rich and satisfying sauce.
• Versatile: Serve it over rice, noodles, or with steamed vegetables.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Leftovers store well and taste even better the next day.

Ingredients Overview

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless thighs or breasts work well. Thighs tend to be more flavorful and tender.
• Peanut Butter: Opt for natural, unsweetened peanut butter for the best flavor.
• Coconut Milk: Full-fat canned coconut milk adds creaminess.
• Soy Sauce: Provides saltiness and umami.
• Lime Juice: Adds brightness and balances the richness.
• Garlic and Ginger: Freshly minced for depth of flavor.
• Red Curry Paste: Adds heat and complexity; adjust to taste.
• Brown Sugar: Balances the savory and spicy elements.
• Fish Sauce: Optional, for added depth and umami.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, ginger, red curry paste, brown sugar, and fish sauce (if using) until smooth.
2. Assemble in Slow Cooker: Place chicken pieces in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over them, ensuring they’re well coated.
3. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
4. Finish and Serve: Stir the sauce, adjust seasoning if necessary, and serve the chicken over your choice of accompaniments.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Satay Chicken

• Use Thighs for More Flavor: Chicken thighs are more forgiving in slow cooking and remain juicy.
• Adjust Spice Level: Modify the amount of red curry paste to suit your heat preference.
• Add Vegetables: Consider adding bell peppers, carrots, or green beans during the last hour of cooking for added nutrition and color.
• Garnish: Top with chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges for added texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: A classic pairing that soaks up the delicious sauce.
• Rice Noodles: For a lighter option with a different texture.
• Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative that still complements the flavors well.
• Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy add freshness and crunch.

Variations and Dietary Adaptations

• Gluten-Free: Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
• Nut-Free: Substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.
• Vegetarian/Vegan: Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh and use a vegan fish sauce alternative or additional soy sauce.
• Low-Carb: Serve with cauliflower rice or spiralized vegetables.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or coconut milk if the sauce has thickened too much.

This Easy Slow Cooker Satay Chicken brings the rich, comforting flavors of Southeast Asia to your dinner table with minimal effort. It’s a versatile dish that’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.

Easy Slow Cooker Satay Chicken: A Flavorful Weeknight Favorite

---

• Author: Manar Annan
• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Easy Slow Cooker Satay Chicken is a comforting, flavor-packed dish with Southeast Asian roots. Tender chicken simmers in a creamy peanut-coconut sauce, perfect for serving over rice or noodles. Minimal prep makes it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

• ½ cup natural peanut butter

• 1 (13.5 oz) can full-fat coconut milk

• 3 tbsp soy sauce

• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice

• 2–3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated

• 1–2 tbsp red curry paste (to taste)

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

• 1 tsp fish sauce (optional)

---

Instructions

• In a mixing bowl, whisk together peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, ginger, red curry paste, brown sugar, and fish sauce until smooth.

• Place the chicken in a slow cooker and pour the sauce over it, ensuring the chicken is well-coated.

• Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender and cooked through.

• Stir the sauce, shred or slice the chicken, and adjust seasoning if needed.

• Serve over rice, noodles, or vegetables, garnished with chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges.

Notes

Thighs provide more flavor and tenderness than breasts.

Adjust the amount of curry paste to control spice level.

Add vegetables like bell peppers or green beans during the last hour of cooking.

Store leftovers in the fridge for 4 days or freeze for 3 months.

For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours (on low)
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: Southeast Asian-Inspired

Keywords: slow cooker recipes, satay chicken, easy chicken dinner, peanut sauce chicken, weeknight meals, crockpot chicken, Southeast Asian flavors, meal prep ideas