Easy Slow Cooker Satay Chicken - Thai-Inspired Set and Forget

Craving that authentic Thai satay flavor without the takeout price or the hours spent in the kitchen? This Easy Slow Cooker Satay Chicken recipe is your answer! This recipe is your solution; it delivers a deeply flavorful, incredibly tender chicken bathed in a luscious satay sauce, all with minimal effort. Simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do the work! This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or even feeding a crowd.

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What is Easy Slow Cooker Satay Chicken?

Easy Slow Cooker Satay Chicken is a culinary fusion that marries the rich, nutty flavors of Indonesian satay with the convenience of slow cooking. Instead of grilling skewers of marinated chicken as in the traditional satay, this recipe utilizes the gentle, even heat of a slow cooker to infuse chicken thighs (or breasts) with a vibrant and mouthwatering peanut-based sauce. This slow and low cooking method results in chicken that’s incredibly tender and saturated with flavor.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and adaptability. It requires minimal prep time, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Simply combine the ingredients, set the slow cooker, and forget about it until dinnertime. The result is a restaurant-quality meal that’s healthier, more affordable, and can be customized to suit your tastes. Ditch the takeout menus and embrace the world of slow cooker satay – you won’t regret it! Try this recipe tonight and experience the deliciousness for yourself!

Key Ingredients for Easy Slow Cooker Satay Chicken:

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to create this flavorful dish:

2 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs are recommended for their flavor and ability to stay moist in the slow cooker. However, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can also be used, though they may become slightly drier; If using chicken breasts, reduce cooking time slightly (check for doneness at 3 hours on low).
1 cup Creamy Peanut Butter: Opt for a smooth, creamy peanut butter. Natural peanut butter can be used, but may require a bit more stirring to ensure it blends evenly into the sauce.
1/2 cup Coconut Milk: Full-fat coconut milk provides richness and creaminess to the sauce. Light coconut milk can be substituted, but will result in a slightly less decadent sauce.
1/4 cup Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish. Tamari can be used as a gluten-free alternative.
1/4 cup Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds sweetness and depth of flavor. Light or dark brown sugar can be used interchangeably.
2 tbsp Rice Vinegar: Rice vinegar provides a tangy counterpoint to the richness of the peanut butter.
2 tbsp Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice adds brightness and acidity.
1 tbsp Sriracha (or more, to taste): Sriracha adds heat and a signature chili flavor. Adjust the amount to your preference. Substitute with chili garlic sauce, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a milder heat.
2 cloves Garlic, Minced: Freshly minced garlic provides a pungent, aromatic base.
1 inch Ginger, Grated: Freshly grated ginger adds warmth and a zesty flavor.
1/4 cup Chicken Broth (or water): Added for thinning the sauce and helping to create steam in the slow cooker.
Optional Garnishes: Chopped peanuts, cilantro, green onions, sesame seeds, lime wedges.

How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Satay Chicken:

This Easy Slow Cooker Satay Chicken boasts a rich, savory satay sauce that perfectly complements the tender, fall-apart chicken. It requires only about 15 minutes of prep time, making it a superb weeknight dinner option. The simplicity and satisfying result is what makes it so satisfying.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prepare the Chicken: Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs. You can also cut the chicken thighs into smaller, bite-sized pieces before adding them to the slow cooker if preferred.
Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, lime juice, sriracha, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chicken broth. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
Add Chicken to Slow Cooker: Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker.
Pour Sauce Over Chicken: Pour the satay sauce evenly over the chicken, ensuring that all pieces are well coated.
Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it is easily shredded with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Shred the Chicken (Optional): Once the chicken is cooked through, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker. Alternatively, you can remove the chicken to a cutting board to shred it.
Serve: Serve the shredded satay chicken over rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice. Garnish with chopped peanuts, cilantro, green onions, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of lime juice, if desired.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Slow Cooker Satay Chicken

This slow cooker satay chicken is a game-changer for busy weeknights. The main highlight is undoubtedly the incredibly flavorful and tender chicken that practically melts in your mouth, thanks to the slow cooking process. You also get a rich satay sauce that is irresistible. Skip the expensive takeout and enjoy a delicious, restaurant-quality meal made right in your own kitchen for a fraction of the cost!

What makes it special is the flexibility; Feel free to adjust the level of spice to your liking by adding more or less sriracha. For a delightful crunch, top it with roasted peanuts and fresh cilantro. If you enjoy this, you might also love Slow Cooker Butter Chicken – another effortless and flavourful slow cooker dish that’s sure to impress. Try it, and you will be glad you made this.

What to Serve Easy Slow Cooker Satay Chicken With:

This Easy Slow Cooker Satay Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes to create a complete and satisfying meal:

Rice: Fluffy jasmine rice or brown rice are classic accompaniments.
Noodles: Rice noodles or lo mein noodles soak up the delicious satay sauce perfectly.
Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice.
Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or bok choy provide a healthy and colorful side.
Asian Coleslaw: A light and refreshing Asian coleslaw offers a contrasting texture and flavor.
Spring Rolls: Fresh spring rolls with a peanut dipping sauce complement the satay flavors.
Drinks: Iced Thai tea or a refreshing cucumber cooler.

Top Tips for Perfecting Easy Slow Cooker Satay Chicken:

Don’t Overcook: While slow cooking is forgiving, overcooking chicken breasts can lead to dryness. Check for doneness around 3 hours on high or 6 hours on low if using chicken breasts. Chicken thighs are more forgiving however.
Adjust the Sauce: Taste the sauce before adding the chicken and adjust the seasonings to your liking. Add more sriracha for extra heat, more lime juice for tanginess, or more brown sugar for sweetness.
Thicken the Sauce (If Needed): If the sauce is too thin after cooking, you can thicken it by whisking together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Natural Peanut Butter Tip: If using natural peanut butter, stir it extremely well before adding it to the dish so the oil doesn’t separate.
Spice it Up (or Tone it Down): For a spicier dish, add more sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a milder flavor, reduce or omit the sriracha.
Add Vegetables : Add some sliced bell pepper or broccoli to the slow cooker in the last hour of cooking.

Health Benefits of Easy Slow Cooker Satay Chicken:

This Easy Slow Cooker Satay Chicken is surprisingly nutritious! It’s packed with protein from the chicken and peanut butter, which helps keep you feeling full and satisfied. Coconut milk provides healthy fats, and the dish also contains essential vitamins and minerals from the ginger, garlic, and lime juice.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

Storing: Store leftover satay chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat the satay chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. Add a splash of water or chicken broth if needed to prevent it from drying out.
Freezing: Allow the satay chicken to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. When reheating it after freezing, add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.

Final Thoughts:

This Easy Slow Cooker Satay Chicken is not just a recipe; it’s a passport to experiencing authentic Thai flavors without the fuss. With its minimal prep and hands-off cooking, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or entertaining guests. The combination of tender chicken and rich, savory satay sauce is simply irresistible. Give this recipe a try, and discover the joy of creating restaurant-quality meals from the comfort of your own home. Enjoy!

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Easy Slow Cooker Satay Chicken FAQs:

Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?
A: Yes, you can use chicken breasts. However, they may become slightly drier during the slow cooking process. Reduce the cooking time slightly–check for doneness at 3 hours on low, and consider adding a splash of chicken broth near the end to keep them moist.

Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Tofu is an excellent substitute for chicken, you can use firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into cubes. Add the tofu during the last 1-2 hours of the cooking time to prevent it from becoming too soft.

Q: Can I use different vegetables?
A: Sure! Feel free to experiment with your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, broccoli, snow peas, or zucchini. Add them to the slow cooker during the last 30-60 minutes of cooking.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the satay sauce and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days ahead of time. Simply pour the sauce over the chicken and cook as directed when you’re ready.

Q: How do I make this recipe spicier?
A: Add more sriracha, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a finely chopped chili pepper to the sauce. Adjust the amount to your desired level of spiciness.

Easy Slow Cooker Satay Chicken – Thai-Inspired Set and Forget