Luscious Tender Slow Cooker Satay Chicken Recipe for All Ages

Comfort meets exotic flavors in this mouthwatering slow cooker satay chicken that delivers a delightful punch of Southeast Asian spices.

Packed with rich, aromatic ingredients, this recipe brings restaurant-quality taste directly to your kitchen.

Succulent chicken marinates in a blend of creamy peanut sauce and fragrant herbs, creating layers of depth and complexity.

The slow cooker method ensures every bite stays incredibly juicy and packed with flavor.

Protein-packed and easy to prepare, this dish transforms your weeknight dinner into a culinary adventure.

Serve alongside steamed rice or crisp vegetables for a complete meal that will transport you to the vibrant streets of Malaysia.

Prepare to savor every single, utterly delectable bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 5 hours

Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Satay Chicken in the Slow Cooker

• Coconut Milk: Creamy liquid that creates silky smooth sauce and tenderizes chicken.
• Peanut Butter: Rich base that adds nutty depth and thickens sauce with luxurious texture.
• Soy Sauce: Salty umami component that deepens overall flavor profile.
• Brown Sugar: Provides subtle sweetness and helps caramelize sauce.
• Lime Juice: Bright acidic element that balances richness and adds freshness.

• Garlic: Pungent ingredient that builds fundamental savory foundation.
• Ginger: Warm, zingy spice that adds complex earthy undertones.
• Curry Powder: Complex blend that introduces warm, slightly spicy notes.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces gentle heat and subtle kick.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning that amplifies all other flavors.

• Chicken: Main protein that absorbs delicious marinade and becomes tender.
• Peanuts: Crunchy topping that provides textural contrast and nutty accent.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that brings bright, green freshness to finished dish.
• Lime: Adds final citrusy brightness and cuts through rich sauce.

Tools to Blend Peanut Sauce and Chicken Perfectly

• Slow Cooker: Your main star for creating tender, flavorful chicken without constant monitoring.
• Medium Bowl: Perfect for whisking together all your delicious sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Essential tool for blending coconut milk, peanut butter, and spices into a silky sauce.
• Cutting Board: Helpful for prepping garlic and garnishes like cilantro and peanuts.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for chopping ingredients and potentially slicing or shredding chicken afterward.

Cooking Slow Cooker Satay Chicken for Rich Flavor

• Mix Magical Sauce

Whip up a flavor explosion by blending coconut milk, peanut butter, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, garlic, ginger, curry powder, red pepper flakes, and a dash of salt and pepper in a bowl until smooth and creamy.

• Nestle Chicken in Slow Cooker

Gently place chicken into the slow cooker and pour the tantalizing sauce all over, ensuring every piece gets completely coated with the delicious mixture.

• Slow Cook to Perfection

Let the slow cooker work its magic, simmering the chicken on low for about 5-6 hours or on high for 2.5-3.5 hours until the meat becomes incredibly tender and falls apart effortlessly.

• Shred and Coat

Break up the chicken into juicy, bite-sized pieces right in the slow cooker, stirring to make sure each morsel gets drenched in the rich, aromatic sauce.

• Serve and Celebrate

Pile the satay chicken over fluffy rice or noodles, then sprinkle with crunchy chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, and finish with a zesty lime squeeze for a meal that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Tips to Adjust Satay Sauce Spice or Creaminess

• Add extra coconut milk if the sauce becomes too thick during cooking, creating a silkier texture that coats the chicken perfectly.
• Replace chicken with tofu, beef, or shrimp for a delightful protein variation that keeps the classic satay flavor profile intact.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to dial heat up or down, allowing everyone from mild-loving to fire-breathing fans to enjoy this dish.
• Substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the recipe completely gluten-free without losing an ounce of flavor.
• This recipe freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it an excellent option for busy weeknight dinners or planned batch cooking.

Serving Satay Chicken with Rice or Skewers

• Fresh Asian Bowl Delight: Create a vibrant rice bowl topped with shredded satay chicken, garnished with crispy green onions and toasted sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor.
• Wrap Wonder: Transform the tender satay chicken into delicious lettuce wraps using butter lettuce leaves, adding sliced cucumbers and a drizzle of extra sauce for a light, refreshing meal.
• Noodle Sensation: Toss the chicken with warm rice noodles, sprinkle with chopped peanuts, and add a handful of fresh herbs like mint and basil for an aromatic and satisfying dinner option.
• Party Appetizer Twist: Serve bite-sized chicken pieces on small skewers with a side of peanut dipping sauce, perfect for casual gatherings and cocktail parties.

Save Satay Chicken and Keep That Texture Just Right

• Prepare a double batch of satay chicken and freeze portions in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals that save time and effort.
• Keep leftover chicken in sealed containers for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum flavor and food safety by storing the sauce-coated meat separately from garnishes.
• Warm refrigerated chicken gently in a skillet with a splash of coconut milk to restore moisture and prevent drying, maintaining the original tender texture and rich flavors.
• Repurpose leftover satay chicken into wraps, salads, or stuffed into sandwiches for delicious lunch options that prevent food waste and keep meals exciting.

Tender Slow Cooker Satay Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Savory slow cooker satay chicken brings Southeast Asian flavors right to dinner tables. Tender spiced meat marinates in rich peanut sauce, delivering a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 pounds (907 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into large chunks
• 1 cup (240 ml) canned coconut milk, full-fat
• ½ cup (128 g) creamy peanut butter
• ¼ cup (60 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger or ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Chopped peanuts (optional topping)
• Fresh cilantro (optional topping)
• Lime wedges (optional topping)

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Instructions

1. Sauce Preparation: Whisk coconut milk, peanut butter, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, garlic, ginger, curry powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until smooth and well-combined.
2. Chicken Placement: Transfer chicken to slow cooker and thoroughly drench with prepared sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly coated for maximum flavor infusion.
3. Slow Cooking: Secure lid and allow chicken to simmer on low temperature setting for 5-6 hours or high setting for 2.5-3.5 hours, cooking until meat becomes fork-tender and easily pulls apart.
4. Finishing and Serving: Gently deconstruct chicken using two forks, mixing shredded meat with surrounding sauce to enhance flavor absorption. Plate over steamed rice or rice noodles, garnishing with roughly chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro leaves, and a zesty lime wedge for bright, tangy contrast.

Notes

• Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly to prevent coconut milk from separating during slow cooking, ensuring a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Check chicken at the lower end of recommended cooking time to avoid dry, tough meat, as slow cookers can vary in heat intensity.
• Modify red pepper flakes and curry powder to match personal heat tolerance, allowing everyone to enjoy the dish comfortably.
• Swap chicken with tofu or plant-based alternatives for vegetarian versions, maintaining the rich, aromatic satay flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg