Slow Cooker Chicken Satay Recipe

Chicken satay is a beloved dish worldwide, renowned for its smoky, grilled flavors and rich, creamy peanut sauce. Originating in Southeast Asia, this dish has evolved into a global favorite, appreciated for its vibrant spices and textures. While traditionally grilled, this slow cooker chicken satay recipe brings a new level of convenience, making it easy to prepare the dish with minimal effort, while still delivering the delicious, bold flavors you love.

This slow cooker version infuses tender chicken with a blend of aromatic spices, coconut milk, and creamy peanut butter, all slow-cooked to perfection. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving a comforting, flavorful dish, this recipe is sure to impress.

Why Make Chicken Satay in a Slow Cooker?

• Ease and Convenience: The slow cooker does most of the work, requiring minimal hands-on time.
• Rich Flavors: Cooking low and slow allows the chicken to absorb the bold flavors of the marinade.
• Perfectly Tender Chicken: The slow cooking process ensures the chicken stays juicy and tender.
• Great for Meal Prep: You can make a large batch, store leftovers, and enjoy throughout the week.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Satay

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

1. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, peanut butter, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, fish sauce (if using), minced garlic, grated ginger, curry powder, turmeric powder, and chili flakes.
2. Mix until the peanut butter is fully incorporated, and the marinade is smooth and creamy.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

1. Place the chicken in the slow cooker and pour the marinade over it, ensuring each piece is fully coated.
2. For best results, let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before cooking. However, if you’re short on time, you can skip this step and move straight to cooking.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Chicken

1. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat for 6-7 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours.
2. During the cooking process, the chicken will become tender, and the flavors of the marinade will intensify. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

1. Once the chicken is fully cooked, you may find the sauce slightly runny. To thicken it:
   • Remove the chicken and set it aside.
   • Turn the slow cooker to high and allow the sauce to simmer for 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to form a slurry, then stir it into the sauce.
2. Return the chicken to the slow cooker, letting it absorb the thickened sauce for a few more minutes.

Serving Suggestions

1. Over Rice

The rich, creamy peanut sauce pairs wonderfully with fluffy jasmine or basmati rice, soaking up all the delicious flavors.

2. With Rice Noodles

For a Southeast Asian twist, serve the chicken satay over rice noodles, garnished with fresh lime and cilantro.

3. As a Salad Bowl

Turn this into a healthy meal by serving the chicken over a bed of mixed greens, shredded carrots, and cucumber, drizzled with extra sauce.

4. With Flatbreads

Use warm naan or roti to scoop up the chicken and sauce for a more hands-on dining experience.

Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Satay

1. Choose the Right Cut of Chicken
   While chicken breasts work well, chicken thighs are more forgiving and remain juicy during slow cooking.
2. Adjust the Spice Level
   Add more chili flakes for a spicier dish or omit them entirely for a mild version.
3. Prep Ahead for Convenience
   Marinate the chicken overnight to save time and enhance the flavors.
4. Add Vegetables
   For a more balanced dish, add veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking.
5. Toast the Peanuts
   Toasted peanuts provide a nutty aroma and added crunch. Simply toast them in a dry skillet for a few minutes until golden.

Variations

1. Vegetarian Satay

Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable stock in place of fish sauce for a vegetarian-friendly option.

2. Spicy Coconut Satay

Increase the coconut milk to 1 1/2 cups and add a tablespoon of red curry paste for a richer, spicier flavor.

3. Satay Wraps

Shred the cooked chicken and wrap it in tortillas with fresh vegetables and sauce for a portable meal.

4. Peanut-Free Satay

For those with peanut allergies, substitute peanut butter with almond butter or sunflower seed butter.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Use Store-Bought Satay Sauce?

Yes, you can use store-bought satay sauce for convenience, but making your own from scratch offers a fresher, more flavorful result.

2. Can I Freeze Leftovers?

Absolutely! Store leftovers in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

3. Can I Use a Pressure Cooker Instead?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a pressure cooker. Cook on high pressure for 8-10 minutes, followed by a quick release.

4. What’s the Best Way to Reheat?

Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of coconut milk or water to restore the sauce’s consistency.

The Perfect Weeknight or Party Dish

Slow cooker chicken satay is a crowd-pleaser that works equally well for weeknight dinners and special occasions. Its bold flavors, tender texture, and rich sauce make it a standout dish that’s sure to impress.

Yield: 4

Slow Cooker Chicken Satay Recipe

Print

Chicken satay is a beloved dish worldwide, renowned for its smoky, grilled flavors and rich, creamy peanut sauce. Originating in Southeast Asia, this dish has evolved into a global favorite, appreciated for its vibrant spices and textures. While traditionally grilled, this slow cooker chicken satay recipe brings a new level of convenience, making it easy to prepare the dish with minimal effort, while still delivering the delicious, bold flavors you love.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 6 hours

Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:
• 2 lbs (900 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• For the Satay Sauce:
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional but recommended)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon red curry paste (adjust to taste)
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• For Garnish:
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup crushed peanuts
• Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

1. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and ground ginger. Place the chicken in the slow cooker.

2. Make the Satay Sauce:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, red curry paste, garlic, ginger, lime juice, and cayenne pepper until smooth.

3. Combine and Cook:

1. Pour the satay sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring all pieces are well-coated.
2. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.

4. Shred or Serve Whole:

1. For shredded chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker, shred it using two forks, and return it to the sauce. Stir well to coat.
2. For whole pieces: Serve the chicken as is, spooning the sauce over the top.

5. Garnish and Serve:

1. Sprinkle chopped cilantro and crushed peanuts over the chicken. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Serving Suggestions

• Over Rice: Serve the satay chicken with jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• With Veggies: Pair with steamed broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for a balanced meal.
• As a Wrap: Use the chicken as a filling for lettuce wraps or rice paper rolls.

Notes

Spice Level: Adjust the red curry paste and cayenne pepper to control the spice level.

Protein Options: Swap chicken for pork, tofu, or shrimp for variety.

Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in a slurry of 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water during the last 30 minutes of cooking.