Description
Easy Slow Cooker Satay Chicken is a flavorful and comforting Thai-inspired dish made with tender chicken thighs slow cooked in a rich peanut butter and coconut milk sauce infused with red curry paste, lime juice, and fish sauce. This effortless recipe yields juicy, aromatic chicken perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep, with an optional broiling step to add a delicious caramelized finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (or boneless skinless breasts)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Satay Sauce
- ⅓ cup peanut butter
- ⅓ cup canned coconut milk
- 1-2 tablespoons Thai red curry paste
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to a 6-quart slow cooker. Evenly sprinkle ½ teaspoon kosher salt over the chicken and toss gently to coat all pieces for seasoning.
- Make the Satay Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, canned coconut milk, Thai red curry paste, light brown sugar, fresh lime juice, and fish sauce until the mixture is very smooth and well combined.
- Cook the Chicken: Pour about one-third of the satay sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker. Toss gently to evenly coat the meat. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours or on low for 4 to 5 hours until the chicken is fully cooked through and very tender but not falling apart.
- Drain and Toss with Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, uncover the slow cooker and carefully drain any cooking liquid. Pour half of the remaining satay sauce over the chicken and toss gently to coat the chicken pieces in the flavorful sauce.
- Optional Broiling: For enhanced flavor and caramelization, transfer the sauced chicken to a broiler-safe pan or baking sheet. Place under a broiler for 3 to 5 minutes or until browned. Then flip the chicken pieces and broil an additional 2 to 3 minutes to brown the opposite side. Keep a close watch as the sugar in the sauce can brown quickly and burn easily.
- Serve: Serve the sauce-coated chicken warm with the remaining satay sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with fresh cilantro, lime slices, and chopped peanuts if desired for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- This slow cooker satay chicken recipe is a simple twist on traditional Thai peanut chicken, perfect for busy days and meal prep.
- You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs, but thighs provide more moisture and flavor.
- The broiling step is optional but highly recommended for a delicious caramelized finish.
- Adjust the amount of red curry paste to taste for desired spice level.
- Leftover sauce makes a great dipping sauce or can be drizzled over rice or noodles.
- Garnish suggestions include fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and crushed peanuts for authentic flavor and presentation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 of 6 servings
- Calories: 308 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 528 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.03 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 144 mg
