Description
This Easy Slow Cooker Satay Chicken recipe features tender boneless chicken thighs simmered in a luscious blend of peanut butter, coconut milk, and Thai red curry paste. Perfect for a hands-off dinner, this dish delivers authentic Thai flavors with minimal effort and can be quickly finished under the broiler for a caramelized, crispy exterior. Serve it with fresh garnishes and extra sauce for dipping to create a deliciously satisfying meal.
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 to a 6-quart slow cooker. Sprinkle the kosher salt evenly over the chicken to season it thoroughly.
- Make the Satay Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, coconut milk, Thai red curry paste, light brown sugar, fresh lime juice, and fish sauce until the mixture is very smooth and well combined.
- Combine and Cook: Pour one-third of the satay sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker. Toss gently to coat all pieces evenly. Set the remaining sauce aside. Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 4-5 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender but still holds its shape.
- Drain and Dress: Once the chicken is cooked, uncover the slow cooker and carefully drain the cooking liquid. Pour half of the remaining satay sauce over the chicken, tossing gently to coat all pieces.
- Broil for Finish: For added flavor and texture, transfer the coated chicken to a broiler-safe pan or baking sheet. Broil for 3-5 minutes until the chicken browns on one side, then flip and broil for another 2-3 minutes to brown the other side. Watch closely to avoid burning due to the sugar content in the sauce.
- Serve: Serve the broiled satay chicken with the remaining satay sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with fresh cilantro, lime slices, and chopped peanuts if desired for a vibrant presentation.
Notes
- This slow cooker satay chicken is a simple twist on traditional Thai peanut chicken, perfect for an effortless yet flavorful dinner.
- It uses chicken thighs for juiciness and tenderness but boneless skinless breasts can be substituted.
- The recipe is a great meal prep option as it stores well and tastes even better the next day.
- Broiling at the end adds a delicious caramelized crust thanks to the sugar in the sauce, which enhances the depth of flavor.
- Adjust the amount of Thai red curry paste depending on your preferred spice level.
- For garnish, fresh herbs and lime slices brighten the richness of the satay sauce beautifully.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 4 oz cooked chicken with sauce)
- 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
