Easy Slow Cooker Satay Chicken (w/ Coconut Milk)

This Easy Slow Cooker Satay Chicken is a flavorful and comforting dish made with tender chicken, rich coconut milk, and a savory peanut satay sauce. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, it’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Let your slow cooker do all the work while you enjoy a hearty, satisfying dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Requires minimal prep time
• Made with pantry staples and simple ingredients
• Slow-cooked for maximum flavor and tenderness
• A delicious balance of sweet, savory, and nutty
• Great for meal prep and leftovers
• Kid-friendly and easily adjustable to taste
• Perfect with rice, noodles, or flatbreads
• Creamy and comforting with a subtle kick of spice

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken thighs or breasts
• Coconut milk
• Peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar or honey
• Lime juice
• Garlic
• Fresh ginger
• Curry powder or red curry paste
• Chili flakes or sriracha (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh cilantro or green onions (for garnish)

directions

1. Place the chicken into the slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, mix coconut milk, peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, ginger, sugar, and curry powder (or curry paste).
3. Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and cooked through.
5. Remove the chicken and shred or cut it into chunks.
6. Return chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat with the sauce.
7. Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or with warm naan.
8. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4-6 servings.
Cook time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: Approximately 6 hours 10 minutes

Variations

• Use almond butter or cashew butter instead of peanut butter for a different nutty twist.
• Add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or baby corn in the last hour of cooking.
• Substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version.
• Try it with crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
• Add a dash of fish sauce or hoisin sauce for deeper umami flavor.

storage/reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
This dish also freezes well—store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

How spicy is satay chicken?

The spice level is mild by default, but you can increase heat with chili flakes, sriracha, or red curry paste.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work well, though thighs are juicier and more flavorful after slow cooking.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make this recipe completely gluten-free.

Can I cook this on the stovetop instead?

Yes, simmer the sauce and chicken together on low heat for about 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

What can I serve with satay chicken?

Serve it over rice, noodles, or with flatbreads like naan. It also pairs well with stir-fried veggies.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, it’s a great make-ahead meal. The flavors develop even more after a day in the fridge.

Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?

Absolutely—add bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots during the last hour of cooking for extra color and crunch.

What kind of peanut butter should I use?

Smooth peanut butter creates a creamier sauce, but crunchy adds texture. Both work well.

Can I freeze satay chicken?

Yes, it freezes beautifully. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months and reheat when needed.

How do I thicken the sauce?

If the sauce is too thin, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking or stir in a cornstarch slurry.

Conclusion

This Easy Slow Cooker Satay Chicken is a fuss-free, flavor-packed dish that brings a delicious Southeast Asian twist to your dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for the family or prepping meals for the week, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Creamy, comforting, and so simple—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Print