There’s something magical about the aroma of Slow Cooker Chicken Satay wafting through the house, isn’t there? Picture this: tender chicken pieces marinated in a rich, peanut sauce that’s so good you’ll wonder if it should be classified as a food group. As you dip a piece into the extra sauce, your taste buds dance with joy, and suddenly, all your worries fade away like yesterday’s leftovers.
This dish is perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a lively gathering with friends. Imagine everyone gathered around the table, laughter in the air as they savor each bite of succulent chicken. You might even find yourself fighting over the last piece! Trust me; this flavor experience will make your heart sing and your stomach happy. For more inspiration, check out this more main dish recipes
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Slow Cooker Chicken Satay offers an effortless cooking experience that even busy parents can appreciate
- The rich peanut flavor paired with tender chicken makes it irresistibly delicious
- Its visual appeal brightens up any dinner table, making it perfect for family gatherings or casual get-togethers
- Enjoy it as is or serve with rice and fresh veggies for a complete meal
I’ve often made this dish when hosting friends, and their delighted reactions were priceless as they asked for seconds—and thirds!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, adjusting based on how many guests are coming.
- Peanut Butter: Opt for creamy peanut butter for a smooth sauce that adheres beautifully to the chicken.
- Coconut Milk: Choose full-fat coconut milk for richness; it adds creaminess to the sauce.
- Fresh Ginger: Use fresh ginger rather than powdered for a zesty kick and vibrant flavor.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic unleashes an intense aroma; don’t skimp on this essential ingredient!
- Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness while still delivering umami flavor.
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens up the dish—don’t settle for bottled!
- Brown Sugar: Adds the perfect hint of sweetness to balance out the savory flavors.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Adjust these to your heat preference—more flakes equal more spice!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Gather Your Ingredients
Start by assembling all your ingredients on the countertop. It makes cooking smoother and helps you avoid that frantic last-minute dash to find missing items.
Prepare Your Chicken
Cut the boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Take a moment to season them lightly with salt and pepper before marinating them in the flavorful sauce.
Whisk Up The Marinade
In a large bowl, mix together peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, ginger, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes until smooth. Visualize how these ingredients will meld into a creamy dream!
Marinate The Chicken
Add your chicken to the marinade and stir well to coat every piece evenly. Let it soak up all those fantastic flavors for at least 30 minutes.
Place In The Slow Cooker
Transfer everything into your slow cooker. Set it on low heat and let it cook for about 6-7 hours—this is where patience pays off! Your home will smell amazing!
Serve And Enjoy
Once done, shred the chicken slightly with two forks right in the slow cooker to absorb more sauce. Serve hot over rice or with fresh veggies and watch everyone swoon!
With this delightful Slow Cooker Chicken Satay recipe under your belt, you’ll be well-equipped for any culinary adventure. Bon appétit!
You Must Know
- This Slow Cooker Chicken Satay recipe is a game changer for busy weeknights
- The fragrant spices and tender chicken create an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen, making it impossible to resist
- Plus, it’s perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken for at least an hour to infuse flavor. Then, place it in the slow cooker with your sauce ingredients, ensuring even cooking and maximum tenderness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap chicken for tofu or shrimp for a different protein twist. Adding vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas can also elevate this dish’s nutrition and color.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to keep it moist.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For best results, use high-quality peanut butter for richer flavor
- Ensure chicken pieces are similar sizes for even cooking
- Always taste your sauce before serving to adjust seasoning as needed
Making this dish reminds me of the time my friends couldn’t stop raving about it during a game night. We barely had leftovers!
FAQ
Can I make Slow Cooker Chicken Satay ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it a day earlier and reheat before serving.
What can I serve with Slow Cooker Chicken Satay?
Serve it with jasmine rice or fresh veggies for a complete meal.
How do I make this dish spicier?
Add more chili paste or fresh sliced chilies to crank up the heat!

Slow Cooker Chicken Satay
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Slow Cooker Chicken Satay is a delightful dish that brings the rich flavors of Thai cuisine right into your home. Tender chicken pieces are marinated in a creamy peanut sauce, creating an irresistible aroma that will have everyone gathering around the dinner table. Perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining friends, this recipe offers a delicious balance of savory and sweet flavors that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 2 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- Juice of 2 limes
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients on your countertop.
- Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
- Add chicken to the marinade and stir to coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Transfer the marinated chicken and sauce into a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken slightly in the slow cooker to absorb more sauce and serve hot over rice or with fresh veggies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow cooking
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: For added flavor, let the chicken marinate for an hour or overnight if time allows. You can substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp for a different protein option. Adding vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas can enhance both nutrition and color.