The Ultimate Easy Slow Cooker Satay Chicken with Rich Peanut Sauce
Imagine coming home after a long, busy day to the comforting aroma of a delicious, home-cooked meal. This is exactly what our slow cooker satay chicken with creamy peanut sauce promises! If you’re searching for a recipe that’s effortlessly easy, incredibly flavorful, and requires minimal hands-on time, look no further. This dish delivers incredibly tender chicken bathed in a luscious, deeply satisfying peanut sauce – a perfect harmony of sweet, salty, and a hint of spice. And the best part? Your trusty slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, transforming simple ingredients into a gourmet-worthy meal while you go about your day.
What is Slow Cooker Satay Chicken and Why It’s Perfect for You?
Satay, a classic Southeast Asian dish, typically involves skewered and grilled meat served with a rich peanut sauce. Our slow cooker rendition captures all the authentic flavors of traditional satay but with the convenience of a modern appliance. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy this beloved cuisine without the fuss of grilling or constant supervision.
This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary experience designed for maximum enjoyment with minimum effort. The slow cooking process ensures the chicken breast or thighs become incredibly tender, practically falling apart, while absorbing every nuanced flavor of the homemade peanut sauce. The sauce itself is a marvel, combining savory ground peanuts with a medley of sweet chili sauce, honey, aromatic garlic and onions, tangy lemon juice, and the distinctive notes of Kecap Manis (sweet soy sauce) and a touch of fiery sambal oelek.
Whether you’re planning your next family dinner, a casual BBQ gathering, or a grand rijsttafel (Indonesian buffet table) spread, this creamy slow cooked chicken satay is always a crowd-pleaser. Its versatility also means you can easily tailor it to your dietary needs or flavor preferences. No peanuts? Cashews make an excellent alternative. Craving a vegetarian option? Tofu or tempeh readily absorb the rich sauce. Want to dial up the heat? A little extra sambal will do the trick.
Pair it with staples like fluffy rice, or go for a complete Asian-inspired feast alongside a plate of bami goreng or nasi goreng. For a refreshing contrast, a crisp cucumber salad adds a delightful crunch and cuts through the richness of the sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe: Benefits of Slow Cooker Satay Chicken
This slow cooker satay chicken isn’t just another recipe; it’s a solution for delicious, stress-free cooking. Here’s why it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen:
- Effortlessly Easy to Make: The beauty of a slow cooker is its simplicity. Just toss the ingredients into the pot, set it, and forget it. No sautéing, no constant stirring, just tender, flavorful chicken waiting for you at mealtime. It’s truly a hands-off masterpiece, perfect for even the busiest of days.
- Incredibly Versatile: This dish shines in many culinary roles. Serve it classically with steamed white rice or noodles for a satisfying meal. Transform it into flavorful fillings for wraps or pita bread, or even pile it onto buns for a unique satay chicken sandwich. It’s also fantastic as a topping for salads or part of a larger buffet.
- Customizable to Your Taste: Whether you prefer a milder flavor or a fiery kick, this recipe is incredibly adaptable. Adjust the amount of sambal to control the spice level, or increase the honey for more sweetness. You can even swap out the chicken for other proteins or nuts to suit different dietary needs or preferences.
- Perfect for Family Dinners & Entertaining: With its universally loved flavors, this satay chicken is a hit with both kids and adults. It’s an excellent choice for family weeknight dinners, easily scales up for meal prep throughout the week, and makes a standout dish at your next Asian-themed gathering or potluck.
- Rich & Creamy Flavor Profile: The slow cooking process allows the complex flavors of the peanut sauce to meld beautifully, creating a depth that’s hard to achieve with quicker methods. The result is a wonderfully rich, creamy, and aromatic sauce that coats every piece of succulent chicken.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Peanut Satay Chicken
The beauty of this slow cooker satay chicken lies in its accessible yet powerful ingredient list. Each component plays a crucial role in building the dish’s signature creamy, savory, and slightly spicy profile.
The Chicken
For this recipe, we recommend:
- Chicken Breast: Lean and tender, chicken breast shreds beautifully after slow cooking and readily absorbs the rich peanut sauce. Cut into large pieces or leave whole for easy shredding later.
- Substitution Option: Chicken Thighs: For an even juicier and more flavorful result, chicken thighs are an excellent choice. Their higher fat content ensures they remain incredibly moist during the slow cooking process. You might slightly adjust the cooking time if using bone-in, skin-on thighs, but boneless, skinless thighs will cook similarly to breasts.
The Creamy Peanut Sauce Base
This is where the magic happens! Our sauce is a blend of:
- Peanuts (finely ground): The star of the show. Using finely ground peanuts provides a delightful texture and intense nutty flavor. You can buy pre-ground peanuts or simply pulse roasted peanuts in a food processor until fine.
- Coconut Milk: Adds a luxurious creaminess and a subtle tropical sweetness that balances the savory and spicy elements. Full-fat coconut milk is recommended for the best richness.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: Contributes a sweet and tangy kick, along with a mild hint of spice. It’s a key ingredient for that classic Asian flavor.
- Honey: Enhances the natural sweetness of the sauce and helps to create a beautiful glaze. Adjust to your preference.
- Kecap Manis (Sweet Soy Sauce): An Indonesian staple, this thick, dark, and sweet soy sauce adds an essential umami depth and a unique sweetness that cannot be replicated. Find it in the international aisle of most grocery stores or Asian markets.
Aromatic Spices and Flavor Enhancers
These ingredients elevate the sauce from simple to extraordinary:
- Onions (finely chopped): Provides a foundational savory flavor to the sauce.
- Garlic (squeezed/minced): Essential for its pungent aroma and robust flavor, complementing the other ingredients perfectly.
- Sambal Oelek: A fiery Indonesian chili paste that brings the heat. Start with the recommended amount and add more if you prefer a spicier dish.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the entire sauce, adding a crucial acidic balance that cuts through the richness of the peanuts and coconut milk.
Step-by-Step: How to Make the Best Slow Cooker Satay Chicken
Making this chicken satay is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a truly delicious and satisfying meal:
- Prepare the Satay Sauce: In a food processor, combine the finely chopped onions, squeezed garlic, ground peanuts, sweet chili sauce, honey, coconut milk, sambal oelek, Kecap Manis, and fresh lemon juice. Blend all ingredients until the mixture is smooth and well combined. If you don’t have a food processor, a hand blender can also achieve a smooth consistency. This step creates the flavorful base that will infuse into your chicken.
- Layer the Chicken: Place your chicken breasts (or thighs) at the bottom of your slow cooker. Arranging them evenly ensures they cook thoroughly and soak up the maximum amount of sauce.
- Pour and Coat: Generously pour the freshly blended peanut sauce over the chicken, making sure every piece is thoroughly coated. This ensures consistent flavor throughout the dish.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Secure the lid on your slow cooker and set it to the LOW setting. Allow the chicken to cook for approximately 4 hours. The low and slow heat will gently tenderize the chicken while allowing the flavors of the sauce to deepen and meld beautifully.
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker (it will be very tender!). Using two forks, easily pull the chicken apart into large, juicy, shredded pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and toss it with the rich peanut sauce. This ensures every strand of chicken is coated in that delicious flavor.
Serving Suggestions for Your Delicious Satay Chicken
This slow cooker satay chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, making it easy to create a complete and satisfying meal. Here are some of our favorite ways to serve it:
- Classic with Rice: The most popular choice! Serve over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice to soak up every last drop of the creamy peanut sauce.
- Noodle Delight: Spoon it over stir-fried noodles like lo mein, pad Thai noodles, or even simple ramen noodles for a hearty and comforting dish.
- Fresh Greens & Salad: For a lighter meal, serve alongside a crisp green salad or a refreshing cucumber salad. The freshness provides a perfect contrast to the rich sauce.
- Indonesian Feast: Elevate your meal by incorporating it into a traditional Indonesian rijsttafel (rice table), alongside other dishes like Nasi Goreng (fried rice) or Bami Goreng (fried noodles).
- Wrap & Roll: Use the shredded satay chicken as a flavorful filling for lettuce wraps, tortilla wraps, or warm pita bread. Add some shredded carrots or cucumber for extra crunch.
- Garnish for Flair: Don’t forget the finishing touches! A sprinkle of roughly chopped peanuts adds a delightful textural contrast and extra nutty flavor. Fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, or a few slices of red chili can also add vibrancy and freshness.
Did you make this delicious recipe? Tag #byandreajanssen via Instagram! I love to see what your creation looks like and regularly share the most beautiful photos of you! Did you like this recipe? Then leave a rating on the recipe card! Your feedback helps other home cooks and me enormously.
Need more inspiration?
- You can find video recipes on my YouTube channel.
- And don’t forget to save the recipes on Pinterest, so you can easily find them again next time!
📖 Recipe
RECIPE CARD
Andréa
Pin Recipe
15 minutes
4 hours
4 hours 15 minutes
Dinner
Asian, Indonesian
4 persons
697 kcal
Prevent your screen from going dark
Ingredients
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, squeezed
- 6 tablespoons peanuts, finely ground
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 teaspoons sambal oelek
- ½ cup Kecap Manis, sweet soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice, fresh
- 2 pounds chicken breast
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons peanuts, roughly chopped
All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.
Instructions
-
Put the onions, garlic, ground peanuts, sweet chili sauce, honey, coconut milk, sambal, kecap, and lemon juice in a food processor. Blend until smooth. (No food processor? Use a hand blender.)2 onions, 3 cloves garlic, 6 tablespoons peanuts, 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce, 3 tablespoons honey, 1 cup coconut milk, 2 teaspoons sambal oelek, ½ cup Kecap Manis, 1 teaspoon lemon juice
-
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.2 pounds chicken breast
-
Pour the peanut sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
-
Set the slow cooker to LOW and cook for 4 hours.
-
Use two forks to pull the chicken into large, juicy pieces.
Serve
-
Serve the chicken with sauce on a platter and sprinkle the roughly chopped peanuts on top for a bit of crunch.2 tablespoons peanuts
Notes
- Make it spicier: Add more sambal Oelek or fresh chili peppers
- Go vegetarian: Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version
- Peanut-free option: Swap the peanuts for sunflower seeds or cashews if you have a peanut allergy.
2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, chicken thighs will make this dish even more tender and flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time.
3. Can I make this in the oven? Yes, place the chicken in a casserole dish and pour the sauce over it. Cover with foil and bake at 320 °F (160 °C) for about 90 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
4. Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can make the peanut sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just add it to the chicken when you’re ready to cook.
5. Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Freezer: Freeze in a freezer bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a saucepan with a splash of (coconut) milk or water to loosen the sauce.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 56g
Protein: 55g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g
Monounsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0.03g
Cholesterol: 145mg
Sodium: 948mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 41g
Vitamin A: 73IU
Vitamin C: 10mg
Iron: 4mg
a slow cooker recipe with chicken, an easy slow cooker recipe with chicken
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Slow Cooker Satay Chicken
Here are some common questions and helpful answers to ensure your slow cooker satay chicken turns out perfectly every time:
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are an excellent substitute for chicken breasts in this recipe. They tend to be more flavorful and retain moisture even better during the slow cooking process, resulting in incredibly tender and juicy chicken. The cooking time should remain similar for boneless, skinless thighs.
- Can I make this recipe in the oven?
Yes, you can! To adapt this recipe for oven cooking, simply place your chicken pieces in a casserole dish. Pour the prepared peanut sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 320°F (160°C) for about 90 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender. Shred the chicken as instructed before serving.
- Can I prepare the satay sauce ahead of time?
Yes, meal prepping the sauce is a fantastic time-saver! You can make the peanut sauce up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, simply add the chicken and the pre-made sauce to your slow cooker and proceed with the recipe as usual.
- How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers of this delicious satay chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Make sure to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- What’s the best way to reheat frozen satay chicken?
When reheating from frozen, first thaw the dish completely in the refrigerator. Then, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat on the stove. If the sauce has thickened too much, you can add a splash of coconut milk, chicken broth, or water to loosen it up and restore its creamy consistency.
- How can I adjust the spice level?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of sambal oelek, which provides a moderate heat. If you prefer a milder flavor, start with 1 teaspoon or omit it entirely. For those who love a fiery kick, feel free to add an extra teaspoon or two, or even a few slices of fresh chili peppers to the slow cooker.
- What if I have a peanut allergy?
If you or someone you’re serving has a peanut allergy, you can easily make this recipe peanut-free. Simply replace the ground peanuts with an equal amount of finely ground cashews or sunflower seeds. The flavor profile will shift slightly but will still be delicious and creamy.
Conclusion: Your New Favorite Weeknight Meal!
This slow cooker satay chicken with peanut sauce is truly a game-changer for anyone seeking flavorful, easy-to-make meals. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, combined with the magic of slow cooking, can yield a dish that’s both comforting and exotic. Perfect for the busiest of weeknights or a relaxed weekend dinner, this recipe allows you to enjoy a rich, creamy, and satisfying meal with minimal effort.
So, gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and prepare to delight your taste buds with this incredible Asian-inspired creation. Don’t forget to customize it to your liking and share your culinary successes with us!
More Slow Cooker Recipes to Explore
- Slow Cooker Asian Beef
- Dutch sour meat (zoervleisj, zuurvlees)
- Belgian beef stew {stoofvlees, carbonnade Flamande}