Name: Slow Cooker Chicken Satay
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 small white onion, thinly sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup chicken stock; 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce; 2 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoons Thai red curry paste; 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs; 1 large red bell pepper, sliced; 1 large carrot, sliced into half-moons; 1 (15-ounce) can unsweetened coconut milk; 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter; 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice; 2 large handfuls fresh baby spinach; Rice or noodles, for serving; Chopped fresh cilantro and mint, for topping; Finely-chopped peanuts, for topping; Lime wedges, for topping

Why Make This Recipe

Slow cooker chicken satay is a fantastic choice for busy weeknights or family gatherings. It combines the rich flavors of Thai cuisine with the convenience of a slow cooker. The dish is not only easy to prepare, but it also delivers a healthy, satisfying meal that everyone will love. With tender chicken thighs and a creamy peanut sauce, it’s perfect served over rice or noodles. Plus, you can customize the toppings to suit your taste.

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How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Satay

Ingredients

1 small white onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken stock
3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons Thai red curry paste
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 large red bell pepper, sliced
1 large carrot, sliced into half-moons
1 (15-ounce) can unsweetened coconut milk
1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 large handfuls fresh baby spinach
Rice or noodles, for serving
Chopped fresh cilantro and mint, for topping
Finely-chopped peanuts, for topping
Lime wedges, for topping

Directions

Add the onion, garlic, chicken stock, soy sauce, honey, and red curry paste to the bowl of a slow cooker and stir to combine.
Arrange the chicken thighs on top of the mixture in an even layer, then sprinkle the bell pepper and carrots on top.
Cover and slow cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-7 hours until the chicken is cooked through.
Shred the chicken on a separate plate using two forks.
Add the coconut milk, peanut butter, and lime juice to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
Add in the spinach and shredded chicken, tossing gently until the spinach wilts.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve warm over rice or noodles, garnished with cilantro, mint, peanuts, and lime wedges.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Satay

Serve your slow cooker chicken satay warm over a bed of rice or noodles for a complete meal. Add a generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro, mint, and chopped peanuts on top, and squeeze some lime juice to enhance the flavors. This dish is perfect for family dinners or as a hearty meal prep option for the week ahead.

How to Store Slow Cooker Chicken Satay

To store leftover chicken satay, let it cool down to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Tips to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Satay

Make sure to slice your vegetables thinly for even cooking.
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce overnight before cooking.
Adjust the amount of Thai red curry paste based on your spice preference.
Don’t skip the lime juice; it brightens the flavors of the dish.
You can use chicken breasts instead of thighs if you prefer a leaner option.

Variation

You can easily customize this recipe by adding different vegetables like snap peas, broccoli, or zucchini. If you want a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just keep in mind that they may cook faster than thighs, so check for doneness a little earlier.

2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce.

3. Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance and store it in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Just cook it according to the directions when you’re ready to serve.