Slow Cooker Chicken Satay Sloppy Joes

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To make this easy slow cooker satay chicken recipe you will need:

• ground chicken
• natural peanut butter
• soy sauce
• rice vinegar
• honey
• sesame oil
• ground ginger
• sriracha
• coconut milk - full fat
• green onion - optional garnish
• crushed peanuts - optional garnish

🔪Instructions

This great recipe just involves a few simple steps:

Preparing Your Slow Cooker

Prepare your slow cooker by coating it with a non-stick agent.  Any nonstick cooking spray or oil will work. Olive oil and avocado oil are my go-to coatings. 

 NOTE: some slow cooker inserts come with a nonstick surface.  Use of a non-stick agent is still suggested. However, oil is sometimes recommended rather than spray to protect the longevity of the non-stick surface.  Check the manual for your slow cooker if you have any concerns. 

Alternatively, you can choose to use a slow cooker liner.  

Cooking

Start by adding ground chicken to your slow cooker.  Use a wooden or rubber spatula to gently break it apart.  Skipping this step will cause ground chicken to cook in one large clump. Keep in mind that ground chicken can get mushy, so be careful not to overwork it.  

Next, add in all remaining ingredients, other than coconut milk and garnishes.  Stir gently to combine.  Cover and cook on low heat for 3-4 hours or high heat for 2-3 hours.  

Once cooking time is up, stir once again to ensure that all ingredients are thoroughly combined.  Be sure to break up any remaining chunks of ground chicken pieces.  Add ⅔ of a cup of coconut milk to your chicken mixture and stir to fully incorporate.  Serve and enjoy!

PRO-TIP: Use either a silicone or wooden spoon when making easy recipes like this in your slow cooker.  This will help to avoid scratching.   

🍽Serving suggestions

Serve this delicious dish traditional "sloppy-Joe-Style" on top of brioche-type hamburger buns.  The messier the better!  Slice red onions and bell peppers on top of your sandwich for a delicious crunch.

This saucy, sloppy Joe mixture is also great on top of a bed of brown or white rice, riced cauliflower, or quinoa. Coconut rice and mashed cauliflower also make wonderful and flavorful bases to absorb all of the amazingly peanutty sloppy joe sauce.    

A side of warm naan or flatbread for scooping is also highly encouraged! 

 Try garnishing your sloppy Joe recipe with some crushed peanuts, sliced green onions, and/or a drizzle of hot sauce.  These will add both texture and flavor while keeping your chicken at center stage.    

Finally, this is one of the best recipes to serve in lettuce wraps or half of a red bell pepper.  The cool crunch of a fresh vegetable is the perfect partner for the creamy ground meat dish.  It is wonderful with a squeeze of fresh lime juice on top.  

🔁Substitution ideas

1.  If you would like your sloppy Joe's to be a bit saucier, stir in an additional ¼ - ½ cup of coconut milk.  

2.  Swap out brown sugar for honey for a slightly different, but equally delicious dish.  

3. Similarly, swap Worcestershire sauce for soy sauce for a slightly different finished taste.

4.  Use ground turkey in place of ground chicken.  (Note: I have not tried this dish with ground beef.  If you try it, I would love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below)   

Storing

Like many slow cooker meals, we are always hoping for leftovers of this dish.  They are delicious future munches! 

Store leftovers either an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag.  They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.  

Alternatively, you can freeze this popular dish for up to 3 months.  To use, allow dish to thaw overnight in the refrigerator.  Once defrosted, reheat gently to not overcook the chicken.  Be sure to mix thoroughly as the sauce may separate somewhat when freezing.  

😉Hints & hacks

1. Ground chicken is considered safe to consume once it reaches 165℉.  A meat thermometer is a helpful tool if you are unsure as to whether or not your chicken is ready.  
2. Serving a crowd?  This slow cooker chicken satay can easily be made into a double batch.  The hours of cooking may need to be increased slightly, but not doubled.  All ingredients should be exactly doubled. 
3. This is one of our non-traditional favorite slow cooker recipes to serve on game days. Our entire family likes it as a dip with corn or tortilla chips.
4. I always recommend the use of a slow cooker liner. Of course, this is an optional step. I like to purchase my liners in bulk for a less expensive per-piece price.
5. Store leftovers of your sloppy Joe mixture in individual serving-size containers for an easy weeknight dinner or lunch.
6. In the market for a new slow cooker? I love mine!
7. Don't forget to turn on (and plug-in!) your slow cooker!!