Want a dinner that tastes like a cozy restaurant meal but costs less than a fast-food run? This Slow Cooker Chicken Laksa is my go-to for a rich, satisfying bowl that won’t break the bank. You don’t need expensive ingredients to eat well, and this recipe proves it. I love coming home to the incredible smell of spices and coconut milk that fills my whole apartment.
It feels like a warm hug after a long day. We’re making a simplified, budget-friendly version of a classic soup that’s packed with flavor. Get ready for a meal that will make you feel like a kitchen genius with very little effort, just like our creamy loaded baked potato soup.
Recipe Overview
Here’s a quick look at what you’re making. This is one of those easy crockpot dinners you’ll come back to again and again.
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Category: Main Course Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours on Low
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (minimum)
- Servings: 4-6
Why This Recipe Saves You Money
I built this recipe specifically to be kind to your wallet. It uses smart swaps and affordable staples to create something truly special.
We use chicken thighs, which are often cheaper and more flavorful than breasts. The base is built from pantry items like canned coconut milk and broth. You can find a simple laksa paste or make a quick blend with spices you likely already have. This approach turns simple ingredients into a complex, restaurant-worthy dish for a fraction of the price.
Slow Cooker Chicken Laksa Recipe
The Budget-Friendly Ingredient List
How to Make It (Step-by-Step)
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Slow Cooker Chicken Laksa Recipe!
Nutrition Information
My Tips for Smart Shopping on a Budget
Being a savvy shopper is the first step to creating amazing cheap Aldi dinners. A little planning goes a long way.
Buy your chicken thighs in a family pack and freeze what you don’t use. Check the international aisle for coconut milk and spices, as they can be cheaper there. For the veggies, frozen stir-fry blends work perfectly and prevent waste. These small habits add up to big savings over time.
The Budget-Friendly Ingredient List
Here’s everything you need. I promise it’s a short and simple list for these delicious crockpot dishes.
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 (13.5 oz) can coconut milk
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons laksa paste (or a mix of red curry paste and a squeeze of lime)
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 7 oz rice noodles
- For serving: fresh cilantro, lime wedges, bean sprouts
How to Make It (Step-by-Step)
This is where the magic happens. Your crock pot does all the hard work for you.
- Start by placing the chicken thighs, onion, garlic, and bell pepper into your slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, chicken broth, laksa paste, fish sauce, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Pour this liquid mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the crockpot.
- Give everything a gentle stir to combine. Place the lid on and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, carefully remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
- Add the rice noodles to the hot soup, submerging them completely. Put the lid back on and let them cook for 20-30 minutes, or until tender.
- Give the laksa a final taste and adjust seasoning with more fish sauce or lime juice if needed. Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite fresh garnishes.
How to Use Up Every Last Bit (No Waste!)
I hate throwing away food. Here’s how to make sure every part of your meal gets used.
Any leftover soup freezes beautifully for a future lazy dinner. If you have extra cilantro, chop the stems finely and stir them into the soup for extra flavor. Leftover lime halves can be tossed into a glass of water. This way, you get the most out of every single ingredient you buy.
Nutrition Notes
This is a comforting dish that also packs a nutritional punch. It’s a great example of healthy crockpot cooking.
- High in Protein: Thanks to the chicken thighs.
- Rich in Flavor: From the anti-inflammatory spices in the paste.
- Good Fats: Provided by the coconut milk.
- Customizable: You can load it up with extra vegetables for more fiber.
If you’re looking for more creative ways to use chicken, you’ll love our famous Marry Me Chicken Pizza that turns this beloved flavor into a fun meal.
Common Questions About This Recipe
Here are answers to a couple of questions I get asked all the time about this recipe.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
You can, but I don’t recommend it for the best result. Chicken thighs stay moist and tender during the long cooking time. Breasts can easily become dry and stringy. Thighs are the better choice for crockpot chicken.
My soup is too thick. How can I fix it?
No problem! Simply thin it out with a little extra chicken broth or hot water until it reaches your preferred consistency. The rice noodles will continue to absorb liquid, so you may need to do this with leftovers as well.
I can’t find laksa paste. What’s a good substitute?
A good red or yellow curry paste makes a fantastic substitute. Just add a big squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end to brighten it up. It will be a slightly different, but still absolutely delicious, comfort dish.
I hope this recipe becomes a new favorite in your rotation of easy crockpot dinners. It’s proof that you can create incredible, globally-inspired meals without spending a fortune. The slow cooker truly is a budget cook’s best friend.
Let me know your own money-saving twists on this Slow Cooker Chicken Laksa in the comments below! Please leave a rating!
