Want a dinner that feels like a million bucks but costs less than ten? This Slow Cooker Chicken Laksa is my secret weapon. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like a genius, not a penny-pincher. If you love a good slow cooker chicken stew, you’ll adore this aromatic twist.
You get a rich, aromatic coconut curry soup with tender chicken and noodles. It’s pure comfort in a bowl. And your slow cooker does almost all the work. I promise, you don’t need expensive ingredients to eat well. This recipe proves it.
Recipe Overview
Here’s the quick snapshot of what you’re making. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend.
- Cuisine: Malaysian-inspired
- Category: Soup / Main Dish
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours on Low
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 6
Why This Recipe Saves You Money
I build my entire blog around meals like this. Let me show you why it’s so kind to your wallet.
First, it uses affordable chicken thighs. They are cheaper and more flavorful than breasts. They also stay juicy during the long cook time. This is a key trick for crockpot chicken success.
Second, the broth builds itself. You use water, not store-bought stock. The chicken and spices create an amazing base as it cooks. That’s one less item on your grocery list.
Finally, the laksa paste is a powerhouse. A small jar lasts for multiple meals. It packs in all the complex flavor. This means you don’t need a dozen expensive spices.
My Tips for Smart Shopping on a Budget
I’ve learned a few things over the years. These tips make cheap Aldi dinners and other meals even more affordable.
Buy your chicken in bulk when it’s on sale. Freeze it in recipe-sized portions. This is the foundation of all my easy crockpot dinners. For another fantastic way to use chicken thighs, try this rosemary apple cider chicken.
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
Get your coconut milk and laksa paste at an Asian grocery store if you can. They are significantly cheaper there. If not, stores like Aldi often have great prices on coconut milk.
Use dried rice noodles. They are shelf-stable and very inexpensive. They soak up the flavorful broth perfectly. Fresh herbs are lovely, but a squeeze of lime juice at the end gives that bright pop for less.
The Budget-Friendly Ingredient List
Here’s everything you need. Check your pantry first—you might already have half of this.
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons red or green laksa paste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 4 cups water
- 1 (14 oz) can full-fat coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 7 oz dried rice noodles
- To serve: lime wedges, bean sprouts, cilantro, sliced chili (optional)
How to Make It (Step-by-Step)
This is where the magic happens. Your future self will thank you for this minimal effort.
- Start by prepping. Slice your onion, mince the garlic, and grate the ginger. No need for perfect knife skills here.
- Build the soup base. Add the chicken thighs, onion, laksa paste, garlic, and ginger to your slow cooker. Pour in the 4 cups of water. Give it a gentle stir.
- Let it cook. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours. The chicken will become fork-tender and the broth will be fragrant.
- Shred the chicken. After 4 hours, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the pot. It should fall apart easily.
- Finish the broth. Stir in the coconut milk, fish sauce, brown sugar, and sliced bell pepper. Cover and cook on HIGH for another 20-30 minutes.
- Cook the noodles. While the broth finishes, cook your rice noodles according to package directions. This usually just means soaking them in hot water.
- Serve it up. Divide the cooked noodles into bowls. Ladle the hot laksa soup with chicken and peppers over the top. Add your favorite fresh toppings.
How to Use Up Every Last Bit (No Waste!)
Getting every penny’s worth from your ingredients is a superpower. Here’s how I do it with this dish.
Leftover soup? It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight and reheat gently. The noodles are best added fresh, so cook new ones when you reheat.
If you have extra laksa paste, use it to make a quick stir-fry sauce. Just thin it with a little coconut milk or water. It’s a fantastic flavor boost for veggies and protein.
Got leftover bean sprouts or herbs? Toss them into an omelet the next morning. Or make a quick, crunchy salad with a simple lime dressing. Nothing goes to waste.
Nutrition Notes
This is a satisfying and balanced meal. Here’s a rough breakdown per serving, without optional toppings.
- Calories: ~450
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g
Common Questions About This Recipe
I get asked these questions a lot. Here are the answers to help you out.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
You can, but I don’t recommend it for budget or texture reasons. Thighs are cheaper and won’t dry out. If you must use breasts, reduce the initial cook time to 3 hours on LOW. Check them early to prevent toughness.
What if I can’t find laksa paste?
This is a common hurdle. You can make a simple substitute. Mix 2 tablespoons of red curry paste with 1 teaspoon of ground coriander and a pinch of turmeric. It won’t be identical, but it will still make a delicious comfort dish.
Is this recipe spicy?
The heat level depends on your laksa paste. Start with the 3 tablespoons. You can always add more at the end. To cool it down, add extra coconut milk. Let everyone adjust their own bowl with fresh chili slices.
This slow cooker laksa is more than just a meal. It’s proof that smart cooking beats a big grocery bill every time. You get a world of flavor for just a few dollars a bowl. It’s become one of my favorite crock pot cooking hacks. If you’re looking for another incredibly popular and creamy slow cooker recipe, you have to try the legendary crack chicken chili.
I want to hear how it works in your kitchen. Did you find a great deal on laksa paste? Have another brilliant no-waste tip? Let me know your own money-saving tricks for this recipe in the comments below! Please leave a rating!