Chicken Satay Recipe
If you’re craving a flavor-packed dinner that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious, this Chicken Satay Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine perfectly marinated chicken, grilled until juicy and tender, then dipped in a rich, creamy peanut sauce bursting with sweet, salty, and tangy notes. This dish brings the bold, aromatic flavors of Thai street food right to your kitchen, making it perfect for everything from weeknight meals to backyard gatherings. Get ready to create a restaurant-worthy experience at home with this unforgettable Chicken Satay Recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken Satay Recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, yet every ingredient plays a crucial role in creating its signature taste. From the creamy coconut milk to the aromatic blend of spices, each element builds layers of savory, sweet, and subtly spicy flavor that make this dish truly special.
- Chicken: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for juicy, tender skewers that soak up all the marinade goodness.
- Coconut milk: Lends a creamy, subtle sweetness and keeps the chicken moist while grilling.
- Soy sauce: Adds depth and savory umami; opt for low-sodium if you prefer less salt.
- Brown sugar: Balances the spices with a gentle caramel-like sweetness.
- Curry powder: Delivers that unmistakable Thai-inspired aroma and mild heat.
- Turmeric: Gives the chicken a beautiful golden hue and earthy flavor.
- Garlic powder: Enhances the savory notes without overpowering the marinade.
- Ground coriander: Adds citrusy, bright undertones for extra complexity.
- Ground cumin: Brings a warm, nutty background flavor.
- Salt: Essential for rounding out all the flavors and seasoning the chicken perfectly.
- Wooden skewers: Soak these in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
- Creamy peanut butter: The heart of the peanut sauce, offering richness and nutty flavor.
- Coconut milk (for sauce): Makes the sauce silky and smooth.
- Soy sauce (for sauce): Gives the sauce a savory backbone and ties it to the marinade flavors.
- Lime juice: Adds fresh brightness and a touch of tang.
- Brown sugar (for sauce): Enhances the sweet side of the dipping sauce.
- Fresh ginger: Brings zing and a little heat.
- Chili garlic sauce: Provides a hint of spice—add more if you like it hot!
- Warm water: Adjusts the sauce to your preferred consistency.
How to Make Chicken Satay Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar, curry powder, turmeric, garlic powder, coriander, cumin, and salt in a large bowl. Add the chicken strips, tossing them gently to coat each piece in that fragrant marinade. Cover and let them soak up the flavors in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour—though overnight is even better for maximum tenderness and taste.
Step 2: Prepare the Skewers
While the chicken is marinating, soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Once the chicken is ready, thread the strips onto the skewers, weaving them gently so they stay secure and cook evenly.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken Satay
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat, brushing the grates lightly with oil to keep things from sticking. Lay the skewers on the hot grill and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, turning once, until the chicken is cooked through and those irresistible charred edges appear. Don’t wander too far—these cook quickly!
Step 4: Make the Peanut Sauce
While the chicken grills, prepare the peanut sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, fresh ginger, and chili garlic sauce. Add warm water a tablespoon at a time until the sauce is smooth and pourable, perfect for drizzling and dipping.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the sizzling skewers to a platter and serve immediately, with the luscious peanut sauce on the side. Get ready for a round of applause—this Chicken Satay Recipe is always a hit!
How to Serve Chicken Satay Recipe
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, sprinkle your chicken satay with crushed peanuts for crunch and a handful of chopped cilantro for vibrant color and freshness. If you love a little extra zing, add a few slices of fresh red chili or a squeeze of lime over the top.
Side Dishes
This Chicken Satay Recipe pairs beautifully with a refreshing cucumber salad or a mound of steaming jasmine rice. The cool, crisp veggies balance the savory skewers, while the rice soaks up every bit of that dreamy peanut sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party platter, arrange the skewers in a fan shape on a large tray, with the peanut sauce in a bowl at the center for dipping. Or, serve over a bed of lettuce leaves for a lighter, low-carb option. Mini-skewers make bite-sized appetizers that always disappear first at gatherings!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (rare, but it happens!), store the chicken and peanut sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps keep the chicken juicy and prevents the sauce from thickening too much.
Freezing
You can freeze the marinated, uncooked chicken skewers for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling. The peanut sauce can also be made ahead and frozen in an airtight container; stir well after thawing and add a splash of warm water to bring back the creamy texture.
Reheating
To reheat, place the chicken skewers on a baking sheet and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through, about 10 minutes. Gently reheat the peanut sauce in a saucepan over low heat, adding a bit of water if needed to loosen it up.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Chicken Satay Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic choice—they’re extra juicy and flavorful, and they hold up perfectly on the grill. Just make sure to cut them into even strips for the best results.
Is there a substitute for peanut butter in the sauce?
If you need a peanut-free option, try using sunflower seed butter or almond butter. The flavor will change slightly, but you’ll still get a rich, creamy sauce that’s delicious for dipping.
How spicy is this Chicken Satay Recipe, and can I adjust the heat?
The recipe has a gentle warmth from the curry powder and chili garlic sauce, but you’re in control! Add more or less chili garlic sauce to match your spice preference.
Can I cook the skewers indoors if I don’t have a grill?
Definitely! You can use a grill pan on the stovetop or even broil the skewers in your oven, turning halfway through until cooked and lightly charred.
What’s the best way to marinate the chicken for maximum flavor?
Letting the chicken marinate overnight in the fridge is ideal, but even an hour will give you delicious results. Just be sure every piece is well-coated in the marinade for the best flavor infusion.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like gathering around a platter of homemade Chicken Satay Recipe—every bite is juicy, bold, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself to a special dinner, this recipe is sure to bring smiles (and lots of requests for seconds). Give it a try and enjoy a taste of Thailand at home!
Print
Chicken Satay Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Chicken Satay recipe features tender strips of marinated chicken grilled to perfection and served with a rich, creamy peanut sauce. Inspired by traditional Thai flavors, this dish combines aromatic spices like curry powder, turmeric, and coriander with a luscious peanut dipping sauce, making it an irresistible appetizer or main course that’s perfect for grilling season or anytime you crave a bold, savory meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Satay
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into thin strips
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Peanut Sauce
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (or more to taste)
- Warm water to thin, as needed
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar, curry powder, turmeric, garlic powder, ground coriander, ground cumin, and salt to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken strips to the marinade and toss until evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor absorption.
- Thread the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and thread the strips onto soaked wooden skewers, taking care to distribute the chicken evenly.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken: Cook the skewers for 3 to 4 minutes per side, grilling until the chicken is fully cooked through and has a slight char for smoky flavor.
- Make the Peanut Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, grated fresh ginger, and chili garlic sauce. Add warm water a tablespoon at a time to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Serve: Serve the grilled chicken satay skewers warm with the peanut sauce on the side for dipping, garnished with crushed peanuts and chopped cilantro if desired.
Notes
- If you don’t have a grill, broil the skewers in the oven until cooked through and slightly charred.
- Add crushed peanuts and chopped cilantro as a garnish for extra texture and freshness.
- Pair the satay with cucumber salad or jasmine rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Ensure to soak the wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus at least 1 hour marinating time)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe with peanut sauce
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
