Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is an irresistible combination of flavors and textures. The marinated chicken is full of aromatic spices that are perfectly balanced with the creamy, tangy peanut sauce. The chicken satay is grilled to perfection, offering a smoky, charred exterior while staying tender and juicy on the inside. Plus, the peanut sauce is rich and creamy with just the right amount of heat from the chili garlic sauce, making it the perfect complement to the chicken. It’s an easy yet impressive dish that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

¼ cup coconut milk
2 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce
2 ½ teaspoons yellow curry powder
1 ½ teaspoons turmeric
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon fish sauce
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks
1 tablespoon canola oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Peanut Sauce:

3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
1 tablespoon reduced sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
2 teaspoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce (or more, to taste)
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Chicken Satay:

Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine coconut milk, soy sauce, curry powder, turmeric, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, and fish sauce. Stir until the mixture is well combined.
Marinate the Chicken: In a gallon-size Ziploc bag or large bowl, combine the chicken and the marinade. Seal the bag or cover the bowl, and marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours or up to overnight, turning the bag occasionally for even marination.
Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers. Brush the chicken with canola oil and season with salt and pepper.
Cook the Chicken: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Serve: Remove the chicken from the skewers and serve immediately with the peanut sauce.

For the Peanut Sauce:

Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, chili garlic sauce, and ginger until smooth and well combined.
Adjust Consistency: Add 2-3 tablespoons of water to the sauce to reach your desired consistency, whisking until smooth.
Serve: Serve the peanut sauce on the side or drizzle it over the chicken satay skewers for the perfect finishing touch.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (for marinating)
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes

Variations

Use Chicken Breasts: If you prefer leaner meat, you can substitute chicken thighs with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just be sure to adjust the grilling time.
Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for tofu or seitan, marinating and grilling them the same way.
Spicy Peanut Sauce: If you like extra heat, increase the chili garlic sauce in the peanut sauce or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the marinade.
Grilled Vegetables: Add some grilled vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or onions, to the skewers for a complete meal.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover chicken satay and peanut sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave the chicken or reheat it on the grill for a few minutes to warm it through. The peanut sauce can be reheated in a saucepan over low heat, adding a bit of water to adjust the consistency.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts or even chicken drumsticks, but chicken thighs are ideal for their tenderness and juiciness when grilled.

How can I make the peanut sauce spicier?

To add more heat, increase the chili garlic sauce or add a dash of sriracha or fresh chopped chili peppers to the peanut sauce.

Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the marinade ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be.

What can I serve with Chicken Satay?

Serve the chicken satay with rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh cucumber salad. It also pairs well with naan bread or any flatbread.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). A meat thermometer is the best way to check for doneness.

Conclusion

Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce is a flavorful, satisfying, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The rich, marinated chicken skewers are complemented perfectly by the creamy, tangy peanut sauce. Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or enjoying a cozy meal at home, this dish is sure to impress with its bold flavors and vibrant textures. Enjoy this delicious, grilled treat as a main dish or appetizer—it’s sure to be a favorite!

Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce: A Flavorful, Grilled Delight

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Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce is a flavorful and juicy dish featuring marinated chicken thighs grilled to perfection and paired with a creamy, tangy peanut sauce. The combination of aromatic spices and rich peanut sauce makes this a crowd-pleasing meal for any occasion.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (for marinating)
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Main dish
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Asian

Instructions

For the Chicken Satay:
Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine coconut milk, soy sauce, curry powder, turmeric, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, and fish sauce. Stir until the mixture is well combined.
Marinate the Chicken: In a gallon-size Ziploc bag or large bowl, combine the chicken and the marinade. Seal the bag or cover the bowl, and marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours or up to overnight, turning the bag occasionally for even marination.
Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers. Brush the chicken with canola oil and season with salt and pepper.
Cook the Chicken: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Serve: Remove the chicken from the skewers and serve immediately with the peanut sauce.
For the Peanut Sauce:
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, chili garlic sauce, and ginger until smooth and well combined.
Adjust Consistency: Add 2-3 tablespoons of water to the sauce to reach your desired consistency, whisking until smooth.
Serve: Serve the peanut sauce on the side or drizzle it over the chicken satay skewers for the perfect finishing touch.