A Flavorful Street Food Favorite at Home
One bite of juicy, marinated chicken grilled to perfection and dipped into creamy peanut sauce — and you’ll understand why Chicken Satay is beloved across Southeast Asia. The first time I had it was from a street vendor in Bangkok — the smoke, the sizzling skewers, the nutty aroma from the sauce bubbling nearby. It was simple, vibrant, and unforgettable.
Now you can recreate this bold and satisfying dish right at home. Whether served as an appetizer, main course, or party food, Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce is a flavor bomb that’s surprisingly easy to make and always a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Satay Recipe
- Bold flavors from garlic, ginger, soy, and lemongrass.
- Easy to grill — stovetop, outdoor grill, or grill pan all work.
- Creamy, savory-sweet peanut sauce you’ll want to pour on everything.
- Perfect for parties — fun to serve and easy to eat.
Ingredients for Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce
For the Chicken Satay:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Boneless chicken thighs or breasts | 1½ lbs (680 g) |
| Coconut milk | ½ cup (120 ml) |
| Soy sauce | 2 tbsp |
| Brown sugar or honey | 1 tbsp |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Fresh ginger (grated) | 1 tbsp |
| Ground turmeric | 1 tsp |
| Curry powder | 1 tsp |
| Lime juice | 1 tbsp |
| Wooden skewers | Soaked in water |
For the Peanut Sauce:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Creamy peanut butter | ½ cup (120 g) |
| Soy sauce | 2 tbsp |
| Brown sugar | 1 tbsp |
| Rice vinegar or lime juice | 1 tbsp |
| Garlic (minced) | 1 clove |
| Coconut milk or water | ⅓–½ cup (to thin) |
| Sriracha or chili paste | 1 tsp (optional) |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
- Slice chicken into long, thin strips.
- In a bowl, whisk together coconut milk, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, lime, brown sugar, turmeric, and curry powder.
- Add chicken, cover, and marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour (or overnight for max flavor).
2. Prepare the Skewers
- Thread marinated chicken onto pre-soaked wooden skewers. Don’t overcrowd.
3. Grill
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high. Oil lightly.
- Grill skewers 3–4 minutes per side or until cooked through and lightly charred.
4. Make the Peanut Sauce
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine all peanut sauce ingredients.
- Stir constantly until smooth and slightly thickened, about 3–5 minutes.
- Add more coconut milk or water to reach desired consistency.
5. Serve
- Arrange skewers on a platter, drizzle with peanut sauce, or serve sauce on the side for dipping.
- Garnish with chopped peanuts, cilantro, or lime wedges.
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Satay
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful skewers.
- Soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes to avoid burning.
- Grill indoors or out: a cast iron grill pan works great when it’s too cold outside.
Variations to Try
- Beef Satay: Use thinly sliced flank steak with the same marinade.
- Tofu Satay: Marinate firm tofu and grill for a vegetarian version.
- Indonesian Style: Add a teaspoon of ground coriander and kecap manis to the marinade.
What to Serve with Chicken Satay
- Steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice
- Pickled cucumbers or carrot salad
- Mango sticky rice or grilled pineapple
- Thai iced tea or lemongrass lemonade
Nutritional Information (Per serving – 2 skewers + 2 tbsp sauce)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 360 kcal |
| Protein | 26 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Chicken Satay?
Chicken satay is a Southeast Asian dish of marinated chicken grilled on skewers and served with a rich, savory peanut sauce.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes! Marinate chicken and make the peanut sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Grill right before serving for best texture.
Can I bake the skewers instead?
Absolutely. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway. Broil at the end for char.
Is the peanut sauce spicy?
It can be! Add or omit chili paste depending on your heat preference.
Grilled Flavor That Travels
This Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce delivers complex, satisfying flavor in every bite — from the marinated, grilled meat to the silky, nutty sauce. Whether you serve it as a starter or a main dish, it’s guaranteed to leave your guests (or just you) wanting more.
🍢 Save this recipe for your next grilling night! 🥜 Show us your satay skewers — tag us on Pinterest or Instagram!
