Savory Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe

Tender chicken skewers marinated in a tangy chicken satay blend promise an explosion of Southeast Asian flavors.

Street food enthusiasts adore this classic dish that blends sweet, savory, and spicy notes.

Each succulent bite transports you to bustling markets of Indonesia.

The secret lies in the perfectly balanced marinade and chargrilled technique.

Fragrant spices like turmeric, garlic, and lemongrass infuse the meat with irresistible depth.

Paired with a rich, creamy peanut sauce, these skewers become an instant crowd-pleaser.

Prepare to wow friends with this simple yet spectacular recipe that turns an ordinary dinner into a culinary adventure.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 600 kcal

Servings: 4

All the Ingredients for Chicken Satay Night

• Coconut Milk: Tenderizes and adds creamy richness to the chicken, choose full-fat version for deeper flavor.
• Curry Powder: Provides warm, aromatic spice blend, look for fresh, fragrant powder from specialty stores.
• Turmeric: Brings golden color and earthy undertones, opt for high-quality ground turmeric for vibrant taste.
• Soy Sauce: Adds umami depth and saltiness, select low-sodium version for better control of recipe's salt level.
• Brown Sugar: Balances spices with subtle sweetness, choose dark brown sugar for more intense caramel notes.
• Fish Sauce: Enhances savory complexity, pick authentic Thai or Vietnamese brands for authentic flavor.
• Garlic: Contributes robust, pungent base notes, select fresh cloves for maximum aromatic impact.

• Peanut Butter: Creates creamy sauce base, use natural unsweetened variety for authentic taste.
• Red Curry Paste: Delivers spicy, complex flavor profile, choose authentic Thai brand for genuine heat.
• Lime Juice: Adds bright, tangy freshness, use freshly squeezed for maximum zesty punch.
• Chili Flakes: Introduces additional spicy kick, select quality dried chili flakes for consistent heat.

• Wooden Skewers: Helps grill chicken in manageable portions, soak beforehand to prevent burning.
• Cilantro: Provides fresh herb garnish, select bright green leaves with no wilting.
• Lime Wedges: Offers citrusy brightness, choose firm, heavy limes.

Helpful Tools to Skewer and Sear with Confidence

• Grill or Grill Pan: Essential for achieving that perfect charred exterior on the chicken.
• Skewers: Wooden or metal skewers help thread and cook the chicken uniformly.
• Saucepan: Needed to create the creamy, spicy peanut dipping sauce.
• Mixing Bowl: Used for whisking marinade ingredients and coating chicken.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending marinade ingredients smoothly.
• Tongs: Helpful for turning skewers on the grill without piercing the meat.
• Cutting Board: For preparing chicken and chopping optional garnishes.
• Sharp Knife: Required for slicing chicken into strips.

Grill, Flip, and Serve Satay to Impress

• Whip Up the Flavor Explosion

Blend coconut milk, spices, and sauces in a bowl to create a mouthwatering marinade. Dunk chicken pieces into this magical mixture, ensuring every bit gets coated. Let it chill in the refrigerator and soak up all those incredible flavors.

• Craft the Creamy Peanut Magic

Grab a saucepan and combine peanut butter, coconut milk, and zesty spices. Stir the mixture over gentle heat until it transforms into a silky, smooth sauce. Keep stirring and adjust thickness with a splash of water if needed.

• Prepare for Grilling Adventure

Slide marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, creating perfect bite-sized treasures. Fire up the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and lightly brush with oil.

• Sizzle and Char

Grill the skewers, turning occasionally until chicken develops beautiful golden-brown edges and cooks completely through. Watch for those tempting grill marks that promise delicious flavor.

• Serve and Celebrate

Arrange sizzling skewers on a platter alongside the creamy peanut sauce. Sprinkle with fresh herbs or crushed nuts for an extra wow factor. Dive in and enjoy your culinary masterpiece!

Sauce Tips for Heat, Sweetness, and Depth

• Let chicken marinate longer for deeper flavor, but avoid exceeding 4 hours to prevent meat becoming mushy from acid breakdown.
• Bake chicken skewers in preheated 400°F oven for 15-20 minutes or use a hot cast-iron skillet for delicious indoor cooking results.
• Replace chicken with firm tofu, tempeh, or seitan cubes, following same marination and grilling technique for plant-based satay lovers.
• Adjust peanut sauce heat by reducing or increasing red curry paste and chili flakes to match personal spice tolerance without compromising flavor profile.
• Prepare marinated chicken and peanut sauce up to 24 hours in advance, storing separately in refrigerator for quick and convenient meal preparation.

Serving Satay as Appetizer or Full Meal

• Island-Style Party Platter: Create a vibrant tropical spread with multiple satay skewers, colorful vegetable sticks, jasmine rice, and small bowls of peanut sauce for easy sharing at gatherings.
• Refreshing Accompaniment Combo: Pair the chicken satay with a crisp cucumber salad dressed in light vinaigrette and a chilled Thai-inspired coleslaw to balance the rich, spicy flavors.
• Southeast Asian Street Food Experience: Serve skewers on a wooden board with scattered fresh herbs like mint and basil, accompanied by quick-pickled vegetables and extra lime wedges for an authentic street food vibe.
• Appetizer to Main Course Transition: Use smaller skewers as crowd-pleasing appetizers before a larger Indonesian or Malaysian-inspired meal, allowing guests to enjoy the delicious satay as a starter.

Wrap Up Leftovers for Tomorrow’s Lunch

• Prepare extra chicken satay skewers during weekend meal prep for quick weeknight dinners or lunch packed meals. Store marinated, uncooked chicken in sealed containers for up to 24 hours before grilling.
• Keep cooked chicken satay in airtight containers, maintaining freshness for 34 days. Always store separately from sauce to prevent soggy skewers and maintain optimal texture.
• Wrap individual skewers in plastic wrap, then place inside freezer bags. Frozen satay stays delicious for 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating on stovetop or grill for best results.
• Warm refrigerated skewers in preheated oven at 350°F for 810 minutes. Brush lightly with oil to prevent drying. Revive peanut sauce by whisking in small amount of warm water to restore smooth consistency.

Incredible Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce

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5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering chicken satay with spicy peanut dipping sauce brings Indonesian street food magic straight to your kitchen. Juicy marinated chicken skewers paired with creamy, zesty sauce create an irresistible flavor adventure sure to delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) chicken breasts or thighs, boneless, skinless, cut into thin strips
• ½ cup (120 ml) coconut milk
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp fish sauce (optional)
• 1 tsp turmeric
• Skewers (wooden or metal)
• ½ cup (120 ml) creamy natural peanut butter
• ½ cup (120 ml) coconut milk
• ¼ cup (60 ml) water (to thin, as needed)
• 1 tbsp red curry paste
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha (adjust to taste)

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Instructions

1. Marination Fusion: Whisk coconut milk, curry powder, turmeric, soy sauce, brown sugar, fish sauce, and garlic into a vibrant marinade. Submerge chicken pieces, ensuring complete coverage, and refrigerate for 1-4 hours to intensify flavor profiles.
2. Peanut Sauce Alchemy: Combine peanut butter, coconut milk, red curry paste, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, and chili flakes in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat, stirring continuously until the mixture transforms into a silky, aromatic sauce. Adjust consistency with water as needed, then set aside to cool slightly.
3. Skewer Preparation: Soak wooden skewers in water to prevent charring. Carefully thread marinated chicken strips onto skewers, ensuring even distribution and secure placement.
4. Grilling Technique: Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature. Lightly oil cooking surface to prevent sticking. Arrange skewers and grill for 3-4 minutes per side, rotating to achieve beautiful caramelization and ensuring chicken is thoroughly cooked with a slightly charred exterior.
5. Elegant Presentation: Arrange grilled satay skewers on a serving platter. Accompany with prepared peanut dipping sauce. Optional garnishes include freshly chopped cilantro, zesty lime wedges, and crushed peanuts for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

• Let chicken marinate longer, up to 4 hours, for deeper taste absorption and more tender meat.
• Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to avoid charring and potential fire risks.
• Adjust peanut sauce thickness by adding water gradually, ensuring smooth and dippable texture without being too runny.
• Grill chicken until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to guarantee complete food safety and prevent raw chicken risks.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg