Why You’ll Love Chicken Satay Recipe
It’s packed with bold, well-balanced flavors from the marinade and peanut sauce.
The chicken turns out juicy, tender, and lightly charred from the grill.
The peanut sauce is creamy, slightly spicy, and incredibly satisfying.
It’s perfect for entertaining or meal prep.
You can easily customize the spice level and ingredients.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup dark brown sugar (packed)
3 tablespoons ketchup
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, breasts, or tenderloins, cut into bite-sized pieces
Skewers for grilling
3/4 cup unsweetened coconut milk
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
3 tablespoons dark brown sugar (packed)
1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste
1 tablespoon sriracha
1 tablespoon soy sauce or fish sauce
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Directions
In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, vegetable oil, brown sugar, ketchup, minced garlic, turmeric, and coriander.
Add the chicken pieces and toss until evenly coated in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a little space between pieces to ensure even cooking.
Place the skewers on the grill and cook, covered, until the chicken is lightly charred and cooked through. Grill for about 3 to 5 minutes per side for chicken breasts or tenderloins, and 5 to 6 minutes per side for chicken thighs.
Transfer the cooked chicken to a serving platter.
For the peanut sauce, combine coconut milk, peanut butter, brown sugar, curry paste, sriracha, soy sauce (or fish sauce), and lime juice in a small saucepan over medium-high heat.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool slightly. It will continue to thicken as it rests.
Serve the chicken satay warm with the peanut sauce on the side or drizzled over the skewers.
Servings and timing
Servings: 8
Prep time: 15 minutes
Marinating time: 4 hours (or overnight)
Cook time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: approximately 45 minutes active time (plus marination)
Variations
Use beef, shrimp, or tofu instead of chicken for different protein options.
Add crushed peanuts on top for extra crunch.
Swap sriracha with chili garlic sauce for a different heat profile.
Use almond butter instead of peanut butter if desired.
Bake the skewers in the oven or cook them on a stovetop grill pan if you don’t have an outdoor grill.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover chicken and peanut sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or oven until warmed through.
Warm the peanut sauce over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of water or coconut milk if it becomes too thick.
FAQs
Can I soak wooden skewers before grilling?
Yes, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Can I cook this without a grill?
Yes, you can use a grill pan or bake the skewers in the oven.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least 4 hours is recommended, but overnight gives the best flavor.
Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
Yes, freeze it in the marinade for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.
Is the peanut sauce spicy?
It has mild heat, but you can adjust the spice level by adding more or less sriracha.
Can I make the peanut sauce ahead of time?
Yes, it can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
What can I serve with chicken satay?
It pairs well with rice, cucumber salad, or flatbread.
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but stir it well before using for a smooth consistency.
How do I keep the chicken from drying out?
Avoid overcooking and use chicken thighs for juicier results.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, the recipe is naturally dairy-free as written.
Conclusion
Chicken Satay is a delicious and versatile dish that combines juicy grilled chicken with a rich, flavorful peanut sauce. With its easy preparation and bold taste, it’s a fantastic choice for both casual meals and special occasions.
