Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce
Introduction
This Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce is one of those recipes that makes you feel like a rockstar in the kitchen. Juicy, marinated chicken skewers are grilled to perfection, then served with a creamy, nutty, and slightly spicy peanut sauce that’s totally addictive. It’s packed with bold Southeast Asian flavors, yet incredibly simple to make.
Why I Love This Recipe
The marinade infuses the chicken with sweet, savory, and earthy notes thanks to coriander, turmeric, and ginger. The real show-stealer, though, is the homemade peanut sauce—a silky blend of peanut butter, coconut milk, garlic, soy, and just the right amount of heat. It’s perfect for dipping, drizzling, or straight-up spooning.
This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, parties, or meal prep. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and can be customized to your spice tolerance.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast or thighs, cut into thin strips
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- ½ tsp cumin powder
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
For the Peanut Sauce:
- ½ cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
- ¼ cup coconut milk
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp chili paste or Sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Warm water, as needed for consistency
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped peanuts
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
Directions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, oil, coriander, turmeric, cumin, garlic, and ginger. Add the chicken strips and toss until coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 4 for deeper flavor).
2. Make the Peanut Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, chili paste, and garlic. Stir continuously until smooth and warmed through. Add warm water, 1 tablespoon at a time, to thin to your desired consistency. Set aside.
3. Cook the Chicken
Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers. Grill each skewer for 3–4 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and lightly charred.
4. Serve It Up
Arrange the chicken satay on a serving platter. Garnish with chopped peanuts, cilantro, and lime wedges. Serve the peanut sauce on the side or drizzle directly over the skewers.
Tips for Success
- Use metal skewers or soak wooden ones for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Want more heat? Add extra chili paste or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- No grill? These can be broiled or pan-seared just as easily.
- For extra flavor, reserve a bit of marinade (before adding chicken) and brush it on during grilling.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Serve this dish with jasmine rice, cucumber salad, or skewered veggies. Or create a Southeast Asian-inspired spread:
- Pair with Sheet Pan Quesadillas for a crowd-pleasing fusion meal
- Sip on Blueberry Lemonade for a cool, fruity contrast
- For comfort vibes, add Easy Turkey Wings or dip with Beer Cheese Dip
Storage & Leftovers
- Fridge: Store grilled chicken and peanut sauce separately for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze marinated raw chicken in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Gently reheat chicken in a skillet or microwave; thin peanut sauce with water if it thickens.
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Final Thoughts
With bold flavor and easy prep, Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce is a meal you’ll come back to again and again. It’s versatile, packed with protein, and undeniably crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re hosting guests or just feeding yourself, this dish always delivers.
Give it a try and tag us with your skewers! For more global-inspired comfort food, follow along at ChefManiac.
Keep grilling,
Jason Griffith – ChefManiac.com
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