This Easy Chicken Satay is a delicious dish featuring tender grilled chicken skewers. They’re paired with a tasty homemade Thai peanut sauce that offers a perfect blend of flavors!
You’ll love how simple this recipe is to whip up. It’s great for dinner or as a fun snack for guests. I sometimes serve it with extra veggies for a colorful plate—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using chicken thighs for juiciness, but breasts work great too! If you’re looking for a healthier option, use tofu or tempeh instead for a vegetarian twist.
Asian Sauces: Soy sauce and fish sauce add depth. If you want it gluten-free, choose tamari. Coconut aminos is a great soy-free alternative, too!
Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter is best for a smooth sauce. If you have a nut allergy, try sunflower seed butter for something similar.
Coconut Milk: This keeps the sauce creamy. You can use regular milk or a non-dairy alternative like almond milk if you prefer, but it won’t have the same rich flavor.
Spices: For spices like turmeric and cumin, you can skip some or swap them out if you don’t have them. Just think about balancing the flavors!
What’s the Best Way to Marinate the Chicken?
Marinating is crucial for flavorful chicken satay! Here’s how to do it right:
- Mix all marinade ingredients in a bowl before adding the chicken. The garlic, lime juice, and spices will infuse into the meat.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but the longer, the better (1-2 hours works great!).
- Remember to discard the leftover marinade to avoid any contamination when you grill the chicken.
How to Make the Peanut Sauce Just Right?
Making the peanut sauce is really about combining flavors. Here’s my advice:
- Warm the ingredients on low heat while stirring to prevent burning. You want it smooth and creamy.
- If it gets too thick, just add a little water or more coconut milk until it’s like a dipping consistency.
- Feel free to adjust the curry paste. Start with less if you’re sensitive to spice and add more as you go.
These tips will help you create a delicious Chicken Satay that everyone will love! Enjoy!
How to Make Easy Chicken Satay with Homemade Thai Peanut Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Satay:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Bamboo skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
For the Homemade Thai Peanut Sauce:
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or palm sugar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1-2 teaspoons red curry paste (adjust to taste)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- Water as needed to thin the sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes for preparation and 15 minutes for cooking. You’ll need at least 30 minutes to marinate the chicken, but longer marinating (1-2 hours) will make the flavors even richer. In total, plan for around 1 hour including marination time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, minced garlic, turmeric, coriander, cumin, and vegetable oil. Add the chicken strips to the marinade and ensure each piece is well-coated. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
2. Prepare the Peanut Sauce:
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, red curry paste, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and warmed through. If the sauce is too thick for your liking, add a splash of water until you reach your desired consistency. Once ready, remove from heat and set aside.
3. Thread Chicken onto Skewers:
After marinating, take the chicken strips out of the marinade and discard any leftover marinade. Carefully thread the chicken pieces onto the soaked bamboo skewers, making sure not to overcrowd them.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken skewers for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. Always make sure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature (165°F or 74°C).
5. Serve:
Arrange the grilled chicken satay on a serving plate. Offer the warm homemade Thai peanut sauce on the side for dipping. For a finishing touch, you can garnish with chopped cilantro or sliced green onions. Enjoy every flavorful bite!
Have fun cooking your delicious Chicken Satay with Thai Peanut Sauce, and impress your family and friends with this easy yet authentic dish!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Satay with Homemade Thai Peanut Sauce
Can I Use Different Proteins for the Satay?
Absolutely! While chicken is traditional, you can substitute it with beef, pork, shrimp, or tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly for different proteins. Tofu should be pressed and cut into cubes for best results.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken satay and peanut sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat, and add a bit of water to the sauce if it thickens.
Can I Make the Peanut Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the peanut sauce in advance! It can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good stir or warm it slightly before serving to bring back its creamy texture.
What Can I Serve with Chicken Satay?
Chicken satay pairs wonderfully with jasmine rice, cucumber salad, or a side of crispy veggies. You can also serve it with additional peanut sauce for dipping, making it a perfect appetizer or main dish!
