Irresistible Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce Recipe

My weekend experiments with chicken satay have transformed humble ingredients into something magical.

Skewers loaded with marinated chicken promise an explosion of southeast asian flavors.

Tender meat seasoned with traditional spices creates an irresistible combination.

Indonesian culinary traditions inspire this mouthwatering dish that sparks excitement at every gathering.

Subtle hints of turmeric and lemongrass dance across perfectly grilled proteins.

Savory marinades infuse each tender bite with complex layers of taste.

Grab your apron and prepare to transport your palate to delicious new territories.

What Makes Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce a Favorite

• Infuse chicken with a rich blend of coconut milk, curry, and spices that tenderizes and adds depth in just one hour.
• Impress family and friends with restaurant-quality skewers that are perfect for casual gatherings, potlucks, or game day celebrations.
• Grill indoors or outdoors, making this recipe adaptable for any season or kitchen setup, ensuring delicious results every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Chicken Satay and Sauce

• Chicken: Tender meat for the main protein, choose boneless skinless thighs or breasts for best results, fresh and high-quality chicken ensures delicious flavor.

• Coconut Milk, Soy Sauce, Fish Sauce: Adds moisture and depth of flavor, full-fat coconut milk provides richness, use low-sodium soy sauce for better control of saltiness.
• Curry Powder, Turmeric: Provides warm spice and golden color, use fresh spices for maximum flavor intensity.
• Brown Sugar: Balances marinade with subtle sweetness, helps caramelize chicken during grilling.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic base flavor, fresh minced garlic recommended.

• Peanut Butter: Creates creamy base for dipping sauce, natural unsweetened peanut butter works best.
• Red Curry Paste: Introduces spicy Thai-style heat, adjust amount for personal spice preference.
• Coconut Milk: Provides smooth texture to sauce, use same type as marinade.
• Lime Juice: Adds bright acidic balance, fresh lime juice preferred.
• Chili Flakes: Enhances spice level, optional for heat lovers.

• Cilantro, Lime Wedges, Crushed Peanuts: Optional fresh toppings for added texture and brightness.

Skewering and Grilling Chicken Satay at Home

Step 1: Craft the Tangy Marinade

• Coconut milk
• Curry powder
• Turmeric
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Fish sauce
• Garlic

Whisk all ingredients together in a large mixing bowl. Toss chicken pieces thoroughly to ensure complete coverage. Seal and refrigerate for at least 60 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate deeply.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Peanut Sauce

• Peanut butter
• Coconut milk
• Red curry paste
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Lime juice
• Chili flakes

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until mixture becomes silky smooth and warm. Adjust consistency by adding water if needed. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare Skewers

Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread marinated chicken strips carefully onto each skewer, ensuring even distribution.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature. Lightly coat cooking surface with oil. Place chicken skewers on hot surface. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until chicken develops a beautiful golden char and cooks completely through.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Arrange grilled skewers on a serving platter. Accompany with prepared peanut sauce. Optional garnishes include chopped cilantro, fresh lime wedges, or crushed peanuts for added texture and flavor.

Handy Tips for Rich Peanut Dipping Sauce

• Boost Marinade Flavor: Allow chicken to marinate longer for deeper, more intense taste profiles by refrigerating up to 4 hours before grilling.
• Prevent Wooden Skewer Burning: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to stop them from catching fire during grilling, ensuring even cooking.
• Customize Peanut Sauce Consistency: Gradually add water while stirring to achieve your preferred sauce thickness, making it thinner or thicker based on personal preference.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust chili flakes or red curry paste quantity to manage heat intensity, creating a milder or spicier sauce that suits your taste buds.
• Grill for Perfect Char: Watch chicken closely while grilling, turning occasionally to achieve beautiful caramelized edges without burning the meat, ensuring juicy and flavorful results.

Keeping Chicken Satay Fresh for Next Time

• Store leftover chicken satay in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Separate chicken from sauce to maintain crispness.
• Wrap cooled chicken skewers tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 1 month to preserve flavor and texture.
• Warm chicken at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Heat chicken in 30-second intervals, turning midway. Add splash of water to prevent meat from becoming tough and dry.

What Goes with Chicken Satay Skewers

• Chill with Thai Iced Tea
• Sweeten your chicken satay experience with a classic Thai iced tea. Its creamy, refreshing blend perfectly balances the spicy peanut sauce and complements the grilled chicken's bold flavors.
• Riesling Delight
• Select a slightly sweet Riesling with bright acidity to cut through the rich peanut sauce. Its fruity notes will enhance the marinade's complex spices and provide a delightful contrast to the grilled chicken.
• Citrusy Wheat Beer
• Pick a citrusy wheat beer with light hoppy undertones. Its crisp, zesty profile will refresh your palate between bites and harmonize with the satay's tangy and spicy elements.
• Fresh Cucumber Salad
• Prepare a light cucumber salad with mint and lime dressing. Its cool, crisp texture and bright flavors will perfectly offset the intense, spicy chicken satay and create a balanced dining experience.

Different Versions of Chicken Satay You Can Try

• Vegetarian Tofu Satay: Replace chicken with firm tofu, pressed and cut into strips. Marinate tofu in the same coconut milk mixture for a plant-based alternative.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the recipe gluten-free. Use gluten-free curry powder and check all sauce ingredients.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Satay: Substitute chicken with cauliflower florets. Marinate and grill cauliflower for a low-carb version that maintains the classic satay flavor profile.
• Oven-Baked Satay: For those without a grill, bake skewers in a preheated 400°F oven for 15-20 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking.

Quick Chicken Satay FAQ Guide

• Is chicken satay spicy?

The sauce can be adjusted to your heat preference. Add more or less red curry paste and chili flakes to control the spice level.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work well. Just be careful not to overcook them to keep the meat tender and juicy.

• Do I need a grill to make this recipe?

No, you can use a grill pan, broiler, or even a regular skillet if you don’t have a grill. Each method will give slightly different char marks and flavor.

• What if I'm allergic to peanuts?

You can substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or almond butter for a similar creamy texture in the sauce.

Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling chicken satay dances with Malaysian street food magic, bringing bold flavors to life. Succulent grilled skewers paired with zesty peanut sauce promise you a culinary journey that sparks pure delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into thin strips

Marinade and Flavor Enhancers:

• ½ cup coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Additional Items:

• Skewers (wooden or metal)

Spicy Peanut Sauce Ingredients:

• ½ cup creamy natural peanut butter
• ½ cup coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon red curry paste
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha (adjust to taste)
• ¼ cup water (to thin, as needed)

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Instructions

1. Craft a zesty marinade by blending coconut milk, curry powder, turmeric, soy sauce, brown sugar, fish sauce, and minced garlic in a mixing bowl. Thoroughly coat chicken pieces, ensuring complete coverage, and refrigerate for 1-4 hours to infuse deep flavors.
2. Create the peanut sauce by gently heating peanut butter, coconut milk, red curry paste, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, and chili flakes in a saucepan. Whisk continuously until the mixture transforms into a smooth, glossy consistency, adjusting thickness with water as needed.
3. Prepare wooden skewers by soaking them in water to prevent charring during cooking. Carefully thread marinated chicken strips onto each skewer, ensuring even distribution.
4. Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature, lightly lubricating the cooking surface. Position skewered chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, achieving a golden-brown exterior and ensuring chicken is completely cooked through.
5. Present the satay on a serving platter, accompanied by the vibrant peanut dipping sauce. Optional garnishes include fresh cilantro, zesty lime wedges, or crushed peanuts for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

• Enhance marinade absorption by scoring chicken lightly with shallow cuts before marinating, allowing flavors to penetrate deeper.
• Adjust spice levels in peanut sauce by adding more or less red curry paste and chili flakes to suit personal heat preferences.
• Prevent dry chicken by not overcooking; use meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F without charring exteriorly.
• Convert recipe to gluten-free by replacing soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, ensuring all ingredients meet dietary restrictions.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg