Thai Peanut Sauce Grilled Chicken Satay

Make the BEST Thai Peanut Sauce Grilled Chicken Satay at home, just like our readers rave: "absolutely amazing," "a real hit!," "the best satay ever!" and "my favorite go-to recipe!" This satay delivers tender, juicy chicken bursting with rich peanut flavor from a fantastic marinade. This easy recipe comes with simple marinating and grilling steps, perfect for any time of year!

What is Grilled Chicken Satay

Grilled Chicken Satay features marinated chicken threaded onto skewers and grilled until tender. The marinade usually includes a mix of spices, herbs, and sometimes coconut milk, giving the chicken a flavorful taste.

The grilling process adds a smoky, slightly charred flavor to the chicken. The result is juicy, well-seasoned chicken pieces.

Chicken satay often comes with a dipping sauce, commonly peanut-based, adding a rich, creamy contrast to the savory chicken.

This dish is popular for its combination of tender grilled chicken and flavorful sauce, making it a favorite as an appetizer, snack, or main dish.

Thai Peanut Sauce

For the Chicken Satay:

• 1 lb (450g) chicken breasts or thighs, cut into thin strips
• 1/4 cup coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• Skewers (soak in water for 30 minutes if wooden)

For the Peanut Sauce:

• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon red curry paste or Sriracha (for heat)
• Water to thin, if needed

How to Make This Recipe

Let's take a look at how to make Thai peanut sauce grilled chicken satay.

1. Marinate the Chicken:

• Combine coconut milk, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, curry powder, turmeric powder, garlic, and ginger in a bowl.
• Add chicken strips and mix well.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight).

2. Prepare the Peanut Sauce:

• Mix peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and red curry paste in a saucepan.
• Heat over medium, stirring until smooth.
• Add water to reach desired consistency. Set aside.

3. Grill the Chicken:

• Thread marinated chicken onto skewers.
• Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
• Grill chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through and slightly charred.

4. Serve:

• Plate grilled chicken satay.
• Serve with peanut sauce on the side for dipping.
• Garnish with chopped cilantro or crushed peanuts if desired.

What Does it Taste Like?

Peanut satay sauce has a creamy, nutty flavor. It mixes peanuts with sweetness from sugar or honey, and a bit of saltiness from soy sauce. Spices like garlic, ginger, and sometimes chili give it a mild heat and a savory kick. The overall taste combines sweet, salty, and spicy flavors, creating a rich and flavorful sauce.

How long does It last?

When I make Thai peanut sauce, I usually find it lasts about one to two weeks in the fridge. Just make sure to keep it sealed up tight to keep it fresh.

Important Recipe Facts

Satay is traditionally mildly spicy, often balanced with sweetness and tanginess. Satay sauce can be fatty due to the use of ingredients like coconut milk or peanut butter, which are naturally high in fats. Common allergens in satay sauce include peanuts and soy, depending on the recipe. It's important to check the ingredients list if you have allergies to these foods.

Grilled Chicken Satay Tips

For a great satay meal, here are some recipe tips:

1. Marinate Well: Marinate your choice of protein (like chicken, beef, or tofu) in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of brown sugar for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor.
2. Skewer and Grill: Thread marinated pieces onto skewers and grill or broil until cooked through and lightly charred for that authentic satay taste.
3. Make a Flavorful Satay Sauce: Combine creamy peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, and a pinch of chili flakes for a rich and slightly spicy satay sauce. Adjust sweetness and spice to taste.
4. Serve with Accompaniments: Serve the grilled skewers with plenty of satay sauce for dipping. Accompany with jasmine rice, cucumber salad, and extra lime wedges for a complete meal.
5. Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish with chopped peanuts, cilantro, and a lime wedge for a fresh finish.

Chicken Satay Recipe Variations

Here are a few variations for Thai Peanut Sauce Grilled Chicken Satay recipes:

1. Spicy Satay: Add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the peanut sauce for a spicier kick.
2. Coconut-Lime Twist: Incorporate coconut milk and lime zest into the peanut sauce for a creamy and tangy flavor.
3. Thai Basil Infusion: Blend fresh Thai basil leaves into the peanut sauce for an aromatic twist.
4. Satay Skewer Assortment: Use a mix of chicken, beef, shrimp, and even vegetables like bell peppers and onions on the skewers for variety.
5. Peanut-Free Option: Substitute peanut butter with almond butter or sunflower seed butter for those with peanut allergies, adjusting other flavors accordingly.

Try these variations to customize your grilled chicken satay with Thai peanut sauce to suit different tastes and dietary preferences!

Recipe Shortcuts

Here are some shortcuts to simplify making Thai Peanut Sauce Grilled Chicken Satay:

1. Use Store-Bought Peanut Sauce: Instead of making peanut sauce from scratch, use a high-quality store-bought peanut sauce. Just enhance it with a bit of lime juice, soy sauce, and maybe a touch of honey or sriracha to adjust the flavor to your liking.
2. Pre-Marinated Chicken: Purchase pre-marinated chicken strips or tenders from the store. This saves time on marinating and prepping the chicken yourself.
3. Skewer Alternatives: Use metal or bamboo skewers, which are already pre-cut and ready for use, rather than cutting and soaking bamboo skewers yourself.
4. Grill Pan or Broiler: If you don't have access to an outdoor grill, use a grill pan or broiler in your oven for a similar charred effect on the chicken skewers.
5. Serve with Quick Sides: Opt for quick-cooking sides like instant rice or pre-packaged salad mixes to complement the satay without additional preparation time.

These shortcuts can help streamline the preparation process while still delivering delicious Thai Peanut Sauce Grilled Chicken Satay.