Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce: A Flavor-Packed Classic You’ll Want to Make Again and Again
Chicken satay with peanut sauce is one of those dishes that instantly transports you to the vibrant street food scenes of Southeast Asia. Juicy, marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection and paired with a rich, nutty, slightly sweet peanut sauce create a balance of flavors that feels both comforting and exciting. From backyard barbecues to weeknight dinners, this dish fits effortlessly into many occasions.
Loved for its bold taste and simple preparation, chicken satay is more than just an appetizer—it can easily become the star of the meal. The marinade infuses the chicken with layers of flavor, while the creamy peanut sauce adds depth with every dip. Best of all, this recipe is approachable for home cooks and customizable to suit different spice levels, diets, and cooking methods.
Ingredients Needed
Below is a list of ingredients required for chicken satay and peanut sauce, along with approximate calorie counts per serving.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless chicken breast | 1 lb | 750 |
| Soy sauce | 3 tbsp | 30 |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves | 15 |
| Fresh ginger (grated) | 1 tbsp | 10 |
| Brown sugar | 2 tbsp | 90 |
| Lime juice | 2 tbsp | 15 |
| Coconut milk | ½ cup | 220 |
| Peanut butter | ½ cup | 760 |
| Red curry paste | 1 tbsp | 40 |
| Fish sauce | 1 tbsp | 10 |
| Vegetable oil | 2 tbsp | 240 |
| Wooden skewers | As needed | 0 |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken into thin, even strips to ensure quick and even cooking. - Make the Marinade
In a bowl, combine soy sauce, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, lime juice, and 1 tablespoon of oil. Mix well. - Marinate the Chicken
Add chicken strips to the marinade, toss to coat evenly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 8 hours for deeper flavor). - Soak the Skewers
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20–30 minutes to prevent burning. - Prepare the Peanut Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine peanut butter, coconut milk, red curry paste, fish sauce, and a little water if needed. Stir until smooth and gently simmer for 5–7 minutes. - Skewer the Chicken
Thread marinated chicken onto the skewers, leaving a little space between pieces. - Cook the Satay
Grill over medium heat or cook on a stovetop grill pan for 3–4 minutes per side until cooked through and slightly charred. - Serve Warm
Plate the chicken satay and serve with warm peanut sauce on the side.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Spice Level: Add chili flakes or extra red curry paste for more heat.
- Protein Options: Substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, tofu, or tempeh.
- No Grill? Bake the skewers at 425°F (220°C) for 15–18 minutes or pan-sear them.
- Nut-Free Option: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
- Extra Flavor: Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice or sprinkle chopped peanuts on top.
Nutritional Information
Chicken satay with peanut sauce offers a good balance of protein and healthy fats when enjoyed in moderation.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~420 kcal |
| Protein | 28–32 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12–15 g |
| Fat | 28–32 g |
| Fiber | 2–3 g |
The dish is high in protein from the chicken and healthy fats from peanuts and coconut milk, making it filling and satisfying.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken satay pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, coconut rice, or rice noodles for a complete meal. It also works well as an appetizer alongside cucumber salad, pickled vegetables, or fresh herbs. For gatherings, serve it platter-style with extra peanut sauce, lime wedges, and chili sauce so guests can customize their bites.
Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce: A Flavor-Packed Classic You’ll Want to Make Again and Again
4
servings15
minutes15
minutes300
kcalIngredients
For the Chicken Satay:
1 lb boneless chicken breast, thinly sliced
3 tbsp soy sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
2 tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Peanut Sauce:
½ cup peanut butter
½ cup coconut milk
1 tbsp red curry paste
1 tbsp fish sauce
Water, as needed to thin
Other:
Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 20–30 minutes
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken – Cut chicken into thin, even strips.
- Make the Marinade – Mix soy sauce, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, lime juice, and 1 tbsp oil.
- Marinate the Chicken – Toss chicken in the marinade, cover, and refrigerate 30 minutes to 8 hours.
- Prepare the Peanut Sauce – Combine peanut butter, coconut milk, red curry paste, and fish sauce in a saucepan. Simmer 5–7 minutes until smooth. Thin with water if needed.
- Skewer the Chicken – Thread marinated chicken onto soaked skewers.
- Cook the Satay – Grill or pan-cook over medium heat 3–4 minutes per side until cooked and slightly charred.
- Serve – Plate the skewers and serve warm with peanut sauce on the side.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Marinating Matters: For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. Overnight marination enhances taste and tenderness.
Prevent Sticking: Soak wooden skewers in water for 20–30 minutes to avoid burning or sticking while grilling.
FAQs
1. Can I make chicken satay ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken a few hours or even overnight for deeper flavor. Skewer the chicken and store it in the fridge until ready to grill or bake. The peanut sauce can also be prepared a day ahead and reheated gently.
2. How do I prevent chicken satay from sticking to the grill?
Soak wooden skewers in water for 20–30 minutes before using. Lightly oil the grill or pan to prevent sticking, and avoid flipping too early—wait until the chicken naturally releases from the grill.
3. Can I make chicken satay without a grill?
Absolutely. Use a stovetop grill pan, broiler, or oven. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
4. Can I make chicken satay spicy?
Yes! Increase the amount of red curry paste, add chili flakes, or drizzle with sriracha. Adjust to taste depending on how spicy you like it.
5. Can I make chicken satay nut-free?
Yes, substitute peanut butter in the sauce with sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter to keep it nut-free while maintaining a creamy texture.
Conclusion
Chicken satay with peanut sauce is a timeless dish that delivers bold flavor, satisfying texture, and impressive presentation with minimal effort. Whether prepared for a casual family dinner or a special gathering, this recipe brings restaurant-quality results right to your kitchen. Once mastered, it’s bound to become a go-to favorite that everyone requests again and again.
