Chicken Satay Skewers – Easy Grilled Satay with Peanut Sauce| MagicInKitchen.com

Chicken Satay Skewers

Make these juicy Chicken Satay Skewers with Peanut Sauce at home! A flavorful, easy grilled recipe perfect for weeknights or parties.

Introduction

If you love bold, aromatic flavors, then Chicken Satay Skewers with Peanut Sauce is a recipe you need to try. Originating from Southeast Asia, satay is famous for its marinated grilled meat served with a rich, nutty dipping sauce. This dish is not only simple to prepare but also incredibly satisfying, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend barbecues, or even party appetizers. The savory marinade, smoky char from grilling, and creamy peanut sauce combine to create an irresistible bite every time.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into strips)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp fish sauce (optional for depth)
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 2 tbsp brown sugar or honey
• 2 tbsp curry powder (or a mix of turmeric & coriander)
• 2 tbsp coconut milk
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Peanut Sauce:

• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ tsp chili flakes or sriracha (adjust to taste)
• ⅓ cup coconut milk or warm water (to thin the sauce)

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken
   In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, curry powder, coconut milk, and oil. Add chicken strips, tossing well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to overnight for deeper flavor).
2. Prepare the Peanut Sauce
   In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, chili flakes, and coconut milk until smooth and creamy. Adjust thickness by adding more coconut milk or water if needed. Set aside.
3. Skewer the Chicken
   Thread marinated chicken strips onto soaked bamboo skewers (or metal skewers).
4. Grill the Satay
   Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook skewers for 3–4 minutes per side, until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred at the edges.
5. Serve & Enjoy
   Serve hot skewers with a side of peanut sauce for dipping. Garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and chopped peanuts.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice for a complete meal.
• Serve alongside a cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.
• For parties, serve as bite-sized appetizers with extra peanut sauce on the side.

Tips for Perfect Satay

• Use chicken thighs for juicier skewers.
• If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the skewers on a stovetop grill pan or bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes.
• Double the peanut sauce—it’s great with noodles, rice bowls, or even as a dip for veggies.

Why This Chicken Satay Recipe Works Every Time

The secret to perfect chicken satay lies in its flavor-packed marinade. The blend of soy sauce, lime juice, ginger, garlic, and coconut milk tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with rich, savory depth. When grilled, the chicken stays juicy inside and develops a smoky, slightly charred crust outside that makes every bite irresistible. Pairing it with creamy peanut sauce takes it from simple skewers to an unforgettable meal.

Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Friendly

One of the best things about this Chicken Satay Skewers with Peanut Sauce is how well it works for meal prep. You can marinate the chicken overnight, so all you need to do is grill it the next day. The peanut sauce also keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it a convenient option for quick lunches or dinners. Pack the skewers with steamed rice, noodles, or fresh veggies for a balanced meal that’s ready to grab and go.

Perfect Pairings for Chicken Satay

While these skewers shine on their own, they taste even better with the right sides. Try serving them with jasmine rice, coconut rice, or rice noodles to soak up the extra peanut sauce. A crisp cucumber salad, pickled veggies, or fresh herb garnish like cilantro and mint adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish. This combination makes chicken satay not only an appetizer but also a complete dinner recipe that’s both satisfying and exciting.

FAQ

Q: Can I make chicken satay ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken overnight and even grill the skewers ahead. Reheat them in the oven before serving.

Q: Can I use other meats for satay?
Absolutely! Pork, beef, or even shrimp work beautifully with this marinade and sauce.

Q: Is there a nut-free alternative to peanut sauce?
Yes, substitute sunflower seed butter or tahini for a nut-free version.

Conclusion

These Chicken Satay Skewers with Peanut Sauce are the ultimate blend of smoky, savory, and creamy flavors. They’re quick to make, crowd-pleasing, and versatile enough for dinner or entertaining. Once you try them, they’ll quickly become a household favorite.

👉 Looking for more delicious dinner ideas? Explore more flavor-packed recipes on Magic in Kitchen!