Delectable Chicken Satay with Creamy Peanut Sauce Recipe

Juicy Thai Grilled Chicken Satay with Rich Peanut Sauce Recipe

Sizzling skewers of marinated grilled chicken satay dance with irresistible Southeast Asian peanut sauce flavors that promise a culinary adventure.

Tender chunks of chicken absorb zesty marinades, creating mouthwatering bites bursting with aromatic spices.

The classic Indonesian street food brings vibrant tastes straight to your dinner table.

Fragrant herbs and spices blend seamlessly, infusing each morsel with rich, complex notes.

Charred edges and succulent meat make this dish a showstopper for any gathering.

Drizzled with creamy, nutty sauce, these skewers deliver a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy elements.

Get ready to transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of Indonesia with this delectable recipe.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Cook Time: 6 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 36 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce

For Protein Marinade:
  • Chicken Breasts: Select tender, fresh cuts for juicy, flavorful skewers that absorb marinades beautifully.
  • Soy Sauce: Provides savory depth and helps tenderize meat with its umami-rich profile.
  • Fish Sauce: Adds complex, salty undertones that enhance overall flavor complexity.
  • Lime Juice: Brightens the marinade and helps break down protein fibers for more tender meat.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Honey: Balances marinade with subtle sweetness and helps create caramelized grilling edges.
  • Sriracha Sauce: Introduces a spicy kick that elevates the entire dish's taste profile.
  • Ground Ginger: Contributes warm, slightly peppery notes with aromatic undertones.
  • Garlic: Infuses robust, earthy flavor that complements the chicken's natural taste.
For Peanut Sauce Components:
  • Chicken Broth: Creates smooth, rich base for sauce with delicate underlying flavor.
  • Peanut Butter: Delivers creamy texture and nutty richness as primary sauce ingredient.
  • Lime Juice: Cuts through richness and adds bright, zesty dimension to sauce.
For Garnish:
  • Cilantro, Roasted Peanuts, Lime Wedges: Provide fresh crunch, herbal notes, and final flavor punch.

Kitchen Tools for Satay Success

  • Large mixing bowl: Perfect for whisking marinade and coating chicken strips.
  • Wooden skewers: Essential for threading and grilling chicken.
  • Grill or grill pan: Key for achieving those delicious charred marks on chicken.
  • Saucepan: Needed for preparing smooth and creamy peanut sauce.
  • Whisk: Great for blending marinade and sauce ingredients together.
  • Tongs: Helpful for handling and turning chicken skewers on the grill.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Sharp knife: Useful for slicing chicken and preparing garnishes.

How to Grill Chicken Satay Easily

Chicken Satay Adventure

  • Flavor Fusion Marinade

Mix soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, honey, Sriracha, ginger, and garlic in a bowl. Coat chicken strips completely and let them soak up delicious flavors in the refrigerator for 2 hours or overnight.

  • Skewer Preparation

Dunk wooden skewers in water to protect them from burning during grilling. This simple trick prevents charred sticks.

  • Magical Peanut Sauce

Blend chicken broth, peanut butter, honey, soy sauce, fish sauce, Sriracha, ginger, and garlic in a saucepan. Simmer until silky smooth, stirring occasionally. Finish with a splash of lime juice for extra zing.

  • Grilling Magic

Heat grill to medium-high. Thread marinated chicken onto prepared skewers. Grill each side until beautifully caramelized and chicken is perfectly cooked, about 2-3 minutes per side.

  • Serving Spectacular

Plate your satay with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro and crushed peanuts. Add lime wedges for a bright, fresh squeeze of flavor. Drizzle with creamy peanut sauce and enjoy your culinary creation.

Tips for the Best Peanut Dipping Sauce

  • Grilling Genius Tricks: Elevate Your Chicken Satay
  • Marinade Magic: Let chicken soak in marinade overnight for maximum flavor explosion and incredibly tender meat.
  • Skewer Smart: Use metal skewers for even cooking or soak wooden skewers completely to prevent burning during grilling.
  • Protein Power Play: Swap chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef for delightful protein alternatives that maintain the same amazing flavor profile.
  • Sauce Sensation: Make extra peanut sauce and store in refrigerator for up to 5 days – perfect for dipping vegetables or drizzling over salads.
  • Heat Control: If spice isn't your thing, reduce Sriracha amount or substitute with mild chili sauce for gentler flavor without losing zesty character.

Serving Chicken Satay Appetizer Style

  • Tropical Beach Party Platter: Create a vibrant, colorful spread by arranging the chicken satay skewers on a large wooden board with fresh tropical fruits like mango slices, pineapple chunks, and cucumber ribbons for a refreshing summer vibe.
  • Dinner Bowl Delight: Transform the satay into a hearty rice bowl by serving the grilled chicken over jasmine rice, drizzling extra peanut sauce, and topping with pickled vegetables and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for added crunch.
  • Cocktail Hour Appetizer: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, arrange on a platter with toothpicks, and pair with cold Thai-inspired cocktails like lemongrass martinis or ginger mojitos for an elegant party starter that'll impress guests.
  • Quick Lunch Wrap: Slice the grilled chicken, wrap in soft butter lettuce or warm tortillas with the peanut sauce, add some quick-pickled carrots, and create a portable meal perfect for picnics or work lunches.

Prep Ahead and Store Chicken Satay Smartly

  • Refrigerator Readiness: Store leftover chicken satay in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the meat and sauce separately to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
  • Quick Meal Prep Strategy: Marinate chicken in advance during weekend batch cooking, allowing you to have a quick protein option ready for busy weeknight dinners.
  • Freezer-Friendly Hack: Wrap uncooked marinated chicken skewers tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. These can be stored frozen for up to 2 months, providing a convenient meal solution for future gatherings.
  • Smart Sauce Management: Keep extra peanut sauce in a sealed jar inside the refrigerator for up to one week. This versatile condiment works beautifully as a dipping sauce for vegetables, spring rolls, or additional protein dishes.
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Delectable Chicken Satay with Creamy Peanut Sauce Recipe

Delectable Chicken Satay with Creamy Peanut Sauce


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4.8 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 36 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Indonesian grilled chicken satay marries tender, marinated poultry with rich, creamy peanut sauce for a sensational street-style experience. Skewered chicken charred to perfection delivers complex flavors that transport you directly to Southeast Asian culinary landscapes.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips
  • 2 tbsps low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 2 tsps ground ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ tbsp fish sauce
  • 2 tbsps freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 tbsp Sriracha sauce
  • 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
  • 5 tbsps creamy peanut butter
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
  • 2 tsps fish sauce
  • 2 tsps Sriracha sauce
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
  • chopped fresh cilantro
  • chopped unsalted roasted peanuts
  • lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Marinade Fusion: Combine soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, honey, Sriracha, ginger, and garlic in a large bowl. Thoroughly coat chicken strips and refrigerate for 2 hours to allow flavor infusion.
  2. Sauce Preparation: Blend chicken broth, peanut butter, honey, soy sauce, fish sauce, Sriracha, ginger, and garlic in a saucepan. Whisk over medium heat until smooth, approximately 6 minutes. Finish with fresh lime juice for a vibrant flavor profile.
  3. Skewer Prepping: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread marinated chicken evenly onto prepared skewers.
  4. Grilling Technique: Ignite grill to medium-high heat. Cook skewers, rotating carefully to achieve a caramelized exterior and thoroughly cooked interior, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
  5. Plating Artistry: Arrange grilled skewers on a serving platter. Garnish with chopped cilantro and crushed peanuts. Serve alongside prepared peanut sauce and lime wedges, inviting a personalized dining experience.

Notes

  • Marinate Wisely: Let chicken soak in the flavorful mixture for at least 2 hours to ensure deep, penetrating taste and maximum tenderness.
  • Protect Wooden Skewers: Soak skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning and potential fire hazards during grilling.
  • Perfect Peanut Sauce: Whisk ingredients constantly over medium heat, creating a smooth consistency in about 6 minutes, with lime juice added last for a bright finish.
  • Grill with Precision: Cook chicken skewers on medium-high heat, achieving caramelized exterior and fully cooked interior in 2-3 minutes per side.
  • Prep Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Emily Roberts

Emily Roberts

Content Creator & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Dietary Planning​, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education​, Content Development​

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
  • Focus: Research on dietary patterns and their impact on chronic diseases.​

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

  • Credential: Expertise in translating nutrition science into practical advice. ​

Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating. 

Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.

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