Description
Easy Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce is a flavorful and succulent dish featuring tender, marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection and served with a rich, creamy peanut sauce bursting with authentic Southeast Asian flavors. Quick to prepare and versatile, it works as an appetizer, main course, or party snack, making it ideal for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Satay Marinade:
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes or 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional)
For the Peanut Sauce:
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
Additional:
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
- Chopped peanuts and fresh herbs (cilantro or Thai basil) for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, lime juice, brown sugar, and optional chili flakes to create a balanced marinade combining salty, sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors.
- Marinate the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into thin strips and toss them in the prepared marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes or up to 2 hours to allow the chicken to absorb the flavors and become tender.
- Prepare the Peanut Sauce: While the chicken marinates, combine peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, and brown sugar in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir continuously until smooth and warmed through. Adjust sweetness or spice to taste, then remove from heat.
- Thread the Chicken on Skewers: Evenly thread the marinated chicken strips onto pre-soaked wooden skewers, taking care not to overcrowd to ensure even cooking.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Cook the skewers for 4-5 minutes on each side until the chicken is charred at the edges and cooked through. If using a grill pan or broiler, watch closely to avoid overcooking.
- Serve with Peanut Sauce: Serve the hot grilled chicken skewers alongside a generous bowl of peanut sauce for dipping or drizzling. Garnish with chopped peanuts or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Marinate Longer: For juicier chicken, marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Oil the Grill: Lightly oil grill grates to prevent sticking and achieve grill marks.
- Soak Skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Control Sauce Consistency: Thin peanut sauce with a splash of water or coconut milk if too thick.
- Balance Flavors: Taste peanut sauce during preparation and adjust salt, lime, or sweetness as needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Southeast Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 4 skewers with peanut sauce)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken satay, peanut sauce, grilled chicken, Southeast Asian, quick dinner, party appetizers, healthy chicken recipe