Name: Chicken Satay Skewers with Peanut Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Southeast Asian
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs boneless and skinless chicken breast tenders; 1/2 cup canned coconut milk; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced or as a paste; 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice; 3 tablespoons dark soy sauce; 2 tablespoons fish sauce; 3 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 teaspoon turmeric; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon coriander; 1 teaspoon coarse salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 6 tablespoons natural peanut butter; 1/4 cup chicken broth; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce; 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice; 1 tablespoon honey; 1/2 teaspoon sriracha (more as desired); 1 teaspoon ginger paste; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Coarsely chopped peanuts; Fresh cilantro; Sliced limes

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There is something truly irresistible about Chicken Satay Skewers with Peanut Sauce. This dish offers tender, juicy chicken bursting with aromatic spices, paired with a rich, creamy peanut sauce that perfectly balances savory, sweet, and a hint of heat. Whether you’re looking to impress at a backyard barbecue or simply want a vibrant weeknight dinner, these skewers bring together simple ingredients with explosive flavor, making every bite a delightful experience.

Chicken Satay Skewers with Peanut Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that each play a vital role, from the creamy coconut milk that tenderizes the chicken to the zesty lime juice that lifts the flavors. Here’s everything you’ll want to have ready before you start:

1 1/2 lbs boneless and skinless chicken breast tenders: The perfect lean protein that soaks up the marinade beautifully.
1/2 cup canned coconut milk: Adds creaminess and subtle sweetness that tenderizes chicken.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives that essential savory punch packed with aroma.
2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced or as a paste: Brings a warm, slightly spicy depth to the marinade.
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice: Provides bright acidity that balances richness.
3 tablespoons dark soy sauce: For that umami backbone and caramel color.
2 tablespoons fish sauce: Delivers a subtle salty complexity.
3 tablespoons brown sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps with caramelization.
1 teaspoon turmeric: Gives a golden hue and slightly earthy flavor.
1 teaspoon cumin: Infuses a warm, nutty note.
1 teaspoon coriander: Lends a citrusy, floral undertone.
1 teaspoon coarse salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle heat to the mix.
Coarsely chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, sliced limes (for garnish): These toppings bring texture, freshness, and a zesty finish.
6 tablespoons natural peanut butter: The star of the sauce, creamy and nutty.
1/4 cup chicken broth: To thin the sauce to the perfect consistency.
2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Adds tang and brightness to the peanut sauce.
2 tablespoons dark soy sauce: Boosts umami in the sauce.
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice: Lifts the peanut sauce with freshness.
1 tablespoon honey: Balances the savory flavors with subtle sweetness.
1/2 teaspoon sriracha (more as desired): Adds a kick of heat, adjustable to your taste.
1 teaspoon ginger paste: For a smooth texture and warm zing in the sauce.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances depth in the sauce without overpowering.

How to Make Chicken Satay Skewers with Peanut Sauce

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by mixing all the marinade ingredients—coconut milk, garlic, ginger, lime juice, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, turmeric, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper—in a large bowl or sealed bag. Toss in the chicken tenders, ensuring every piece is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, although letting it sit overnight will intensify those fantastic flavors even more.

Step 2: Prepare the Peanut Sauce

While the chicken marinates, blend together the peanut butter, chicken broth, rice vinegar, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, sriracha, ginger paste, and garlic powder until silky smooth. This sauce is where the magic really happens—creamy, tangy, mildly spicy, and downright addictive. Pop it in the fridge to chill so it’s ready when the skewers come off the grill.

Step 3: Soak the Skewers

If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes before grilling. This little prep step helps prevent them from burning and keeps everything safe and tasty.

Step 4: Thread the Chicken onto Skewers

Once marinated, thread each chicken tender onto individual skewers. This makes grilling easier and ensures even cooking, plus it gives you that classic satay look everyone loves.

Step 5: Grill the Skewers

Preheat your grill or indoor grill pan to medium-high and brush it with a bit of oil to keep the chicken from sticking. Grill the skewers for 4 to 5 minutes per side, turning carefully until they reach 165°F and boast gorgeous grill marks. When done, let them rest for a couple of minutes to lock in those juices.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, sprinkle coarsely chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, and a few lime slices on the skewers. Serve immediately alongside that luscious peanut sauce you made earlier, and get ready for compliments!

How to Serve Chicken Satay Skewers with Peanut Sauce

Garnishes

Garnishing your Chicken Satay Skewers with Peanut Sauce is all about texture and freshness. The crunch from chopped peanuts adds a delightful contrast, while fresh cilantro introduces brightness. A squeeze of lime right before eating elevates the dish with just the right amount of zesty acidity.

Side Dishes

Pair these skewers with fragrant jasmine rice or coconut rice to soak up every bit of the peanut sauce. For a lighter option, a crisp cucumber salad or pickled veggies offer refreshing bites that balance the rich satay flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Thinking outside the box? Try serving these skewers over a bed of colorful shredded cabbage slaw for extra crunch, or wrap the chicken in lettuce leaves for handheld bites. For parties, arrange them on a platter with small bowls of peanut sauce for dipping—your guests will love the interactive experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers of these delicious Chicken Satay Skewers with Peanut Sauce, store the skewers and peanut sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps the chicken juicy and the sauce fresh, preventing the texture from getting dense.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken skewers, but be sure to rotate them onto a baking sheet first so they freeze individually without sticking. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a sealed freezer bag. The peanut sauce freezes well too—just thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

Reheat your skewers gently on a grill pan or in the oven to maintain tenderness and avoid drying out. Warm the peanut sauce separately on low heat or in the microwave, stirring often to prevent scorching, so it stays silky and ready for dipping.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast for Chicken Satay Skewers with Peanut Sauce?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative if you prefer juicier meat. Just keep in mind they might take a little longer to cook through, so adjust your grilling time accordingly.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken overnight?

While marinating overnight enhances the flavor the most, even 30 minutes will deliver tasty results. If you’re pressed for time, aim for at least half an hour to let the spices infuse properly.

How spicy is the peanut sauce?

The sauce has a mild to moderate heat thanks to the sriracha, and you can easily control the spice level by adding more or less according to your taste. It pairs beautifully with the rich peanut flavors.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce, and double-check your fish sauce is gluten-free to keep this dish safe for those sensitive to gluten.

What’s the best way to grill if I don’t have an outdoor grill?

An indoor grill pan works wonderfully for Chicken Satay Skewers with Peanut Sauce. Just preheat it properly and oil it to prevent sticking. You can also broil them in the oven if needed, though grilling adds that signature smoky flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dish that’s bursting with flavor, easy to prepare, and sure to impress, you owe it to yourself to try these Chicken Satay Skewers with Peanut Sauce. The tender, vibrant chicken paired with that creamy, tangy peanut dip is a match made in foodie heaven, and once you make it, it just might become your new favorite go-to meal.

Chicken Satay Skewers with Peanut Sauce Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 24 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

Tender and flavorful Chicken Satay Skewers marinated in a fragrant blend of coconut milk, spices, and soy sauce, grilled to perfection, and served with a creamy, tangy peanut sauce. This Asian-inspired dish is perfect for a delicious appetizer or main course, garnished with fresh cilantro, chopped peanuts, and lime slices.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken Marinade: In a large bowl or Ziploc bag, whisk together all ingredients for the chicken marinade except the garnishes. Add the chicken breast tenders and toss well to coat evenly. Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Make the Peanut Sauce: Combine all peanut sauce ingredients in a food processor or blender. Pulse until the sauce becomes completely smooth and creamy. Transfer to a bowl and chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Soak Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent burning and to keep the skewers intact.
Thread the Chicken: Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge. Thread one chicken tender per skewer, ensuring the pieces are evenly spaced for uniform cooking.
Preheat the Grill: Heat an outdoor grill or indoor grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly brush the surface with your preferred cooking oil to avoid sticking.
Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is cooked through. Remove from heat and allow the skewers to rest for 2 minutes before serving.
Garnish and Serve: Arrange the chicken satay skewers on a serving platter. Garnish with coarsely chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro leaves, and lime slices. Serve immediately with the chilled peanut sauce on the side.

Notes

Marinating overnight intensifies the flavors and results in more tender chicken.
Use boneless, skinless chicken tenders for quick cooking and ease on the skewers.
Adjust the sriracha quantity in the peanut sauce to control the level of spiciness.
If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the skewers under a broiler or on a grill pan indoors.
Make sure wooden skewers are soaked well to prevent them from burning on the grill.
Leftover peanut sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and used as a dip or dressing.

Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Appetizer/Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Southeast Asian