Chicken Satay Skewers With Peanut Sauce

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

These Chicken Satay Skewers are a crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion, from backyard barbecues to cozy weeknight dinners. You’ll love how easy they are to make, with simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. The marinade, with its blend of soy sauce, peanut butter, and spices, gives the chicken a rich, savory taste that’s hard to resist. Grilling the skewers adds a smoky char that takes the dish to the next level. Plus, they’re fun to eat—just dip them in the creamy peanut sauce for an extra burst of deliciousness!

Recipe

Chicken satay skewers are a flavorful and popular dish in Southeast Asian cuisine, known for their tender, grilled chicken and rich peanut sauce. This recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, making it ideal for appetizers or main dishes.

Ingredients:

For the marinade:

• 500g chicken breast, cut into thin strips
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

For the peanut sauce:

• ½ cup peanut butter
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ¼ cup coconut milk
• 1-2 tbsp water (for consistency)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, lime juice, honey, garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and vegetable oil to create the marinade.
2. Add chicken strips to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for deeper flavor).
3. While the chicken marinates, prepare the peanut sauce by combining peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, garlic, and coconut milk in a small saucepan. Heat gently, stirring until smooth. Add water as needed for desired consistency. Set aside.
4. Thread marinated chicken strips onto skewers.
5. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates.
6. Grill skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, or until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
7. Serve hot with peanut sauce for dipping.

Notes:

• Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
• Adjust the spice level or sweetness of the peanut sauce to taste.

Time:

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Marinating Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Serving: 4

Calories: ~320 per serving

Cuisine: Southeast Asian

Nutrition

Per serving, these chicken satay skewers provide a balanced mix of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. Here’s the nutritional breakdown:

What To Serve With It

When I make chicken satay skewers, I love pairing them with fluffy jasmine rice or coconut rice to soak up the delicious peanut sauce. A fresh cucumber salad or tangy green papaya salad adds a crisp, invigorating contrast to the smoky skewers. These combos make the meal feel complete and keep everyone coming back for more.

Rice Dishes

Since chicken satay skewers pack so much flavor, they pair perfectly with simple rice dishes that balance the meal without stealing the spotlight. I love experimenting with different rice varieties to complement the bold, smoky taste of the skewers. Jasmine rice, with its fragrant, slightly sweet flavor profile, is my go-to because it’s light and aromatic. For something heartier, I’ll use basmati or brown rice, which add a nutty depth. Sometimes, I’ll even toss in a pinch of turmeric or coconut milk to elevate the dish. It’s all about finding that harmony, letting the rice support, not overshadow, the star of the meal.

Fresh Salads

Fresh salads are a fantastic way to add a crisp, rejuvenating contrast to chicken satay skewers, and I’ve found they’re just as fun to customize as the skewers themselves. I love tossing together fresh ingredients like crunchy cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crisp lettuce for a base. Adding vibrant flavors is key—think tangy lime dressing, fresh herbs like cilantro or mint, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Sometimes, I’ll throw in shredded carrots or thinly sliced red onions for extra zing. It’s light, invigorating, and balances the rich peanut sauce perfectly. Plus, it’s a breeze to make!