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Easy Chicken Satay with Thai Peanut Sauce skewers ready to serve.

Chicken Satay with Thai Peanut Sauce

A quick and flavorful chicken satay recipe served with a creamy and bold Thai peanut sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
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Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Thai
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Satay
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs Can substitute with chicken breast.
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce For salty depth.
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey Helps with caramelization.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh is preferred.
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced Fresh is preferred.
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice Brightens the flavors.
  • 1 teaspoon curry powder or red curry paste Adds flavor boost.
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil For the marinade and grilling.
  • 8 skewers wooden skewers, soaked in water Soak to prevent burning.
For the Thai Peanut Sauce
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter Forms the base of the sauce.
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk For silky texture.
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or fish sauce Use what you have.
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice Balances flavors.
  • 1 teaspoon sweetener (to taste) For balance.
  • 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce or sriracha Optional for added spice.
  • 1/4 cup warm water To thin the sauce.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Soak your skewers in water for at least 20 minutes.
  2. Slice the chicken into thin strips for even cooking.
  3. In a bowl, stir together soy sauce, brown sugar or honey, garlic, ginger, lime juice, oil, and curry powder/red curry paste. Add the chicken and toss until coated. Marinate for at least 20 minutes or up to overnight.
Cooking
  1. Thread the marinated chicken onto the wooden skewers.
  2. Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and cook the skewers for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through.
  3. In a small saucepan over low heat, stir together peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce or fish sauce, sweetener, lime juice, and chili sauce. Thin with warm water until creamy and pourable. Adjust flavors as needed.

Notes

For extra smoky flavor, grill outdoors if possible. You can swap proteins based on preference, and adjust spice levels with more chili sauce or pepper.