If you are craving something bursting with bold flavors and delightful textures, this Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe is absolutely the way to go. It brings together tender, juicy chicken marinated in fragrant spices, grilled to perfection, and paired with a creamy, spicy peanut sauce that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just treating yourself to a weeknight dinner, this dish never fails to impress with its vibrant Thai-inspired flavors and satisfying bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe lies in its simplicity and the freshness of each ingredient. Every item serves a special role, contributing to the perfect balance of creaminess, sweetness, spice, and tang, creating a harmony that sings in every bite.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts: Thinly sliced for quick grilling and to absorb the marinade’s rich flavors.
- ½ cup coconut milk (not low fat): Adds luscious creaminess and a subtle tropical sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Brings savory, umami depth to the marinade and sauce.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Balances spices with a natural caramel sweetness.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the chicken with warm, aromatic pungency.
- 1 teaspoon curry powder: Gives the marinade an earthy yet vibrant spice foundation.
- ½ cup peanut butter: The star of the dipping sauce for its rich, nutty creaminess.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice: Adds a bright, zesty lift that cuts through the richness.
- 1 ½ tablespoons brown sugar: Enhances the peanut sauce with balanced sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons Sambal oelek (or sriracha): Provides just the right amount of kick to spice things up.
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger: Adds warmth and slight zing to the sauce.
- 3 tablespoons coconut milk (or as needed for consistency): Smooths the sauce to the perfect dipping texture.
- Chopped peanuts and chopped fresh cilantro (optional): Offer crunch and a fresh herbal note when serving.
How to Make Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start with the marinade to infuse the chicken strips with flavor. In a large bowl, whisk together coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar, curry powder, and minced garlic. This blend creates a creamy, sweet, and aromatic base that will soak right into each piece of chicken. Toss the chicken strips in the marinade, cover the bowl, and pop it in the fridge for at least one hour. This resting time is essential—it tenderizes the chicken and lets all those beautiful flavors meld perfectly.
Step 2: Prepare the Spicy Peanut Sauce
While the chicken is soaking up those delicious flavors, it’s time to whip up the sauce. Combine peanut butter, soy sauce, fresh lime juice, brown sugar, Sambal oelek, and ground ginger in a medium bowl. Whisk in coconut milk gradually until you reach a creamy, smooth consistency that’s perfect for dipping. This sauce strikes the perfect balance of nutty, sweet, tangy, and spicy, making it the ideal partner to the grilled chicken.
Step 3: Prep the Skewers
If you’re using wooden skewers, soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken is a smart step to prevent burning during grilling. Bamboo skewers work great too, but this soaking trick keeps everything safe and smokey without flare-ups.
Step 4: Skewer the Chicken
Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and thread the strips evenly onto the soaked skewers. This makes grilling mess-free and ensures every piece cooks evenly. Don’t forget to discard any leftover marinade for food safety and best taste.
Step 5: Grill to Perfection
Heat your grill to medium-high and place the skewers down. Let them cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, allowing those lovely grill marks to form while cooking the chicken through. The exterior will be charred just enough to add depth without drying out the juicy meat inside.
Step 6: Serve with Spicy Peanut Sauce
Once grilled, serve your chicken skewers immediately with the spicy peanut sauce on the side. The sauce doesn’t only complement but elevates the chicken, making every bite festive and flavor-packed. Top with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro to add that perfect crunch and herbal brightness.
How to Serve Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like chopped roasted peanuts and fresh cilantro bring texture and a pop of color that enhance the visual appeal and add layers of flavor. A sprinkle of red chili flakes can also jazz things up if you love that extra punch of heat.
Side Dishes
This chicken satay pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice to soak up the sauce. A crunchy cucumber salad or pickled vegetables add refreshing contrast and balance the richness of the peanut sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken satay skewers as part of an appetizer platter alongside other small bites like fresh spring rolls or satay tofu. You could also turn it into a tasty wrap by adding grilled chicken, crunchy slaw, and drizzle of peanut sauce inside a warm flatbread or pita.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken satay and peanut sauce can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping the sauce and chicken apart ensures both maintain their best texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to freeze, it’s best to freeze the cooked chicken skewers without the sauce. Wrap them well in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken satay gently on the grill or in a skillet to keep it juicy and avoid drying out. Warm the peanut sauce separately in a small saucepan or microwave, stirring occasionally to keep it creamy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat for this Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken breast is classic, thigh meat works great too for extra juiciness. You can even try shrimp or tofu for delicious variations that absorb the marinade beautifully.
What can I substitute for Sambal oelek?
If you don’t have Sambal oelek, sriracha is a fantastic alternative that adds a nice spicy kick. You could also use chili garlic sauce or even a dash of hot sauce depending on your heat preference.
Is peanut butter the only option for the sauce?
Natural peanut butter without added sugar or salt works best for its authentic flavor and creamy texture. However, almond butter can offer an interesting twist, though the taste will shift slightly away from traditional satay sauce.
Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Just swap the chicken for firm tofu or tempeh and check that your soy sauce and peanut butter are vegan-friendly. The sauce remains the same and so delicious.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least one hour. If you have more time, up to eight hours is even better as it deepens the taste and tenderizes the meat wonderfully.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough giving this Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe a try on your next meal adventure. It’s one of those dishes that feel both special and comforting, impressing everyone with minimal fuss. The vibrant, layered flavors and inviting textures make it an absolute favorite that you’ll want to make again and again.
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Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes (excluding marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Southeast Asian
Description
Chicken Satay is a flavorful Southeast Asian dish featuring tender marinated chicken strips grilled on skewers, served with a rich and creamy peanut dipping sauce. This recipe combines coconut milk, soy sauce, and aromatic spices in the marinade to infuse the chicken with a delicious taste, perfectly complemented by the tangy and slightly spicy peanut sauce. Ideal for a quick yet impressive meal, chicken satay showcases a balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut lengthwise into thin strips
- ½ cup coconut milk (not low fat)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
For the Peanut Dipping Sauce
- ½ cup peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 ½ tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons Sambal oelek (or sriracha)
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- 3 tablespoons coconut milk (or as needed for consistency)
For Serving
- Chopped peanuts (optional)
- Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar, curry powder, and minced garlic until fully combined. Add the chicken strips and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour or up to eight hours to allow the flavors to meld.
- Make the Peanut Sauce: In a medium bowl, mix the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, Sambal oelek, and ground ginger. Gradually whisk in the coconut milk, adding more as necessary to reach your desired sauce consistency. Chill the sauce until ready to serve.
- Soak the Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
- Assemble the Skewers: Remove the chicken strips from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off. Thread the chicken evenly onto the soaked skewers. Discard any remaining marinade.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and has a nice char on the edges.
- Serve: Serve the hot chicken satay skewers alongside the chilled peanut dipping sauce. Garnish with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro if desired for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from catching fire or burning on the grill.
- Marinating the chicken for longer enhances the flavor and tenderness.
- Adjust the Sambal oelek or sriracha amount to control the heat level of the peanut sauce.
- Coconut milk can be substituted with regular milk or almond milk, but coconut milk adds authenticity and creaminess.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure soy sauce is gluten-free or substitute with tamari.
