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A close-up shot of grilled chicken satay skewers served on a grey plate with a dipping sauce and cucumber slices in the background.
Daniel

Authentic Chicken Satay with Creamy Peanut Sauce

Juicy, tender chicken skewers marinated in a fragrant blend of Thai spices and coconut milk, grilled to perfection. Served with a rich, addictive homemade peanut sauce for the ultimate flavor experience.
Prep Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: Southeast Asian, Thai
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into long, thin strips
  • 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar packed
  • 2 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemongrass very finely minced (from the tender lower part of the stalk)
  • 1.5 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
For the Creamy Peanut Sauce
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter unsweetened
  • 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk
  • 1/4 cup water plus more as needed
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1-2 tsp Thai red curry paste to taste
  • 1 clove garlic minced

Equipment

  • Bamboo skewers (8-inch)
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Small saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Grill or Grill Pan

Method
 

Prepare the Chicken and Marinade
  1. If using bamboo skewers, soak at least 16-20 skewers in water for a minimum of 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
  2. Slice the chicken thighs against the grain into long, thin strips, about 1-inch wide and 1/4-inch thick.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all the marinade ingredients: coconut milk, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, minced lemongrass, turmeric, coriander, and cumin until well combined.
  4. Add the chicken strips to the marinade and toss thoroughly to ensure every piece is completely coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 8 hours for maximum flavor.
Make the Peanut Sauce
  1. While the chicken marinates, prepare the peanut sauce. In a small saucepan, combine all sauce ingredients: peanut butter, coconut milk, water, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, red curry paste, and minced garlic.
  2. Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk constantly until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and gently heated through. Do not allow it to boil. If the sauce is too thick, whisk in more water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Set aside (the sauce will thicken as it cools).
Assemble and Cook the Chicken Satay
  1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F or 200°C). Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
  2. Remove chicken from the marinade and thread the strips onto the soaked skewers, weaving them back and forth accordion-style. Reserve any leftover marinade for basting.
  3. Place the skewers on the hot grill. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, turning occasionally. Baste with the leftover marinade during the first few minutes of cooking. The satay is done when the chicken is cooked through, opaque, and has nice char marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  4. Remove the chicken satay from the grill and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Serve immediately with the warm peanut sauce and optional garnishes like chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges.

Notes

Chicken: Chicken breast can be used as a substitute, but be sure to reduce cooking time slightly to avoid drying it out. Chicken thighs are highly recommended for the juiciest, most flavorful results.
Cooking Methods: For an air fryer, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. For an oven, arrange skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil for 4-6 minutes per side, watching closely to prevent burning.
Make-Ahead & Storage: The peanut sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to loosen it if necessary. Store leftover cooked chicken and sauce separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.