Grilled Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce Recipe

Juicy Grilled Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce Recipe

Grilled chicken satay tantalizes taste buds with its irresistible blend of smoky, tender meat and rich, nutty flavors.

Southeast Asian cuisine offers a delightful culinary experience that refines simple ingredients into extraordinary dishes.

Marinating refines ordinary chicken into a spectacular grilling sensation that promises depth and complexity.

Subtle spices dance across each skewered piece, creating an aromatic journey from first bite to last.

Tender meat absorbs an incredible mix of seasonings that elevate home cooking to restaurant-quality levels.

The accompanying peanut sauce adds creamy, luxurious dimensions that complement the charred, succulent chicken perfectly.

Robust marinades infuse incredible character into every morsel, making this dish a crowd-pleasing favorite for gatherings and casual meals.

Why Chicken Satay Never Gets Old

  • Savor Explosive Flavor Combinations: The marinade blends sweet, tangy, and spicy elements like honey, lime, Sriracha, and fish sauce, creating a complex taste profile that dances on your palate.
  • Master Quick and Easy Grilling Technique: These chicken satay skewers cook rapidly in just 4-6 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknight dinners or spontaneous backyard gatherings with minimal preparation time.
  • Enjoy Versatile Crowd-Pleasing Dish: The recipe appeals to various taste preferences with its customizable heat level, kid-friendly protein, and crowd-favorite peanut sauce that transforms ordinary chicken into an exciting Southeast Asian-inspired feast.
  • Experience Restaurant-Quality Meal at Home: With simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps, home cooks can effortlessly recreate an authentic restaurant-style dish that impresses family and friends without requiring professional culinary skills.

All You Need for This Bold Thai Favorite

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that absorbs marinades well, boneless and skinless for easy preparation..
Marinade and Seasoning:
  • Soy Sauce, Tamari: Adds depth of flavor and saltiness, low-sodium option for health-conscious cooking..
  • Fish Sauce: Provides umami and complexity to the marinade, can be substituted with additional soy sauce..
  • Lime Juice: Bright, citrusy acid that tenderizes the chicken and adds freshness..
  • Honey: Balances the savory and spicy flavors with natural sweetness..
  • Sriracha Sauce: Brings heat and tangy kick to the dish..
  • Ground Ginger: Warm, slightly spicy flavor that complements the chicken..
  • Garlic: Aromatic and pungent, enhances overall taste profile..
Peanut Sauce Components:
  • Chicken Broth: Light base for the sauce, adds subtle savory notes..
  • Peanut Butter: Creamy, rich foundation of the sauce with nutty flavor..
  • Honey: Sweetens and helps thicken the sauce..
  • Soy Sauce, Tamari: Adds saltiness and depth to the peanut sauce..
  • Fish Sauce: Introduces complex umami flavor to the sauce..
  • Sriracha Sauce: Provides heat and tanginess..
  • Ground Ginger: Adds warmth and spice to the sauce..
  • Garlic: Brings aromatic depth to the peanut sauce..
  • Lime Juice: Adds brightness and balances the rich sauce..
Garnish:
  • Cilantro, Roaste.

Threading and Grilling Satay with Ease

Step 1: Prepare Flavor-Packed Marinade

Whisk together in a large bowl:
  • Soy sauce
  • Fish sauce
  • Lime juice
  • Honey
  • Sriracha
  • Minced ginger
  • Crushed garlic

Add chicken strips, coat thoroughly, cover, and refrigerate for 2-8 hours to let flavors mingle.

Step 2: Prep Skewers

Soak wooden skewers in cold water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.

Step 3: Craft Creamy Peanut Sauce

Combine in a saucepan:
  • Chicken broth
  • Peanut butter
  • Honey
  • Soy sauce
  • Fish sauce
  • Sriracha
  • Minced ginger
  • Crushed garlic

Simmer on medium heat, stirring constantly until smooth and thickened (about 6 minutes). Finish with a splash of lime juice for zesty brightness.

Step 4: Grill Chicken Skewers

Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Thread marinated chicken onto soaked skewers. Grill each side for 2-3 minutes until beautifully charred and chicken is fully cooked.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Plate grilled skewers with:
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Crushed peanuts
  • Lime wedges

Drizzle with warm peanut sauce and enjoy this tantalizing Thai-inspired dish!

Peanut Sauce and Chicken—Tips for Harmony

  • Maximize Marinade Magic: Let chicken soak in marinade overnight for deeper, more intense flavor profiles that'll make your taste buds dance.
  • Prevent Skewer Scorching: Always soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to stop them from turning into charcoal during grilling.
  • Master Grill Temperature: Keep grill at medium-high heat to achieve beautiful char marks without drying out the chicken or causing flare-ups.
  • Balance Sauce Consistency: Stir peanut sauce constantly while simmering to prevent burning and ensure a smooth, creamy texture that clings perfectly to chicken.
  • Serve Fresh and Vibrant: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and crushed peanuts right before serving to add a delightful crunch and burst of color.

Smart Storage and Reheating for Satay Leftovers

  • Refrigerate: Store cooled chicken satay in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.
  • Separate Storage: Place chicken and peanut sauce in different containers to maintain their individual textures and flavors.
  • Reheat Carefully: Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Microwave peanut sauce in short intervals, stirring between each to maintain smooth consistency.

Pairings That Highlight Thai Satay Flavors

  • Sip Southeast Asian Refreshment: Pair this grilled chicken satay with a cold Thai iced tea or a crisp lager beer to complement the spicy and rich flavors of the dish.
  • Create Vibrant Side Companions: Serve alongside a fresh cucumber salad with a light rice vinegar dressing or steamed jasmine rice to balance the intense peanut sauce and add textural contrast.
  • Elevate with Zesty Touches: Add a small salad of mixed greens topped with chopped mint and a light lime vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the chicken and provide a bright, refreshing element to the meal.
  • Boost Flavor Harmony: Consider a glass of Gewürztraminer wine, which has slight sweetness and spice notes that will beautifully match the complex marinade and peanut sauce of the satay.

Twist Up Your Satay with These Variations

  • Coconut Curry Chicken Satay: Replace marinade soy sauce with coconut milk, add curry powder and turmeric for a rich, aromatic Southeast Asian flavor profile.
  • Spicy Honey Lime Chicken Satay: Increase Sriracha amount, add extra honey and fresh lime zest to create a more intense sweet-heat combination.
  • Mediterranean-Style Chicken Satay: Swap marinade ingredients with olive oil, oregano, lemon juice, and za'atar spice blend for a Greek-inspired version that keeps the skewered chicken concept.
  • Teriyaki Chicken Satay: Use teriyaki sauce instead of soy sauce, add mirin and brown sugar to develop a sweeter, glossier marinade with Japanese-inspired flavors.
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Grilled Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce Recipe

Grilled Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce Recipe


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4.7 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 36 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Savory Malaysian chicken satay delivers a symphony of spices and smoky grilled perfection. Marinated skewers glazed with rich peanut sauce promise a delightful journey through Southeast Asian cuisine that will transport you to bustling street markets.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips

Marinades and Seasonings:

  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
  • ½ tablespoon fish sauce
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Peanut Sauce Ingredients:

  • 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
  • 5 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
  • 2 teaspoons fish sauce
  • 2 teaspoons Sriracha sauce
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice

Garnish:

  • Chopped fresh cilantro
  • Chopped unsalted roasted peanuts
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Craft a zesty marinade by blending soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, honey, Sriracha, ginger, and garlic in a spacious mixing vessel. Immerse chicken strips completely, ensuring each piece is generously coated. Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, allowing flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
  2. Submerge wooden skewers in cool water, preventing potential charring during the grilling process. Let them soak for half an hour to ensure optimal protection.
  3. Prepare the luscious peanut sauce by combining chicken broth, peanut butter, honey, soy sauce, fish sauce, Sriracha, ginger, and garlic in a simmering pan. Whisk continuously over medium heat until the mixture transforms into a velvety, cohesive blend, approximately 6 minutes. Finish by introducing fresh lime juice for a bright, tangy undertone.
  4. Heat the grill to medium-high, creating an ideal cooking environment. Carefully thread marinated chicken onto pre-soaked skewers, ensuring even distribution. Grill each side until achieving a beautiful caramelized exterior and thoroughly cooked interior, roughly 2-3 minutes per side.
  5. Present the skewers adorned with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro and crushed peanuts. Accompany with the rich peanut sauce and wedges of lime, inviting diners to customize their culinary experience.

Notes

  • Overnight marinating transforms ordinary chicken into a flavor-packed grilling sensation.
  • Soaking wooden skewers prevents burning and ensures smooth, uninterrupted grilling experience.
  • Homemade peanut sauce elevates this dish from simple to restaurant-quality, blending sweet, spicy, and tangy notes perfectly.
  • Prep Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 365
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 640 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Alex Reed

Alex Reed

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Culinary Education​, Food Writing and Blogging​, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Global Cuisine Exploration

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and contemporary cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development. Emphasized hands-on experience in diverse culinary traditions.​

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Program: Diplôme de Cuisine
  • Focus: Advanced instruction in French culinary techniques, including sauce preparation, pâtisserie, and haute cuisine.​

Alex Reed is an inventive chef and food creator with a passion for dishes that balance taste, health, and sustainability. 

Trained at Portland Community College and holding an Advanced Pastry Arts certificate from Oregon Culinary Institute, Alex brings more than 10 years of practical culinary experience to every recipe he develops. 

His background uniquely blends traditional cooking skills with modern, mindful eating principles. As the founder of Beard and Bonnet, Alex creates recipes that encourage readers to cook confidently.

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