Indulge in layers of spices, savory soy sauce, and creamy peanut butter in this tender, tasty Chicken Satay.
Chicken satay is one of those dishes that feels timeless, but its roots trace back to a fascinating history. Today, we enjoy it as marinated, grilled chicken served on neat little skewers, often accompanied by a rich peanut sauce. But centuries ago, in Southeast Asia, satay was far more dramatic. Marinated meats were skewered on bamboo or the midribs of coconut palms and roasted over open flames—a method as bold as the flavors themselves. I feel a little meek now moving forward with my recipe and my store-bought skinny wooden skewers.
Satay originated in Indonesia and spread to other Southeast Asian countries. There are now copious versions of cooked, spiced, marinated meats on a skewer or sword, but the focus today is chicken satay. The peanut sauce is originally from Java, Indonesia, where it is known as bumbu kacang. From its flame-cooked origins to its place on modern dinner tables, chicken satay continues to be a dish that combines history, culture, and sheer deliciousness in every bite.
Is Chicken Satay Healthy?
Chicken satay is rich in protein and can be part of a healthy, balanced meal. While the peanut sauce is high in calories, it also contains healthy fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Clearly, chicken is not vegetarian, but I have used this exact sauce on Baked Tofu and it was amazing!
The Flavors That Make Chicken Satay Shine
If you’ve ever tasted chicken satay, you know it’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. The marinade is where the magic happens, combining the creaminess of peanut butter and coconut milk with the sweetness of honey and brown sugar. This is layered with bold seasonings like garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, ginger, and a touch of red pepper flakes for heat. A splash of soy sauce and fish sauce brings just the right amount of saltiness, while fresh lime juice adds a bright, tangy finish.
The combination might sound complex, but it’s this blend of ingredients that makes chicken satay stand out from other grilled dishes. The result is tender, juicy chicken with layers of flavor that meld beautifully with the creamy peanut dipping sauce.
Whether you’re recreating the street food vibes of Southeast Asia or crafting an appetizer to wow your dinner guests, this chicken satay recipe hits all the right notes. It’s a dish that’s just as delicious as your favorite takeout but even better because it’s homemade. Once you try it, you’ll never look at wooden skewers the same way again!
INGREDIENTS
- 8 ounces coconut milk
- 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 3/4 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips
- Freshly chopped cilantro, for garnish
- 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter (for sauce)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for sauce)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for sauce)
- 6 ounces coconut milk (for sauce)
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (for sauce)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for sauce)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (for sauce)
INSTRUCTIONS
Marinate
Soak skewers; prepare and marinate chicken.
Make Sauce
Cook ingredients to create peanut sauce.
Grill & Serve
Grill chicken and serve with sauce.
Devour!
FAQs & Tips
Chicken satay can be made ahead and left to marinate overnight. For cooked leftovers, store the chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze cooked chicken satay for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in a 300°F oven or on a grill until heated through. Pair with freshly made peanut sauce for the best flavor.
Yes, soak wooden skewers in water for 20–30 minutes before grilling. Place a heavy object (like a plate) on top to keep them fully under the water. Soaking prevents the skewers from burning or catching fire over high heat. It’s a simple step for safer and more effective grilling!
If your sauce is too thick add more coconut milk. Do this just a tablespoon or two at a time so it doesn’t become too runny. You can also add a drop more lime juice or soy sauce to keep the flavor profile to your liking.
Serving Suggestions
Traditionally, chicken satay is served with rice and veggies for a perfectly balanced meal. For something fun, serve it with Coconut Rice or Vegetable Fried Rice. These Vegetable Curry and Veggie Stir-Fry recipes are easy and pair perfectly with chicken satay. If serving this dish as an appetizer, I would cut the skewers in half or use smaller ones to make it easier to enjoy at a party. They would go well with Asian Turkey Meatballs and these AMAZING Mediterranean Grilled Avocados with Chickpeas and Tahini.
Chicken Satay
Ingredients
- 8 ounces coconut milk
- 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 3/4 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch strips
- Fresh chopped cilantro for garnish
For the Peanut Sauce
- 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 6 ounces coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
Instructions
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Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 20 minutes. In a separate bowl, whisk together the marinade ingredients: coconut milk, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, minced garlic, ground ginger, cumin, ground coriander, and turmeric.
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Add chicken strips to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
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In a small saucepan, make the peanut sauce by combining peanut butter, soy sauce, brown sugar, coconut milk, fish sauce, red pepper flakes, and lime juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring until smooth.
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Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken onto the soaked skewers. Grill for about 5 minutes on each side or until fully cooked. Sprinkle on fresh cilantro for garnish.
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Serve the grilled chicken satay with the peanut sauce on the side for dipping.
Nutrition
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