Chicken Satay Skewers Peanut Sauce (Print Version)
Tender grilled chicken skewers with aromatic spices and rich peanut sauce—a Southeast Asian classic.
# Recipe Ingredients:
→ Chicken Marinade
01 - 1.3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 3/4-inch strips
02 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce
03 - 2 tablespoons coconut milk
04 - 1 tablespoon brown sugar
05 - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
06 - 1 teaspoon ground coriander
07 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
08 - 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
09 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
10 - 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Peanut Sauce
12 - 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
13 - 2/3 cup coconut milk
14 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
15 - 1 tablespoon brown sugar
16 - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
17 - 1 teaspoon chili sauce, adjust to taste
18 - 1 garlic clove, minced
19 - 2-3 tablespoons warm water, as needed
→ Garnish & Serving
20 - 1 tablespoon chopped roasted peanuts
21 - Fresh coriander leaves
22 - Lime wedges
# Directions:
01 - Whisk together soy sauce, coconut milk, brown sugar, vegetable oil, coriander, cumin, turmeric, minced garlic, grated ginger, and salt in a large bowl until well combined.
02 - Add chicken strips to the marinade, tossing to coat completely. Cover bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for maximum flavor development.
03 - If using wooden skewers, submerge them in water for 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent scorching.
04 - Remove chicken from marinade and thread pieces onto skewers, leaving small gaps between pieces for even cooking.
05 - Preheat grill, grill pan, or broiler to medium-high heat. Cook skewers for 3 to 4 minutes per side until chicken is fully cooked and edges are lightly charred.
06 - Combine peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, chili sauce, and minced garlic in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir continuously until smooth and warmed through. Add warm water as needed to achieve desired consistency.
07 - Arrange hot skewers on serving plates, drizzle generously with peanut sauce, and top with chopped peanuts, fresh coriander leaves, and lime wedges.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The marinade creates incredibly tender, juicy chicken that practically falls off the skewer
- That peanut sauce is good enough to eat with a spoon, no shame involved
- Street food magic you can recreate at home without any special equipment
02 -
- Dry chicken is the enemy, so do not overcook it even though you want those grill marks
- The sauce thickens as it cools, so keep it warm and add more water right before serving if needed
- Metal skewers cook the chicken faster from the inside, so adjust your grilling time accordingly
03 -
- Room temperature chicken cooks more evenly, so let it sit out for 20 minutes before grilling
- Leftover sauce transforms cold noodles or rice into an incredible lunch the next day