Chicken Satay Skewers (Print Version)
Grilled marinated chicken strips served with a rich, creamy peanut dipping sauce and fresh garnishes.
# Recipe Ingredients:
→ Chicken & Marinade
01 - 1.1 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into ¾ inch strips
02 - 2 tbsp soy sauce
03 - 2 tbsp coconut milk
04 - 1 tbsp brown sugar
05 - 1 tbsp fish sauce
06 - 1 tbsp vegetable oil
07 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
08 - 1 tsp ground coriander
09 - 1 tsp ground turmeric
10 - ½ tsp ground cumin
11 - ½ tsp ground white pepper
→ Peanut Sauce
12 - ½ cup creamy peanut butter
13 - ½ cup coconut milk
14 - 2 tbsp soy sauce
15 - 1 tbsp brown sugar
16 - 1 tbsp lime juice
17 - 1 tbsp fish sauce
18 - 1 tsp chili garlic sauce or Sriracha (optional)
19 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
20 - ¼ cup water (plus more as needed)
→ Garnish & Serving
21 - Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
22 - Lime wedges
23 - Sliced cucumber
24 - Sliced red chili (optional)
# Directions:
01 - In a bowl, combine soy sauce, coconut milk, brown sugar, fish sauce, vegetable oil, minced garlic, ground coriander, turmeric, cumin, and white pepper. Add chicken strips and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for enhanced flavor.
02 - Immerse wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
03 - Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, spacing evenly to ensure thorough cooking.
04 - Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
05 - Grill skewers for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until chicken is fully cooked and lightly charred.
06 - While grilling, combine peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, fish sauce, optional chili garlic sauce, minced garlic, and water in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir continuously until smooth and warm. Adjust consistency by adding water as needed.
07 - Serve grilled chicken skewers hot with peanut sauce on the side. Garnish with chopped cilantro, lime wedges, sliced cucumber, and optional red chili.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The marinade soaks deep into the chicken and leaves every bite juicy and fragrant.
- That peanut sauce is dangerously good, you will want to pour it over everything.
- It works as a quick dinner or as the star of a casual party spread.
02 -
- Do not skip soaking the wooden skewers or you will end up with charred sticks and sad chicken on the grill grates.
- Let the chicken marinate for at least an hour, anything less and the flavors stay on the surface instead of sinking in.
- Thin the peanut sauce gradually, it thickens as it cools and you can always add water but you cannot take it back.
03 -
- Brush the grill grates with oil just before you lay down the skewers to prevent sticking and tearing.
- Taste the peanut sauce before serving and adjust with more lime juice, soy sauce, or sugar to balance sweet, salty, and tangy.
- If the peanut butter you are using is very thick, start with extra water and work your way to the right consistency.