Chicken Satay Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with this Chicken Satay Recipe—a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that brings the taste of Thai street food straight to your kitchen. Juicy strips of chicken are marinated in a blend of coconut milk, aromatic spices, and a touch of sweetness, then grilled to a perfect char. Each bite is tender, boldly seasoned, and absolutely irresistible, especially when dipped in a creamy peanut sauce. Whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue, a fun dinner night, or simply want to shake up your meal routine, this recipe is as crowd-pleasing as it is simple to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish comes from a handful of simple, yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a special role in building those unmistakable layers of flavor, from the creamy marinade to the rich color and tantalizing aroma.
- Chicken thighs or breasts: Go for boneless, skinless cuts for the juiciest, easiest-to-eat skewers.
- Coconut milk: Adds creaminess and a subtle sweetness that’s signature to any classic Chicken Satay Recipe.
- Soy sauce: Provides a deep, savory umami punch and a touch of saltiness.
- Brown sugar: Brings balance with gentle sweetness and helps caramelize the chicken as it grills.
- Curry powder: Infuses the marinade with warm, complex spice notes and gorgeous color.
- Ground turmeric: Intensifies the golden hue and adds an earthy, slightly bitter flavor.
- Garlic powder: Delivers mellow, aromatic depth without overpowering the other spices.
- Ground coriander: Offers a citrusy, floral undertone that brightens the entire dish.
- Salt: Essential for bringing every flavor to life—don’t skip it!
- Wooden skewers: Soak these for at least 30 minutes to keep them from burning on the grill.
How to Make Chicken Satay Recipe
Step 1: Make the Flavorful Marinade
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and whisking together the coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar, curry powder, turmeric, garlic powder, ground coriander, and salt. This is where all the magic starts—each ingredient melts together to create a marinade that’s creamy, fragrant, and full of character.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add your sliced chicken to the bowl and toss until every piece is thoroughly coated. The longer you marinate, the deeper the flavors: aim for at least an hour in the fridge, but overnight is even better if you want the most succulent, flavorful Chicken Satay Recipe ever.
Step 3: Prepare the Skewers
While the chicken is soaking up those spices, don’t forget to soak your wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes. This handy trick keeps them from charring or catching fire on the grill, making your satay experience smooth and stress-free.
Step 4: Thread the Chicken
Once marinated, thread the chicken strips onto the soaked skewers. Try to weave the chicken in a serpentine pattern for even cooking and a beautiful presentation. It’s a simple step that gives your Chicken Satay Recipe that authentic street-food look.
Step 5: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lay the skewers down and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked with a lovely char. That quick, high heat seals in the juices and creates irresistible smoky edges.
How to Serve Chicken Satay Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped cilantro or a scattering of sliced green onions goes a long way in adding freshness and color to your platter. For a little crunch, try topping with crushed peanuts. And don’t forget a side of lime wedges—just a quick squeeze brightens every bite.
Side Dishes
Chicken Satay Recipe shines brightest alongside fluffy jasmine rice, cooling cucumber salad, or a tangy pickled veggie slaw. And of course, it’s practically a rule to serve with plenty of creamy peanut sauce for dipping. These sides bring balance and turn your satay into a complete, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your skewers stacked on a rustic wooden board for a party-ready vibe, or tuck them into lettuce leaves for a fun, low-carb twist. For an appetizer platter, cut the chicken into smaller pieces and arrange mini skewers with dipping sauces—guaranteed to disappear fast at any gathering!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Satay Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just be sure to store any peanut sauce separately, so the chicken stays juicy and the sauce remains creamy.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze your cooked (or even marinated but uncooked) chicken skewers. Wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then pop them in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months and are perfect for quick weeknight dinners or impromptu parties.
Reheating
Reheat your satay gently in a 300°F oven or on a low grill, just until warmed through—this keeps the chicken tender and prevents it from drying out. A quick zap in the microwave works too, but cover the skewers with a damp paper towel for best results.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Both chicken breast and thighs work wonderfully for this Chicken Satay Recipe. Thighs tend to be more forgiving and juicy, but breast is leaner and just as delicious when marinated well.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No grill? No problem! A grill pan on the stovetop or even your oven’s broiler will do the trick. Just make sure to get a nice sear for that classic satay flavor.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least one hour. If you have more time, overnight marination will make your Chicken Satay Recipe extra juicy and flavorful.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or gluten-free?
Yes! This Chicken Satay Recipe is naturally dairy-free thanks to coconut milk. For a gluten-free version, use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.
What’s the best way to prevent wooden skewers from burning?
Soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This simple step prevents burning and splintering, ensuring your satay looks and tastes perfect.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an easy, flavorful meal that’s guaranteed to impress, this Chicken Satay Recipe is your new go-to. It’s simple enough for weeknights but special enough for entertaining, and the blend of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors will keep everyone coming back for more. Give it a try and bring a taste of Thailand to your own table!
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Chicken Satay Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 23 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Chicken Satay recipe features tender strips of marinated chicken grilled to perfection, infused with aromatic spices and creamy coconut milk. Served with a rich peanut sauce, it’s a classic Thai-inspired dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or party appetizer.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into thin strips
- ½ cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon salt
Additional
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
- Peanut sauce (for serving)
- Cucumber salad or jasmine rice (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar, curry powder, turmeric, garlic powder, ground coriander, and salt until well combined to create the marinade.
- Marinate Chicken: Add the thin strips of chicken to the marinade and toss thoroughly to coat each piece. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or for best flavor, marinate overnight.
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat to ensure it’s hot and ready for cooking the chicken skewers.
- Assemble Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken strips onto the soaked wooden skewers, distributing the meat evenly without overcrowding.
- Grill Chicken: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 3–4 minutes on each side until the chicken is fully cooked through and develops a nice charred exterior.
- Serve: Remove from the grill and serve the chicken satay hot with peanut sauce alongside cucumber salad or jasmine rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute coconut milk with Greek yogurt for a thicker, tangier marinade.
- Great for meal prep or as party appetizers.
- Soaking the wooden skewers in water helps prevent them from burning during grilling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus at least 1 hour marinating time)
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
