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Easy Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce

Easy Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce

Easy Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce is a flavorful and simple dish featuring tender chicken breast marinated and grilled on skewers, served with a rich and creamy peanut sauce inspired by Southeast Asian cuisine. Perfect for weeknight dinners, appetizers, or party finger food, this recipe offers bold flavors, healthy protein, and customizable spice levels with minimal preparation.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Marinade

  • 500g boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into thin strips or bite-sized pieces
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 1/2 tsp chili flakes or fresh chilies (optional)

Peanut Sauce

  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • Chili flakes or fresh chilies to taste (optional)

Additional

  • Bamboo or metal skewers (soaked if bamboo)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Crushed roasted peanuts (for garnish)
  • Thinly sliced red chilies (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken Marinade: Cut the chicken breast into thin strips or bite-sized pieces for quick grilling. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, brown sugar, lime juice, and chili flakes. Toss the chicken pieces in this mixture, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors soak in deeply.
  2. Make the Peanut Sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, mix creamy peanut butter with coconut milk, a splash of soy sauce, and a pinch of brown sugar. Stir constantly until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Remove from heat, then stir in lime juice to brighten the taste. Adjust seasoning by adding chili flakes or more soy sauce if needed.
  3. Skewer the Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto bamboo or metal skewers, leaving a little space between each piece to ensure even cooking and easier handling on the grill or stovetop.
  4. Grill the Chicken Satay: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Cook the skewers for about 3-4 minutes per side until the chicken is nicely charred and cooked through. Monitor closely to avoid drying out. The aroma during grilling is a great indicator of the flavor developing.
  5. Serve Hot with Peanut Sauce: Arrange the cooked skewers on a platter and serve them warm with a generous drizzle or side of the creamy peanut sauce. Provide garnishes like chopped cilantro, crushed peanuts, and sliced red chilies for added texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Marinate chicken longer (a few hours or overnight) for deeper flavor infusion.
  • Soak bamboo skewers in water before grilling to prevent burning.
  • Use natural peanut butter for a cleaner, healthier sauce without added sugars or oils.
  • Keep peanut sauce warm while serving to enhance the dipping experience.
  • Do not overcrowd the grill; leave space between skewers for even cooking and good caramelization.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Satay, Peanut Sauce, Grilled Chicken, Easy Dinner, Southeast Asian, Gluten-Free, Appetizer, Protein-Packed