Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce

Name: Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 65 min
Ingredients: Bamboo skewers (soak in cold water for 1-2 hours or overnight); 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (fat trimmed, cut into 1 1/2” strips); 3 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for grill pan); 6 cloves garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon ground turmeric; 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt; 1 teaspoons honey; 1/3 cup canned coconut milk (full fat, stirred; save rest for peanut sauce); 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari sauce; 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice, (juice of 2 small limes); 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter; 1/2 cup canned coconut milk (full fat, stirred); 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari sauce; 1 teaspoon honey; 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt; 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional but recommended); 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice, (juice of 1 small limes); 1/4 cup water; 1/4 cup chopped peanuts; Lime wedges; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

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Indulge in this Asian-inspired recipe for Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce. Juicy chicken skewers are grilled and paired with homemade peanut satay sauce for a flavor-packed appetizer or main course!

overhead image of chicken satay and sauce on white plate

This is the best chicken satay recipe when you’re craving your favorite Thai restaurant but don’t want to order take-out. It is super simple to prepare and is ready in 30 minutes, making it the perfect party app or quick family dinner. Known for its rich, spicy-sweet flavors, this dish is a combination of juicy marinated chicken dipped in creamy peanut satay sauce.

Traditional chicken satay is typically grilled or barbequed which makes it extra delicious. Grilling the chicken skewers over an open flame adds a smoky charred flavor and carmelizes the marinade, enhancing the overall taste, though you can also easily make them on a grill pan. Impress dinner guests by serving this chicken satay recipe Thai style garnished with chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges!

If you’re looking for more tasty skewer recipes, try these Asian chicken kabobs, orange sesame chicken skewers, or grilled shrimp skewers.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Tender & Juicy. The flavorful marinade makes the chicken satay perfectly tender and juicy when cooked and is bursting with Thai flavors.
Quick & Easy. This recipe for chicken satay has easy prep and only 20 minutes of cooking time!
Healthy. There are no added junk or mystery ingredients in this protein-rich dish, just nutritious whole-food ingredients.

Ingredients

Below are the ingredients you will need to make this chicken satay skewers recipe. Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the page to see the exact amounts for each ingredient.

Bamboo Skewers: Before starting the recipe, prepare the skewers by soaking them in cold water for 1-2 hours or overnight. This will prevent them from burning when grilling the chicken.
Chicken: Use boneless skinless chicken thighs for the juiciest skewers. Alternatively, you can use chicken breast or tenderloins.
Olive Oil: Perfect neutral oil for grilling the chicken and enhances the dish’s flavors.
Garlic: Mince fresh garlic cloves or buy pre-minced garlic from the grocery store for easy prep.
Turmeric: Adds a warming, earthy flavor and gives the chicken satay marinade its signature vibrant yellow hue.
Honey: Tenderizes the chicken making it extra juicy and it adds a subtle sweetness.
Coconut Milk: Gives the peanut sauce an extra creamy texture and slight sweetness. Use full-fat for the richest flavor.
Soy Sauce: Use reduced-sodium soy sauce to control the seasoning and flavor.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice gives the chicken marinade and peanut sauce the zestiest flavor.
Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter is best for the base of the dipping sauce so it is smooth and dippable. Use natural peanut butter for the best texture.
Optional: Red pepper flakes add a kick and depth to the other flavors.

How to Make Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce

Below are photos and recipe steps so you can easily make this recipe at home. You will also need a grill or grill pan, medium and large mixing bowls, and a whisk.

Marinate the chicken

chicken being marinated in a clear mixing bowl

Soak bamboo skewers in cold water for 1-2 hours or overnight. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic, turmeric, salt, honey, coconut milk, soy sauce, and lime juice. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and mix to coat. Let it marinate for 30-60 minutes in the fridge.

Grill the chicken

uncooked chicken satay on skewers on white plate

cooked chicken satay on skewers on white plate

Once the chicken is marinated, thread 4-5 pieces of chicken onto each skewer, folding each piece over to adhere to the skewer. Then preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the grill pan lightly with oil. Grill chicken skewers on each side for about 5-6 minutes until fully cooked through. Transfer the skewers to a plate to cool while preparing the sauce.

Make the peanut sauce

peanut sauce ingredients in a white mixing bowl

peanut sauce being mixed in a white bowl

In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, salt, and red pepper flakes until smooth. Serve chicken satay skewers with a drizzle of peanut sauce, a sprinkle of chopped peanuts, and fresh cilantro.

Serve

Below are some of our favorite dishes to serve with this recipe for chicken satay skewers – either as an appetizer or main course.

chicken satay and spoon on a white plate

Tips and Tricks

Allow the chicken time to marinate to give it the best flavor. The longer it sits, the better the taste!
Serve the peanut sauce right away to avoid it thickening. If the sauce sits and gets too thick, whisk in 1-2 tablespoons of water to thin it out.
Make the dish allergen-friendly by using gluten-free soy sauce or coconut liquid aminos. This chicken satay recipe uses coconut milk so it is already dairy-free!

Chicken Satay FAQ

How do I store leftovers?

This chicken satay recipe stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350ºF for 5-10 minutes or on the grill for a few minutes on each side for the best texture. This recipe can be frozen for up to 3 months in a freezer safe container.

What if I don’t have a grill?

No grill, no problem! You can also cook this easy chicken satay recipe on a grill pan on the stove or in the oven. To prepare on the stovetop, cook as directed, substituting a grill pan for the grill. To bake the chicken, prepare the recipe as outlined, then bake the satay chicken skewers at 400ºF in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until slightly browned on the edges. Be sure to flip the skewers halfway through the cooking time.

Are there variations to this recipe?

Yes! If you want a spicier sauce for this Thai chicken satay recipe, mix in 1-2 tablespoons of red curry paste or add extra red pepper flakes. If you want it sweeter, add more honey or brown sugar to the marinade and the peanut sauce. You can also swap the chicken for beef, lamb, or pork.

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