Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce Recipe

These Chicken Satay skewers are a delicious and easy appetizer that’s perfect for parties, game day, or any occasion. They’re made with tender chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful peanut sauce, then grilled or broiled to perfection. The result is juicy, flavorful chicken with a slightly crispy exterior and a creamy, nutty dipping sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce

• Flavorful and Tender: The chicken is marinated in a delicious peanut sauce, which infuses it with flavor and keeps it moist and tender.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, even for beginner cooks.
• Versatile: You can cook these skewers on the grill, under the broiler, or even in a skillet on the stovetop.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This appetizer is always a hit with everyone, from kids to adults.

this Recipe

Ingredients for Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce

For the Peanut Sauce:

• Creamy Peanut Butter: I recommend using a creamy peanut butter made with only peanuts, or with peanuts and salt.
• Coconut Milk: Use unsweetened, full-fat coconut milk from a can.
• Lime Juice: Adds a bright, citrusy flavor to the sauce.
• Fish Sauce or Soy Sauce: Adds a salty, umami flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and helps to balance the flavors.
• Ginger: Adds a warm, slightly spicy flavor.
• Garlic: Adds a punch of flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a touch of heat. You can adjust the amount to your liking.

For the Chicken:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: I prefer chicken thighs for this recipe because they’re more flavorful and juicy than chicken breasts.

Serving Suggestions:

• Crushed Peanuts: Adds a crunchy texture to the finished dish.
• Chopped Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herby flavor.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Variations

Want to try something different? Here are a few ideas:

• Spicy Satay: Add more red pepper flakes to the peanut sauce or to the chicken marinade for extra heat.
• Different Protein: Try using beef, pork, or shrimp instead of chicken.
• Veggie Skewers: Add some vegetables, like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini, to the skewers.
• Different Sauce: Try using a different dipping sauce, like teriyaki sauce or a sweet and sour sauce.

How to Make Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce

Step 1: Make the Peanut Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, coconut milk, lime juice, fish sauce (or soy sauce), brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes until smooth. Transfer 1 cup of the sauce to a separate bowl, cover, and refrigerate until ready to serve. Set the remaining sauce aside.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Add the chicken to the bowl with the remaining peanut sauce and toss to coat. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours. Stir the chicken occasionally while it marinates.

Step 3: Prepare the Skewers

Soak bamboo skewers in warm water for 30 minutes before using.

Step 4: Assemble and Cook the Satay

Thread the marinated chicken onto the soaked skewers. Arrange the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Broil the skewers for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred. You can also grill the skewers over medium heat for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, or cook them in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-high heat for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally.

Step 5: Serve

Transfer the cooked skewers to a serving platter. Sprinkle with crushed peanuts and chopped cilantro, if desired. Serve immediately with the reserved peanut sauce.

Tips and Tricks

• Even Cooking: Make sure the chicken pieces are similar in size so they cook evenly.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Don’t overcrowd the skewers or the pan when cooking. This will help the chicken cook evenly and prevent it from steaming.
• Marinate: Marinating the chicken helps to infuse it with flavor and keep it moist and tender.

How to Serve

These Chicken Satay skewers are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with:

• Rice: Serve with a side of white or brown rice.
• Noodles: Rice noodles or even ramen noodles would be a great accompaniment.
• Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing complement to these flavorful skewers.

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: You can marinate the chicken up to 8 hours in advance.
• Storing: Store leftover chicken satay in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store leftover peanut sauce separately in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the chicken satay in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they may not be as juicy as chicken thighs. If using chicken breasts, I recommend pounding them to an even thickness before cutting them into cubes.

Can I make this recipe without peanut butter?
The peanut sauce is a key component of this recipe, so I don’t recommend making it without peanut butter. However, if you have a peanut allergy, you could try using a different nut butter, such as almond butter or cashew butter.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
While this recipe is designed for grilling or broiling, you could try adapting it for the slow cooker. Just be sure to cook the chicken until it’s cooked through and then add the peanut sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

There you have it! A delicious and easy recipe for Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce. I hope you enjoy it!

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