If you love juicy grilled chicken packed with bold Southeast Asian flavours, this chicken satay recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again. Tender strips of marinated chicken are threaded onto skewers, grilled until lightly charred, and served with a creamy homemade peanut sauce that is rich, savoury, and slightly sweet. This easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, party platters, or summer barbecues, and it comes together with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. From the smoky grilled chicken to the smooth dipping sauce, every bite is full of flavour and satisfying texture.
What Is Chicken Satay?
Chicken satay is a popular Southeast Asian street food made with marinated chicken skewers cooked over high heat until beautifully charred and juicy. The chicken is traditionally paired with a rich peanut dipping sauce that balances savoury, nutty, sweet, and mildly spicy flavours.
The texture is tender and juicy inside with slightly crisp edges from grilling. The marinade gives the chicken deep flavour while keeping it moist during cooking. The creamy peanut sauce adds a smooth and comforting finish that makes this dish incredibly moreish.
Chicken Satay Recipe Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 700g boneless skinless chicken thighs, sliced into strips
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 2 tablespoons coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Juice of ½ lime
For the Peanut Sauce
- 120g smooth peanut butter
- 200ml coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon red curry paste
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 tablespoons warm water, if needed
For Serving
- Fresh coriander
- Lime wedges
- Cooked jasmine rice
- Sliced cucumber
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Marinating Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
How to Make Chicken Satay Recipe
- Prepare the skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in cold water for at least 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning during cooking.
- Make the marinade: In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, turmeric, curry powder, coconut milk, vegetable oil, and lime juice. Stir until fully mixed.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the sliced chicken thighs to the marinade and toss until evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour so the flavours fully absorb into the chicken.
- Thread the chicken: Remove the chicken from the fridge and thread the strips onto skewers in a loose zigzag shape so the chicken cooks evenly.
- Prepare the peanut sauce: Add the peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar, red curry paste, and lime juice to a saucepan over low heat. Stir continuously until smooth and creamy. Add a little warm water if the sauce becomes too thick.
- Heat the grill: Preheat a grill pan, barbecue, or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the cooking surface to stop the chicken sticking.
- Cook the chicken satay: Grill the skewers for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until lightly charred and fully cooked through. The chicken should be golden around the edges and juicy in the centre.
- Rest and serve: Transfer the cooked skewers to a plate and let them rest for 2 minutes. Serve warm with peanut sauce, rice, cucumber, coriander, and lime wedges.
Best Tips for Perfect Chicken Satay
How do I keep chicken satay juicy?
Chicken thighs work best because they stay tender and moist during grilling. Avoid overcooking the skewers or the chicken can dry out quickly.
Can I cook chicken satay in the oven?
Yes. Bake the skewers at 220°C or 200°C fan for 18 to 20 minutes, turning halfway through cooking. Finish under the grill for extra charred edges.
Why should I soak wooden skewers?
Soaking prevents the skewers from burning while cooking over high heat. Thirty minutes is usually enough.
How do I make the peanut sauce smoother?
If the sauce thickens too much, stir in warm water one tablespoon at a time until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Can I prepare chicken satay ahead of time?
Yes. The chicken can marinate overnight in the refrigerator, making this recipe ideal for entertaining or meal prep.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with jasmine rice or coconut rice
- Add a fresh cucumber salad on the side
- Pair with stir-fried vegetables
- Serve as an appetiser platter with extra peanut sauce
- Add flatbreads or lettuce wraps for sharing platters
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature
Chicken satay can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours before it should be refrigerated.
Refrigerator
Store leftover chicken and peanut sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Freezing
The cooked chicken skewers freeze well for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly and freeze in portions. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 34g
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Sodium: 790mg
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?
Yes, chicken breast works well, but it cooks faster and can dry out more easily. Watch the cooking time carefully.
Can I make chicken satay without a grill?
Yes, you can cook the skewers in a grill pan, frying pan, or oven with excellent results.
Is peanut sauce spicy?
The peanut sauce is mildly spiced. You can increase the heat by adding extra curry paste or chilli flakes.
Can I freeze the peanut sauce?
Yes, peanut sauce freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and stir well before serving.
