I’m not sure why, but there’s something magical about dunking a skewer of tender, grilled meat into a rich peanut dipping sauce. (Equally magical is the Thai Peanut Stir Fry That Got Me Married in my cookbook.) While chicken satay is traditionally an appetizer (along with another classic Bang Bang Shrimp), we most often enjoy it as the main event. The juicy strips of chicken are soaked in a flavorful Asian marinade, then grilled on a skewer and served with a peanut dip. They’re the perfect blend of hopelessly tender and hopelessly delicious. PLUS this chicken satay is healthy (like my favorite Cauliflower Fried Rice), so you can feel good about going back for seconds (and thirds!). The leftovers are also great on salads or turned into a wrap. Between the quick and easy prep, leftover potential, and did I mention PEANUT DIPPING SAUCE, you’ll be singing the praises of this recipe all week long.
What is Chicken Satay
If you aren’t familiar with satay, it’s a dish that originated in Indonesia but is popular across Southeast Asia in places such as Thailand and Malaysia. Although there are many varieties of satay, all of them begin with tasty grilled meat and end with a yummy dipping sauce. An Indonesian chicken satay recipe and Thai chicken skewers typically include a sauce made with peanut butter (similar to the sauce in these Asian Chicken Wraps). I’m not sure if the sauce is required for skewers to be properly deemed “satay,” but since this Thai chicken satay recipe includes a peanut sauce that is plate-licking good, I’m going to insist you make it to go alongside.
How to Make Chicken Satay
This healthy chicken satay skewers recipe begins with an easy marinade. It ends with a rich and tangy-sweet peanut dipping sauce that you’ll want to start enjoying on EVERYTHING (like this Crispy Tofu). Satay sauce can be served hot or cold. Personally, I think it’s best if you eat satay chicken with peanut sauce when hot or at room temperature.
The Ingredients
Marinade. A salty-sweet blend of soy sauce, fish sauce, honey, Sriracha, lime juice, ginger, and garlic. It will flavor every bite of the chicken and does double duty to tenderize the meat.
Chicken Breast. Between the marinade and the grill, the chicken becomes exceptionally tasty and tender. Chicken breasts are also easy to thread onto skewers, so much better than chicken thighs.
The Directions
Storage Tips
To Store. Leftover skewers can be stored in an airtight storage container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store the peanut sauce in a separate airtight storage container for up to 4 days.To Reheat. Remove the chicken from the skewers and place it on a baking sheet. Let come to room temperature, then reheat it in the oven at 350 degrees F. As soon as the satay is warm, serve it immediately; watch it carefully so that it doesn’t dry out. Reheat the sauce gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring every few minutes.To Freeze. Freeze chicken and peanut sauce separately in airtight, freezer-safe storage containers for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe
Grill Skewers. A stainless steel set that’s easy to use anytime a craving strikes. No need to soak them first.Grill Tongs. Easily grip and flip anything on the grill.Grill Pan. For those without an outdoor grill, this indoor grill pan works on any stove and will yield excellent results.
Chicken satay with peanut sauce, you are just so dippin’ good. Serve with coconut rice or jasmine rice! It’s creamy, richly spiced with ginger and garlic, and has a lightly spicy, sweet note that is nothing short of habit-forming.
Peanut Butter. A delicious peanut sauce requires creamy, rich peanut butter for flavor and texture.Honey. Naturally sweetens our peanut sauce just enough to keep you coming back for more (like in my favorite Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken recipe); honey also tastes outstanding paired with the peanut butter in savory dishes like this one.Soy Sauce + Fish Sauce. Salty, umami flavor bombs.Sriracha. For a touch of heat. If you want spicy chicken satay skewers, you can add more for an extra kick.Ginger + Garlic. Two must-have ingredients that provide complex flavors.Lime Juice + Cilantro. Acidity and freshness. Could use shallot or red onion as well.
Marinate the chicken as directed, soak the skewers, and prepare the peanut sauce.When you’re ready to cook the chicken, lay the threaded chicken skewers on a rimmed baking sheet.Broil the skewers for 5 to 6 minutes, until the chicken is golden on the outside and cooked through.
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