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Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce – Asian Recipes for Dinner

Alright, friends — if you’ve ever been to a bustling night market somewhere in Southeast Asia, you know that smell. That smoky, spicy, nutty aroma that makes you stop in your tracks and crave a dozen skewers. Well, this chicken satay recipe brings that magic right to your kitchen without needing a passport! The chicken marinates in a fragrant mix of turmeric, garlic, and coconut milk, then grills up juicy and tender with those perfect little charred edges. And don’t even get me started on the peanut sauce — creamy, slightly sweet, and just a little bit tangy. Honestly, you’re going to want to dunk every last bite. Let’s get cooking and make your dinner amazing tonight!

Quick Facts

Yield: Serves 4
Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus 1 hour marinade)
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:

1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch strips
¾ cup coconut milk
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp curry powder
1 tsp turmeric powder
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp brown sugar
Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)

For the Sauce / Garnish:

½ cup creamy peanut butter
¼ cup coconut milk
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
1 tsp Sriracha or chili paste (optional, for heat)
Chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro for garnish

How I Make It

Step 1:

Start by creating the marinade. In a bowl, whisk together coconut milk, soy sauce, curry powder, turmeric, minced garlic, and brown sugar until it forms a smooth mixture with those beautiful warm golden tones. Toss the chicken strips in, making sure each piece is coated well, then cover and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour—this step really lets the flavors sink deep.

Step 2:

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken strips onto the soaked wooden skewers, leaving a bit of space between pieces so they cook evenly.

Step 3:

Grill the skewers for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Look for those irresistible grill marks and a slightly charred edge, but make sure the chicken is cooked through (safe temp is 165°F). The edges should caramelize nicely without drying out the meat.

Step 4:

While the chicken cooks, whip up the peanut sauce. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, and brown sugar. Stir constantly until smooth and warm. If you want a little kick, stir in some Sriracha or chili paste here for a perfect balance.

Step 5:

If the sauce feels too thick, just add a tablespoon or two of water to loosen it. Taste and adjust — whether you want it tangier or sweeter.

Step 6:

Serve the chicken satay hot, with the peanut sauce drizzled on top or on the side for dipping. Garnish with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro for that final burst of crunch and freshness.

Variations & Tips

Use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but keep an eye on cooking time so it doesn’t dry out.
Add a splash of fish sauce to the marinade for a truly authentic umami kick.
Swap peanut butter for almond or cashew butter if you want a different nutty flavor.
Grill veggies like bell peppers or zucchini alongside for a colorful, balanced meal.
If you don’t have a grill, a broiler or grill pan works just fine — just watch closely to avoid burning.
For a vegan twist, substitute tofu or tempeh for the chicken and use tamari instead of soy sauce.

How I Like to Serve It

I love pairing this chicken satay with fragrant jasmine rice and a crisp cucumber salad for a refreshing crunch. When friends come over, these skewers become instant party favorites — perfect finger food that feels a little fancy but is oh-so-easy to make. On chillier evenings, the warm peanut sauce hitting your taste buds is downright comforting.

Notes

Store leftover satay and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to keep chicken juicy.
If you forgot to soak skewers, you can grill carefully on metal ones or use foil-wrapped wooden skewers to prevent burning.

Closing: This chicken satay is a flavor-packed, fuss-free dish that comes together beautifully every time — trust me, it’ll be your new weeknight favorite!