If you’re craving a vibrant blend of flavors and textures that never fail to impress, this Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Tender strips of chicken marinated in a zesty, aromatic mixture then grilled to perfection come together with a luscious, creamy peanut sauce that’s both spicy and slightly sweet. Every bite bursts with character, making it perfect for casual weeknight dinners or special gatherings with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe lies in a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that create layers of flavor and delightful textures. Each element plays a crucial role, from the savory soy and fish sauces that deepen the umami to the fresh lime juice brightening every bite.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into 1-inch strips to ensure quick, even grilling and perfect tenderness.
- Low-sodium soy sauce or tamari: Adds a savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Fish sauce: A splash adds authentic Southeast Asian umami brilliance; substitute with extra soy sauce if needed.
- Fresh lime juice: Provides vibrant acidity to balance sweetness and spice beautifully.
- Honey: Infuses natural sweetness to the marinade and the peanut sauce, enhancing their complexity.
- Sriracha sauce: Brings just the right amount of heat to keep things exciting.
- Ground ginger and garlic: These aromatics imbue warmth and a subtle pungency that wakes up the palate.
- Low sodium chicken broth: A gentle base for smooth, rich peanut sauce consistency.
- Creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient lending that signature nutty creaminess essential for the sauce.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped unsalted roasted peanuts, and lime wedges: Perfect finishing touches that add freshness, crunch, and extra zing when serving.
How to Make Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together low-sodium soy sauce, fish sauce, freshly squeezed lime juice, honey, Sriracha, ground ginger, and minced garlic in a large mixing bowl. This marinade is your flavor powerhouse, combining salty, sweet, spicy, and tangy notes. Toss in the chicken strips and ensure every piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, or best overnight, so those wonderful flavors seep deep into the meat. Before grilling, let the chicken sit for about 30 minutes at room temperature, allowing for even cooking and juicier results. Remember if you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to avoid any flare-ups on the grill.
Step 2: Make the Spicy Peanut Sauce
While your chicken marinates, you can start the sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine chicken broth, creamy peanut butter, honey, soy sauce, fish sauce, Sriracha, ground ginger, and minced garlic. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently. Within about 6 minutes, the sauce will thicken into a smooth, glossy consistency that coats your spoon beautifully. Once it reaches your desired thickness, remove it from the heat and stir in fresh lime juice for brightness. Set aside and get ready for the grill.
Step 3: Prepare and Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, ensuring it’s nice and hot to achieve those classic char marks and smoky flavor. Thread the chicken strips onto skewers in a neat “S” pattern to keep the meat secure and evenly spaced for cooking. Place the skewers on the grill and cook each side for about 2 to 3 minutes until the chicken is cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Don’t rush—letting the chicken rest a few minutes off the grill allows the juices to redistribute, leaving you with irresistibly moist bites.
Step 4: Serve Your Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe
Transfer those beautifully grilled chicken skewers onto a platter. Sprinkle generously with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro for a delightful crunch and added herbal freshness. Serve the warm satay with your luscious peanut sauce on the side, and don’t forget a few lime wedges to squeeze over for an extra pop of zing that ties everything together perfectly.
How to Serve Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes elevate this dish from delicious to stunning. Fresh cilantro adds a burst of vibrant color and herbaceous brightness while chopped roasted peanuts bring in a lovely texture contrast. Bright lime wedges served alongside allow everyone to customize their satay with a fresh citrus kick that complements the richness of the peanut sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple, complementary sides. Think fluffy jasmine rice or fragrant coconut rice to soak up the sauce, a crisp Asian-style cucumber salad that refreshes the palate, or lightly steamed baby bok choy for a healthy, crunchy contrast. These sides balance the bold flavors and make each meal complete.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the satay skewers as part of a vibrant appetizer platter with fresh vegetable sticks, pickled carrots, and dipping sauces. Alternatively, toss the grilled chicken off the skewers and serve over a bed of noodles or in lettuce cups for a light, hand-held meal perfect for parties or casual lunches. The possibilities are endless and a great way to get creative with presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover chicken satay or peanut sauce, store each separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken satay will stay fresh for up to 3 days, and the peanut sauce keeps well for about 4 to 5 days, making it easy to enjoy leftovers or use them as a quick weekday meal starter.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken satay (without the sauce) by wrapping the skewers tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Freeze the peanut sauce separately in a sealed container for up to 3 months. This way, you can defrost and combine just what you need for a quick meal anytime.
Reheating
To reheat the chicken satay, gently warm on a grill pan or in an oven set to 350°F until heated through, taking care not to overcook the chicken. The peanut sauce reheats beautifully in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. A splash of warm water can help restore the silky texture if it’s thickened too much in the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option for this recipe if you prefer juicier, more flavorful meat. Just cut them into strips like the breasts and marinate as directed. The cooking time might be slightly longer depending on thickness.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh strips, marinated and grilled the same way. The peanut sauce is naturally plant-based, so it pairs perfectly with these alternatives for a delicious vegetarian satay.
How spicy is the peanut sauce?
The peanut sauce has a balanced heat that comes mainly from Sriracha, which can be adjusted to your preference. Feel free to add more for extra kick or reduce it for a milder, nutty sauce that everyone can enjoy.
Can I make this recipe without a grill?
Certainly! You can use a grill pan or broil the skewers in your oven. Just make sure the pan or broiler is hot to get those lovely char marks and cook the chicken evenly without drying it out.
How do I prevent the skewers from burning on the grill?
Soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling helps prevent them from burning. If you’re using metal skewers, this isn’t necessary, just handle carefully as they can get very hot.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that instantly transports you to warm, bustling street food markets with every bite. It’s vibrant, packed with flavor, and surprisingly simple to make at home. Whether you’re cooking for a casual dinner or impressing guests, this recipe delivers a winning combination of juicy chicken and irresistible sauce that everyone loves. Give it a try, invite some friends over, and enjoy the smiles it brings to the table!
Print
Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Thai
Description
Delicious and authentic Chicken Satay made with tender marinated chicken strips grilled to perfection and served with a creamy, flavorful peanut sauce. This recipe combines savory, tangy, and spicy elements for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- ½ tablespoon fish sauce (or additional ½ tablespoon soy sauce)
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice (from 2 small limes)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Peanut Sauce
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 5 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 teaspoons fish sauce (or additional 2 teaspoons soy sauce)
- 2 teaspoons Sriracha sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice (from about 1 small lime)
For Serving
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Chopped unsalted roasted peanuts
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, honey, Sriracha, ground ginger, and minced garlic until well combined. Add the chicken strips to the marinade and toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken deeply. Remove from fridge and let the chicken stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before grilling. Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning during cooking.
- Make the Peanut Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the chicken broth, creamy peanut butter, honey, soy sauce, fish sauce, Sriracha, ground ginger, and minced garlic. Place over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir frequently for about 6 minutes until the sauce smooths out and thickens to your preferred consistency. Remove from heat and stir in the freshly squeezed lime juice. Set aside and keep warm.
- Prepare for Grilling: Preheat an outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken strips onto the soaked skewers in an “S” pattern to secure the pieces and allow even cooking.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for approximately 2-3 minutes per side, ensuring the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Look for clear grill marks and juicy, tender chicken. Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let rest for 2-3 minutes to retain the juices.
- Serve: Arrange the grilled chicken satay on a serving platter. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and chopped unsalted roasted peanuts. Serve warm with the prepared peanut sauce on the side and lime wedges for squeezing over the top for added zest.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight but not less than 2 hours.
- If using bamboo skewers, ensure they are soaked well to avoid burning on the grill.
- Adjust the amount of Sriracha in the marinade and sauce to suit your preferred spice level.
- Peanut sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated; reheat gently before serving.
- Chicken breasts can be substituted with chicken thighs for a juicier option.
