Chicken Satay with Easy Thai Peanut Sauce

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Smoky, juicy, and layered with exotic flavor — Chicken Satay with Easy Thai Peanut Sauce is the kind of meal that turns an ordinary evening into a Southeast Asian escape. The chicken is marinated in a fragrant blend of spices, skewered, and grilled to perfection, while the creamy, nutty peanut sauce adds the perfect balance of sweet and savory.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or prepping dinner for the family, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal fuss. It’s an appetizer that steals the show or a main course that leaves everyone reaching for seconds. Serve it with sliced cucumbers or jasmine rice for an unforgettable meal.

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Why You’ll Love This Chicken Satay

This chicken satay is all about bold, balanced flavors. The marinade tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with lemongrass, turmeric, garlic, and a hint of sweetness. Grilled or pan-seared, the result is juicy, charred perfection. But the real magic happens when it’s paired with the Thai peanut sauce — creamy, a little spicy, a little sweet, and totally addictive.

It’s an easy make-ahead option, great for meal prep, and fun to serve on skewers. Plus, the peanut sauce keeps well and is amazing on everything from salads to noodles.

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What Cut of Chicken Works Best?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the top pick for satay. They’re naturally juicier and more forgiving on the grill, holding up to high heat without drying out. Chicken breast can also be used if you prefer a leaner option — just be careful not to overcook it.

Cut the chicken into uniform strips to help it cook evenly and marinate thoroughly. Thread onto wooden or metal skewers, and you’re ready to grill!

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Ingredients for the Chicken Satay with Easy Thai Peanut Sauce

Every element in this recipe plays a key role in creating authentic, layered flavor and perfect texture.

• Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful, they stay tender through grilling and soak up the marinade beautifully.
• Garlic & Ginger: Add warmth and aromatics to the marinade, building a strong flavor base.
• Soy Sauce: Provides saltiness and umami to season the chicken thoroughly.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory ingredients.
• Turmeric & Curry Powder: Deliver earthy color and classic Southeast Asian flavor.
• Coconut Milk: Helps tenderize the meat while adding creaminess to the marinade.
• Peanut Butter: The heart of the Thai peanut sauce, giving it body and richness.
• Lime Juice: Adds a tangy kick to balance the sauce’s richness.
• Fish Sauce: Brings umami and depth to the sauce.
• Chili Flakes: Optional, for a bit of heat if you like it spicy.
• Cucumber: Refreshing and crunchy, great for serving on the side.

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How To Make the Chicken Satay with Easy Thai Peanut Sauce

This recipe is simple but packed with exotic flavor. Here’s how to make it:

Step 1: Make the Marinade

In a bowl, whisk together coconut milk, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, turmeric, and curry powder. Add the sliced chicken and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for deeper flavor).

Step 2: Prepare the Peanut Sauce

In a saucepan, combine peanut butter, coconut milk, lime juice, fish sauce, brown sugar, and a pinch of chili flakes. Simmer on low heat, stirring until smooth and creamy. Thin with water as needed.

Step 3: Skewer the Chicken

Thread marinated chicken strips onto soaked wooden skewers or metal skewers.

Step 4: Grill or Pan-Fry

Cook the chicken skewers on a hot grill or grill pan for 3–4 minutes per side, or until charred and cooked through.

Step 5: Serve

Serve hot with a side of cucumber slices and a generous bowl of peanut sauce for dipping.

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How to Serve and Store Chicken Satay with Thai Peanut Sauce

This recipe is a showstopper on its own but works great in many settings. As an appetizer, it feeds about 6 people. As a main course with sides like rice or salad, it comfortably serves 4. The flavor-packed skewers and creamy sauce make every bite memorable.

If you’re planning ahead, chicken satay is easy to prep and store. Store leftover cooked skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a hot skillet or in the oven until warmed through. The peanut sauce can also be made ahead and stored separately in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Avoid freezing already-cooked skewers for best texture, but you can freeze the raw, marinated chicken in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months.

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What to Serve With Chicken Satay?

Jasmine Rice

This classic fragrant rice perfectly complements the savory grilled chicken and peanut sauce.

Cucumber Salad

A light cucumber salad with rice vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt is the ultimate cooling side.

Thai Noodles

Toss up some rice noodles with soy sauce, sesame oil, and a dash of lime for a hearty companion.

Pickled Veggies

Quick-pickled carrots or radishes add zingy crunch and brightness.

Thai Mango Sticky Rice

Turn your meal into a feast with a sweet, sticky dessert made from glutinous rice and ripe mango.

Satay Lettuce Wraps

Use leftover chicken to make easy lettuce wraps with shredded carrots and extra sauce.

Coconut Soup

A small bowl of Tom Kha Gai (Thai coconut soup) is comforting and rich next to the grilled skewers.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling it?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the skewers on a lined baking sheet for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

2. What can I use instead of peanut butter?
If you’re allergic or just not a fan, almond butter or sunflower seed butter are good substitutes.

3. Can I make the marinade in advance?
Absolutely. Mix the marinade up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Just stir well before adding to the chicken.

4. Is fish sauce necessary?
Fish sauce adds authentic umami depth, but you can substitute with soy sauce if needed. You may lose a bit of complexity, but it’ll still be delicious.

5. How spicy is this dish?
Mild by default, but you can easily spice it up by adding more chili flakes or Thai chilies to the peanut sauce.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer or dinner board so you can find it whenever the craving hits.

Tried it? I’d love to hear! Did you grill, bake, or air-fry the satay? Did you tweak the peanut sauce?

Let’s swap tips in the comments and make each version even better.

For more globally inspired flavor-packed dishes, check out Tanya Recipes on Pinterest.

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Conclusion

Chicken Satay with Easy Thai Peanut Sauce brings rich flavor and global flair to your dinner table. From the aromatic marinade to the creamy dip, every bite is a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy. Easy to make, fun to eat, and absolutely crowd-pleasing — this dish is a must-try for any home cook craving something a little different.

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