Chicken Satay Skewers Recipe

The Easiest Chicken Satay Skewers Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Juicy chicken satay skewers bring a burst of southeast asian flavor to your dinner table.

Marinating meat in a complex blend of spices creates an irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen.

Peanut sauce adds a creamy, nutty complement to tender grilled chicken.

Coconut milk softens the marinade, ensuring each bite melts with rich, exotic notes.

Wooden skewers provide the perfect vehicle for these delectable morsels that dance between sweet and savory.

Indonesian street food inspires this simple yet sophisticated dish that anyone can master.

You’ll love how quickly these skewers come together for an impressive meal that sparks conversation.

Flavorful Chicken Satay Skewers With Peanut Sauce

  • Tropical Escape: Transport yourself to a beachy paradise with this delightful dessert that captures the essence of a classic pina colada in a creamy, dreamy mousse.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Prepare this no-bake treat in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for impromptu gatherings or last-minute dessert cravings.
  • Customizable Delight: Easily adapt the recipe by adjusting rum levels or adding extra toppings to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.
  • Impressive Presentation: Create a stunning dessert that looks like it came from a fancy restaurant, with layers of texture and beautiful garnishes that wow guests.

Ingredients For Tender And Juicy Chicken Satay

For the Chicken:
  • Chicken Strips: Lean protein that serves as the main component of these flavorful satay skewers.
For the Marinade:
  • Soy Sauce, Fish Sauce: Provide deep umami and salty flavor to enhance the chicken's taste.
  • Lime Juice: Adds bright, acidic notes to tenderize and balance the marinade.
  • Honey: Brings natural sweetness and helps caramelize the chicken during grilling.
  • Sriracha: Introduces a spicy kick to the marinade.
  • Ground Ginger, Minced Garlic: Contribute aromatic and zesty flavor profiles to the marinade.
For the Peanut Sauce:
  • Chicken Broth: Creates a liquid base for the sauce.
  • Peanut Butter: Provides creamy texture and rich, nutty flavor to the sauce.
  • Soy Sauce, Fish Sauce: Add depth and saltiness to the peanut sauce.
  • Honey: Balances the sauce with a touch of sweetness.
  • Sriracha: Brings heat and complexity to the sauce.
  • Ground Ginger, Minced Garlic: Enhance the sauce with aromatic spiciness.
  • Lime Juice: Brightens the sauce with a tangy finish.
For the Garnish:
  • Cilantro, Peanuts, Lime Wedges: Add fresh herbal notes, crunchy texture, and a citrusy accent to complete the dish.

How To Cook Chicken Satay Skewers Perfectly

Step 1: Skewer the Marinated Chicken

Remove chicken from marinade and thread strips carefully onto wooden or metal skewers.

Step 2: Fire Up the Grill

Preheat grill to medium-high heat, ensuring grates are clean and lightly oiled.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken Skewers

Place skewers on hot grill, cooking 4-5 minutes per side until chicken is golden brown and completely cooked through.

Step 4: Craft Creamy Peanut Sauce

In a saucepan, combine:
  • Chicken broth
  • Peanut butter
  • Honey
  • Soy sauce
  • Fish sauce
  • Sriracha
  • Ground ginger
  • Minced garlic

Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Stir fresh lime juice into peanut sauce. Plate grilled chicken skewers and drizzle with sauce.

Garnish with chopped cilantro, crushed peanuts, and lime wedges.

Tips To Get The Best Chicken Satay Texture

  • Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
  • Marinate chicken for maximum flavor, preferably 2-4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator for deeper taste penetration.
  • Check chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to guarantee safe and perfectly cooked meat without drying out.
  • For gluten-free option, replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
  • Create vegetarian version by substituting chicken with firm tofu, tempeh, or plant-based protein strips, adjusting marinating and cooking times accordingly.

Delicious Chicken Satay Twists To Experiment With

  • Spicy Thai Fusion: Replace Sriracha with red curry paste and add lemongrass for an authentic Thai flavor profile.
  • Indonesian Style: Swap honey with palm sugar and incorporate kecap manis for a deeper, richer caramelized taste.
  • Coconut Curry Version: Mix coconut milk into peanut sauce and sprinkle turmeric for a creamy, golden southeast Asian approach.
  • Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, marinating using identical seasoning technique for plant-based protein option.

Serving Suggestions For Chicken Satay Skewers

  • Tropical Backyard Barbecue Feast: Serve these zesty chicken satay skewers at a casual outdoor gathering with colorful tropical decorations. Spread banana leaves on the table, add tiki torches, and play some island music to create a fun, relaxed atmosphere.
  • Street Food Style Platter: Arrange skewers on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of peanut sauce, chopped cilantro, and crushed peanuts. Add some quick-pickled cucumber slices and crispy rice paper for an authentic Southeast Asian street food experience.
  • Game Night Appetizer Spread: Cut chicken into smaller bite-sized pieces for easy snacking during movie or game nights. Prepare extra peanut sauce for dipping and serve alongside other finger foods like spring rolls or vegetable chips.

How To Store Chicken Satay For Freshness

  • Store marinated chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before grilling. Ensure chicken is completely covered by marinade to maintain moisture and flavor.
  • Place uncooked marinated chicken skewers in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before grilling.
  • Keep leftover peanut sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. Stir well before reheating gently on stovetop or microwave.

FAQs

  • What are the key flavors in the marinade?

The marinade combines soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, honey, Sriracha, ginger, and garlic, creating a complex sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor profile that tenderizes and enhances the chicken.

  • Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Yes, you can easily substitute chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef strips. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure proper doneness.

  • How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but for best results, marinate for 2-4 hours in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.

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Chicken Satay Skewers Recipe

Chicken Satay Skewers Recipe


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4.8 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent chicken satay skewers embody Southeast Asian culinary magic with tender marinated meat and rich peanut sauce. Malaysian and Indonesian influences shine through this crowd-pleasing appetizer you’ll savor bite by delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) chicken breasts, boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch strips
  • 2 tbsps low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
  • 1/2 tbsp fish sauce or additional 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsps fresh lime juice
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp Sriracha sauce
  • 2 tsps ground ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 5 tbsps creamy peanut butter
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
  • 2 tsps fish sauce or additional 2 tsps soy sauce
  • 2 tsps Sriracha sauce
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • chopped fresh cilantro
  • chopped unsalted roasted peanuts
  • lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Craft a zesty marinade by blending soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, honey, Sriracha, ground ginger, and minced garlic in a mixing vessel.
  2. Immerse chicken strips into the marinade, ensuring complete coverage, and refrigerate for 30-45 minutes to infuse flavors.
  3. Heat outdoor grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature (around 400°F).
  4. Remove chicken from marinade, carefully thread strips onto pre-soaked wooden skewers.
  5. Grill skewers for approximately 4-6 minutes per side, rotating to achieve uniform golden-brown char and ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  6. While grilling, prepare peanut sauce by whisking chicken broth, peanut butter, honey, soy sauce, fish sauce, Sriracha, ground ginger, and minced garlic in a saucepan.
  7. Simmer sauce over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring continuously until mixture transforms into a smooth, velvety consistency.
  8. Finish sauce by incorporating fresh lime juice, adjusting seasoning if needed.
  9. Transfer grilled skewers to serving platter, generously drizzle with warm peanut sauce.
  10. Garnish with chopped cilantro, crushed roasted peanuts, and lime wedges for vibrant presentation and added zest.

Notes

  • Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor absorption and tenderness.
  • Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning and potential charring.
  • For a gluten-free version, replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to maintain similar umami depth.
  • Adjust Sriracha quantity to control spice level, making the dish suitable for different heat tolerances.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Indonesian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 261 kcal
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 23 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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