Chicken Satay Skewers (Printable)
Grilled chicken skewers paired with creamy peanut sauce and fresh garnishes, inspired by Southeast Asian flavors.
# What You Need:
→ Chicken & Marinade
01 - 1.1 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 3/4 inch strips
02 - 2 tbsp soy sauce
03 - 2 tbsp coconut milk
04 - 1 tbsp brown sugar
05 - 1 tbsp fish sauce
06 - 1 tbsp vegetable oil
07 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
08 - 1 tsp ground coriander
09 - 1 tsp ground turmeric
10 - 1/2 tsp ground cumin
11 - 1/2 tsp ground white pepper
→ Peanut Sauce
12 - 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
13 - 1/2 cup coconut milk
14 - 2 tbsp soy sauce
15 - 1 tbsp brown sugar
16 - 1 tbsp lime juice
17 - 1 tbsp fish sauce
18 - 1 tsp chili garlic sauce or Sriracha (optional)
19 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
20 - 1/4 cup water, plus more as needed
→ Garnish & Serving
21 - Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
22 - Lime wedges
23 - Sliced cucumber
24 - Sliced red chili (optional)
# Steps:
01 - In a bowl, combine soy sauce, coconut milk, brown sugar, fish sauce, vegetable oil, minced garlic, coriander, turmeric, cumin, and white pepper. Add chicken strips and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for enhanced flavor.
02 - Place wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
03 - Thread marinated chicken strips onto soaked skewers, leaving space between pieces for even cooking.
04 - Heat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
05 - Grill skewers for 3 to 4 minutes per side until cooked through and lightly charred.
06 - In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, whisk together peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, fish sauce, chili garlic sauce (if using), minced garlic, and water. Stir until smooth and heated through. Add additional water to achieve desired consistency.
07 - Plate grilled chicken skewers and serve hot with peanut sauce. Garnish with chopped cilantro, lime wedges, sliced cucumber, and optional sliced chili.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- The marinade soaks deep into the chicken and gives every bite that warm, slightly sweet spice you can't stop eating.
- Peanut sauce comes together in one pan and tastes better than anything from a jar.
- Grilling adds char and smoke that make the whole thing feel like summer no matter the season.
02 -
- Don't skip marinating, even an hour makes a huge difference in flavor and tenderness.
- If your peanut sauce seizes up or looks too thick, just whisk in water a tablespoon at a time until it flows.
- Watch the grill closely because the sugar in the marinade can burn fast if the heat is too high.
03 -
- Let the skewers rest for a minute after grilling so the juices settle back into the meat.
- If the peanut sauce tastes too rich, a squeeze of lime juice at the end balances it perfectly.
- Metal skewers work great and you can skip the soaking step, just be careful because they get hot.