Name: Chicken Satay with Easy Thai Peanut Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts); 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; Skewers (wooden or metal); ½ cup creamy peanut butter; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice; 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional); Warm water (to thin the sauce)

Chicken Satay with Easy Thai Peanut Sauce is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender grilled chicken with a rich and creamy peanut sauce. This easy-to-make recipe brings the bold flavors of Thai cuisine to your kitchen in just 35 minutes. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or main course, this dish is sure to impress.

Chicken Satay with Easy Thai Peanut Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Satay with Easy Thai Peanut Sauce is the perfect combination of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. The marinated chicken is juicy and flavorful, while the creamy peanut sauce adds a rich and slightly spicy kick. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to prepare with just five easy steps! Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, making a quick weeknight meal, or craving a delicious snack, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Satay:

– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– Skewers (wooden or metal)

For the Easy Thai Peanut Sauce:

– ½ cup creamy peanut butter
– 3 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
– 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
– Warm water (to thin the sauce)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, vegetable oil, oyster sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, coriander, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Cut the chicken into strips and add it to the marinade. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the Peanut Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, lime juice, and red chili flakes (if using). Gradually add warm water until you reach your desired sauce consistency. Set aside.
Preheat the Grill:
Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Skewer the Chicken:
Thread the marinated chicken strips onto the skewers, leaving some space in between each piece for even cooking.
Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the heated grill and cook for about 15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Variations

Grilled Vegetables: Add some vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to the skewers for a more colorful and balanced dish.
Chicken Breasts: If you prefer chicken breasts over thighs, they can easily be swapped into the recipe. Just be mindful of cooking time as breasts may cook faster.
Spicy Peanut Sauce: For extra heat, increase the amount of red chili flakes or add a dash of sriracha to the peanut sauce.
Low-Carb Version: Serve the satay without the sauce or on a bed of leafy greens for a low-carb option.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover chicken satay and peanut sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken will keep for up to 3 days, while the peanut sauce can last up to a week.
Reheating: Reheat the chicken on the grill or in a skillet to maintain its texture. The peanut sauce can be warmed in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to thin it if necessary.

FAQs

How long should I marinate the chicken for?

For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but you can marinate it for up to 2 hours if you have more time.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but be sure to monitor the cooking time, as they may cook faster than chicken thighs.

Can I make the peanut sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the peanut sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge.

Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, natural peanut butter will work, but it may be a bit thicker. You may need to add more warm water to thin it out to your desired consistency.

Can I use bamboo skewers?

Yes, bamboo skewers work well too. Be sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.

How can I make the peanut sauce spicier?

You can add more red chili flakes, a bit of sriracha, or a small diced chili to increase the heat.

Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling it?

Yes, you can bake the chicken at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, if you use tamari instead of soy sauce, this recipe can be made gluten-free.

Can I freeze the chicken satay?

Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken before grilling. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

What sides can I serve with chicken satay?

Serve chicken satay with steamed jasmine rice, cucumber salad, or a light Asian slaw for a complete meal.

Conclusion

This Chicken Satay with Easy Thai Peanut Sauce is a quick and flavorful dish that will become a favorite in your recipe rotation. The combination of tender grilled chicken and creamy, slightly spicy peanut sauce is perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of time, you can create an irresistible dish that’s both satisfying and delicious.