Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce can legit make you feel like you’re noshing at a bustling street market in Bangkok. Tender, juicy chicken is marinated in a mix of savory and tangy ingredients, then grilled to perfection. For me, though, the star of the show is the creamy, nutty, spicy, perfectly salt-sweet peanut sauce that adds a nutty richness to every bite.
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See my Affiliate Disclosure.
A lemongrass-infused marinade, tangy with lime juice and sweet with honey, gives the chicken deep flavor. The peanut dipping sauce is creamy, spicy, and a perfect match. Add a refreshing cucumber salad and some coconut rice for a complete meal.
Ingredients You Need
Most of the ingredients for Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce are pantry staples, but a quick trip to your local grocery store will fill in any gaps. Here’s what you need:
- Chicken breast or thighs: Use thighs for a juicier result or breast for a leaner option.
- Soy sauce: Adds savory, salty umami to the marinade.
- Lime juice: Brightens the marinade and sauce with a tangy kick.
- Olive oil: Helps the marinade stick to the chicken.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for a fragrant, bold flavor.
- Ground ginger: Adds warmth and depth to the marinade.
- Honey or brown sugar: Balances the savory ingredients with a touch of sweetness.
- Salt and pepper: Enhances all the other flavors.
- Peanut butter: The base of the sauce; creamy or chunky, depending on your preference.
- Rice vinegar: Adds acidity and rounds out the peanut sauce.
- Sesame oil: Lends a nutty aroma to the sauce.
- Chili flakes: Optional, for a bit of heat.
- Warm water: Adjusts the consistency of the peanut sauce.
How To Make Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce
This recipe is straightforward and quick once you’ve got everything prepped. Here’s how to make it:
Want to save this recipe?
We'll send it straight to your inbox!
- Marinate the chicken: Whisk the marinade ingredients together and toss with the chicken. Let it sit in the fridge to soak up the flavors.
- Make the peanut sauce: Whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Thin it with warm water until it’s pourable.
- Prep the skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water to prevent burning. Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers.
- Grill the chicken: Cook the skewers on a hot grill until browned and cooked through.
- Serve: Drizzle the peanut sauce over the skewers or serve it as a dipping sauce on the side.
Expert Tips for Success
Here are some tips to help you get the best results:
- Choose the right chicken: Thighs are more forgiving on the grill and stay juicy, while breasts are great for a lighter option.
- Don’t skip the marinating time: This is where the chicken gets its flavor. Aim for at least 30 minutes.
- Adjust the sauce: Add more chili flakes for heat or extra honey if you like it sweeter.
- Keep the grill hot: A hot grill ensures those beautiful char marks and locks in moisture.
- Use fresh lime juice: It makes a big difference in flavor compared to bottled lime juice.
What to Serve With Chicken Satay
Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or a simple cucumber salad. For a heartier meal, try it with coconut rice, which adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory chicken and sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, serve it alongside Thai-inspired sides like a spicy papaya salad or crispy spring rolls.
You could also make it part of a larger spread with dishes like Veggie Pad Thai, Pad See Ew, or Thai Basil Chicken.
Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce
Robin Donovan
Ingredients
For the chicken
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp honey or brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the peanut sauce
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes optional
- 2 to 3 tablespoons warm water
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, ginger, honey, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken, tossing to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Make the peanut sauce: Whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili flakes. Gradually add warm water until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
- Thread the chicken: Soak wooden skewers in water if using. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving some space between each piece.
- Grill the chicken: Preheat a grill or broiler. Cook the skewers for about 4–5 minutes per side until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred.
- Serve: Drizzle peanut sauce over the skewers or serve it as a dipping sauce on the side.
