Thai Satay Chicken with Peanut Sauce

If you’re looking for a dish that bursts with flavor and is perfect for any occasion, look no further than this Thai Satay Chicken with Peanut Sauce. This recipe has become a staple in my home because it’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, hosting friends for game night, or simply wanting a comforting meal after a long day, these skewers will surely impress everyone at the table.

The combination of juicy marinated chicken and creamy peanut sauce creates a mouthwatering experience that you’ll want to revisit time and again. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be enjoyed as an appetizer or a main course! Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become one of your favorites too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: With just 30 minutes of prep time, you can have these tasty skewers ready in no time!
• Family-friendly appeal: The flavors are mild yet satisfying, making it a hit with both kids and adults.
• Make-ahead convenience: Marinate the chicken overnight for even more flavor; it’s perfect for meal prep!
• Deliciously versatile: Enjoy it as an appetizer or serve it alongside rice and veggies for a complete meal.
• Addictively good peanut sauce: The rich, creamy sauce is so good you’ll want to drizzle it over everything!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple and wholesome, perfect for whipping up a delightful dish that everyone will love. Gather them together to make your own Thai Satay Chicken with Peanut Sauce!

For the Chicken

• 2 pounds chicken breasts or thighs (sliced into 1 1/2 wide strips by 3-5 long)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup coconut milk plus more as needed (may sub water)
• 12-15 skewers

For the Marinade/Sauce

• 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon chili paste (like Sambal Oelek)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 1/2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric

For the Peanut Sauce

• 1/3-1/2 cup smooth peanut butter

Variations

This Thai Satay Chicken with Peanut Sauce is super flexible! You can customize it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

• Swap the protein: Substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based option that’s just as delicious!
• Add some heat: If you like things spicy, add extra chili paste or fresh chopped chilies to the marinade.
• Try different dips: Experiment with different nut butters like almond butter for a unique twist on the peanut sauce.
• Serve it differently: Instead of skewers, try grilling the marinated chicken pieces in larger chunks and serving them over salad.

How to Make Thai Satay Chicken with Peanut Sauce

Step 1: Whisk Together the Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together all the marinade and sauce ingredients until well combined. This step is crucial because it ensures that every bite of chicken will be bursting with flavor. Remember to set aside about 1/3 cup of this mixture—you’ll use it later for your peanut sauce.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Pour the remaining marinade over your sliced chicken and toss to coat. Seal everything in a freezer bag or container and let it marinate in the refrigerator. Ideally, let it sit for at least six hours or overnight if you can wait! This helps tenderize the meat and infuses those yummy flavors deep inside.

Step 3: Prepare Your Skewers

When you’re ready to cook, soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes. Soaking prevents them from burning on the grill or in the oven. While they soak, take out your marinated chicken so it can come to room temperature—this helps ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Choose Your Cooking Method

Now comes the fun part! You can bake, grill, or skillet-cook your chicken skewers:

OVEN: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with foil and lightly spray them with nonstick cooking spray. Place your chicken on the sheets and bake for about 15-20 minutes until cooked through—keep an eye on them so they remain juicy!

GRILL: Heat up an indoor or outdoor grill. Once hot, add your skewered chicken, reduce heat to medium, cover, and grill each side for about 3-4 minutes until cooked through.

SKILLET: If using a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook skewers in batches for about 2-3 minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Step 5: Make Your Peanut Sauce

While your chicken finishes cooking, take that reserved marinade/sauce from earlier and pour it into a small saucepan along with some coconut milk (or water). Bring this mixture to a boil then lower heat and let simmer for one minute. Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter until smooth. You can adjust its thickness by adding more peanut butter or coconut milk as needed.

Step 6: Serve It Up!

Once everything is cooked through and ready to go, serve your warm chicken skewers drizzled with that luscious peanut sauce. They make great appetizers but are also fantastic served alongside rice and vegetables as a main dish.

Enjoy every bite of your homemade Thai Satay Chicken with Peanut Sauce! Your friends and family will thank you—and I’m sure you’ll be making this dish again soon!

Pro Tips for Making Thai Satay Chicken with Peanut Sauce

Creating the perfect Thai Satay Chicken with Peanut Sauce is easier than you think! Here are some pro tips to ensure your dish is a hit every time.

• Marinate Longer: Allowing the chicken to marinate overnight enhances the flavors, making each bite more delicious and tender.
• Soak Your Skewers: Soaking wooden skewers in water prevents them from burning during cooking, ensuring that your chicken stays perfectly intact on the grill or in the oven.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: Checking for an internal temperature of 165 degrees F guarantees that your chicken is cooked through without sacrificing tenderness.
• Adjust Peanut Sauce Consistency: Depending on personal preference, adding more peanut butter will give a thicker sauce, while water or coconut milk will create a smoother texture. Find what works best for you!
• Experiment with Spice Levels: Don’t hesitate to adjust the chili paste to match your desired spice level—making it as mild or as fiery as you like!

How to Serve Thai Satay Chicken with Peanut Sauce

Serving up your Thai Satay Chicken with Peanut Sauce can be just as fun as making it! Here are some creative ways to present this delightful dish.

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a burst of color and freshness, complementing the rich flavors of the peanut sauce.
• Sliced Green Onions: Thinly sliced green onions not only provide a crunchy texture but also enhance the visual appeal of your dish.

Side Dishes

• Coconut Rice: This fragrant rice cooked with coconut milk pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the satay and adds a lovely creaminess to each bite.
• Thai Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad made with cucumbers, carrots, and a tangy dressing provides a nice crunch and balances out the richness of the peanut sauce.
• Stir-Fried Vegetables: Colorful stir-fried veggies like bell peppers and broccoli bring a nutritious element that complements the meal while adding vibrant colors to your plate.
• Rice Noodles: Tossed with a bit of soy sauce and lime juice, rice noodles can serve as an additional side that soaks up all those delicious flavors from the satay.

Enjoy serving this mouthwatering dish at your next gathering or cozy night in!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Thai Satay Chicken with Peanut Sauce is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and store it for quick meals throughout the week. The flavors only get better as they sit, making this dish a delicious option for busy days.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover chicken and peanut sauce in airtight containers.
• Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To maintain the best flavor and texture, store chicken and sauce separately if possible.

Freezing

• Allow the cooked chicken to cool completely before freezing.
• Place the chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers, ensuring to remove as much air as possible.
• The peanut sauce can also be frozen in a separate container.
• Both can be kept in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen chicken and peanut sauce overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• To reheat, place chicken on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
• For the peanut sauce, gently heat it on the stove over low heat, adding a little water or coconut milk if it’s too thick.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe!

Can I use different proteins for Thai Satay Chicken with Peanut Sauce?

Absolutely! While this recipe uses chicken, you can substitute tofu or other proteins like beef or shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure everything is cooked perfectly.

How do I make Thai Satay Chicken with Peanut Sauce spicier?

To add more spice, increase the amount of chili paste in your marinade or add sliced fresh chilies when serving. You can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes into the peanut sauce for an extra kick!

Can I use natural peanut butter instead of smooth peanut butter?

Yes! Natural peanut butter works well too. Just make sure it’s well-stirred and free from added sugars or oils to keep the flavor balanced.

What sides go well with Thai Satay Chicken with Peanut Sauce?

This dish pairs wonderfully with jasmine rice, steamed vegetables, or a light salad. You could also serve it with rice noodles for a delightful twist!

Final Thoughts

Thank you for joining me on this culinary journey into making Thai Satay Chicken with Peanut Sauce! This recipe is not just about food; it’s about creating moments and memories around your table. I hope you enjoy preparing this flavorful dish as much as I do. Don’t hesitate to share your experience or any variations you try—happy cooking!