If you’re craving a dish that effortlessly brings together bold flavors, creamy textures, and a touch of exotic flair, the Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need on your dinner table. This vibrant recipe combines tender chicken marinated in fragrant Thai spices with a rich, velvety peanut sauce that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight meal or entertaining friends, these skewers guarantee a delightful experience that’s packed with authentic Thai charm and a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy notes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this recipe might seem simple, but each one plays a crucial role in creating those layers of flavors and textures that make Thai chicken satay so memorable. From the aromatic red curry paste that infuses the chicken with spice to the creamy peanut butter that adds richness, every component is thoughtfully selected to bring this dish to life.
- Chicken breast or thighs (500g / 1 lb): Use tender cuts cut into strips for the perfect satay skewers.
- Thai red curry paste (2.5 tbsp + 2.5 tbsp): Adds authentic heat and depth to both the marinade and peanut sauce.
- Soy sauce (2 tbsp + 1 tbsp): Provides a savory umami backbone throughout the dish.
- Brown sugar (1 tbsp): Balances the spice with its natural sweetness.
- Vegetable oil (1 tbsp): Helps the marinade coat the chicken evenly and locks in moisture.
- Lime juice (1 tbsp): Brightens flavors with a zesty, citrusy punch.
- Ground coriander (1 tsp): Adds subtle warmth and a hint of earthiness.
- Chopped fresh cilantro (1 tbsp, optional): Brings freshness and a pop of color as a garnish.
- Bamboo skewers: Soak them ahead of time to prevent burning during grilling.
- Coconut milk (1/3 cup): Makes the peanut sauce luxuriously creamy and smooth.
- Cider or white vinegar (1 tbsp): Brings a delicate tang that balances the richness of the peanut butter.
- Pure peanut butter (1/3 cup): The star of the sauce that gives it a rich, nutty flavor and creamy texture.
- Sugar (1 tsp): Rounds out the sauce, making it perfectly balanced.
- Cooking salt (1 tsp): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
How to Make Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Begin by mixing 2.5 tablespoons of Thai red curry paste with soy sauce, brown sugar, vegetable oil, lime juice, and ground coriander in a bowl. This marinade is where all the magic starts—the red curry paste delivers that unmistakable Thai spice, the lime juice adds freshness, and the soy sauce brings savory depth. Once combined, toss in your chicken strips and coat them thoroughly. For best results, let the chicken soak up these flavors for at least 30 minutes, although marinating overnight will give you an even richer taste experience.
Step 2: Prepare the Peanut Sauce
While your chicken is marinating, the peanut sauce can take shape. In a small saucepan, whisk together the coconut milk, remaining 2.5 tablespoons Thai red curry paste, vinegar, pure peanut butter, soy sauce, sugar, and cooking salt. Warm the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until smooth and well blended. Let it simmer gently for about 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully. If the sauce feels too thick, don’t hesitate to thin it with a splash of water—it should be luscious enough to dip but not runny.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Thread your marinated chicken strips snugly onto the soaked bamboo skewers to keep them nice and juicy as they cook. Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high and lay the skewers down. Grill each side for 4 to 5 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and boasts an inviting golden char. The grilling brings out a delightful smokiness that complements the spices in the marinade perfectly.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Now comes the best part: serving your Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce Recipe. Pile the skewers on a platter with the warm peanut sauce on the side for dipping. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro and an extra squeeze of lime juice can lift everything to new flavor heights, turning this simple dish into a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
How to Serve Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is a classic and bright garnish that adds a refreshing herbal note, but you can also throw in some thinly sliced red chili for an extra kick or a scatter of chopped roasted peanuts for crunch. A wedge of lime on the side invites everyone to personalize their flavor with a little citrusy zing.
Side Dishes
Serve your chicken satay alongside fragrant jasmine rice or sticky rice to soak up every drop of that luscious peanut sauce. A crisp cucumber salad or a simple slaw with shredded carrots and vinegar dressing makes a fresh, crunchy contrast that complements the richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to turn this dish into an appetizer for your next get-together, place individual skewers on small plates with a dollop of peanut sauce and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. You can also arrange the chicken satay over a bed of shredded lettuce or rice noodles to turn it into a satisfying light meal that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the grilled chicken satay and peanut sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken strips will stay moist and tender for up to three days, while the sauce maintains its creamy texture and vibrant flavor.
Freezing
For longer storage, chicken satay skewers freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer bag. Frozen chicken satay can last for up to two months. Keep the peanut sauce in a separate freezer-safe container—it may thicken upon thawing, so just give it a good stir or warm gently before serving.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken skewers gently on a grill pan or in the oven to avoid drying them out. The peanut sauce can be reheated over low heat on the stove, stirring often to restore its silky smoothness. Together, they will taste just as delightful the second time around.
FAQs
Can I use other meats for this recipe?
Absolutely! While this Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce Recipe shines with chicken, you can swap in pork, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure it’s cooked perfectly.
Do I have to soak bamboo skewers before grilling?
Yes, soaking bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes helps prevent them from burning on the grill. It’s a small step that makes a big difference when grilling satay.
Is the peanut sauce spicy?
The peanut sauce has a gentle warmth from the red curry paste but isn’t overwhelmingly spicy. If you prefer more heat, you can add a pinch of chili flakes or fresh chopped chilies to the sauce or as a garnish.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce to keep the dish safely gluten-free without sacrificing any of the flavor.
What’s the best way to serve chicken satay at a party?
For parties, serve the Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce Recipe on platters with dipping bowls of peanut sauce. Offer toothpicks for easy eating, add garnishes like chopped peanuts and cilantro, and consider some fresh veggie sticks or rice paper rolls alongside for a festive spread.
Final Thoughts
This Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug through every bite. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to impress any guest. With its exciting blend of spice, sweetness, and richness, it’s sure to become a trusted favorite in your recipe collection. So grab those skewers, fire up the grill, and prepare for a deliciously delightful meal everyone will ask for again and again!
Print
Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Thai
Description
This Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce recipe features tender chicken marinated in flavorful Thai red curry paste and spices, grilled to perfection and served with a rich, creamy peanut sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, this quick and easy meal captures authentic Thai flavors with a balance of savory, sweet, and tangy notes.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 500g (1 lb) chicken breast or thighs, cut into strips
- 2.5 tbsp Thai red curry paste
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- Bamboo skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
Peanut Sauce
- 1/3 cup coconut milk
- 2.5 tbsp Thai red curry paste
- 1 tbsp cider or white vinegar
- 1/3 cup pure peanut butter
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp cooking salt (or 1/2 tsp table salt)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix the red curry paste, soy sauce, brown sugar, vegetable oil, lime juice, and coriander until well combined.
- Add the Chicken: Toss the chicken strips in the marinade until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight, to enhance the flavors.
- Prepare the Peanut Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the coconut milk, red curry paste, vinegar, peanut butter, soy sauce, sugar, and salt. Stir over medium heat until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Simmer the Sauce: Let the peanut sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust the consistency with a little water if it becomes too thick.
- Thread the Chicken: Remove chicken strips from the marinade and thread them onto the soaked bamboo skewers evenly.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Cook the skewers for 4-5 minutes on each side until the chicken is fully cooked through and has a golden brown, slightly charred exterior.
- Serve: Plate the chicken satay skewers and serve them hot alongside the peanut sauce for dipping. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired for added freshness.
Notes
- Soaking bamboo skewers prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Marinating overnight intensifies the flavor and tenderness of the chicken.
- Adjust the heat of the peanut sauce by altering the amount of red curry paste.
- Can be served with steamed jasmine rice or fresh cucumber salad for a complete meal.
- If a grill is unavailable, use a grill pan or broil the skewers in the oven.
