Chicken Satay with Easy Thai Peanut Sauce

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This Chicken Satay with Easy Thai Peanut Sauce recipe brings restaurant-style flavor right to your home kitchen. Tender, flavorful strips of chicken are marinated in a savory-sweet blend of coconut milk, curry, and spices, then grilled or baked to perfection. It’s served with a creamy, slightly spicy peanut sauce that truly ties everything together.

The charm of this dish lies in its versatility. Whether you’re preparing it for a quick weeknight dinner, serving it as an appetizer at a backyard BBQ, or adding it to your weekly meal prep, this satay checks every box. The marinade does the heavy lifting, so all you have to do is let the chicken soak up the flavor and cook it to golden perfection.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Satay with Easy Thai Peanut Sauce

This recipe combines bold Southeast Asian flavors with everyday ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. It’s incredibly easy to make, yet delivers complex, mouthwatering results. The Thai peanut sauce adds a creamy, nutty heat that pairs beautifully with the smokiness of grilled chicken. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and high in protein.

Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or adventurous foodies, this chicken satay hits the mark. You can serve it with rice, noodles, or even use it in wraps or salads. It’s also great for meal prep since it reheats well and stays juicy.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use for Satay?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the go-to choice for making chicken satay. They stay juicy during grilling and absorb marinades beautifully. However, if you prefer leaner meat, chicken breasts will work as well—just make sure to avoid overcooking them, as they dry out faster.

You can slice the chicken into strips for skewering or leave it whole if you’re planning to chop it for a salad or bowl. Either way, let it marinate for at least an hour (overnight is even better) for the best depth of flavor.

Ingredients for the Chicken Satay with Easy Thai Peanut Sauce

The flavor-packed ingredients in this Chicken Satay recipe come together to create a balance of savory, sweet, spicy, and nutty goodness. Every component has a purpose, from the marinade to the dipping sauce, and each one elevates the overall dish.

Chicken thighs
Juicy and forgiving, these are ideal for absorbing the satay marinade and staying moist during cooking.

Coconut milk
This gives the marinade a rich base, helping the spices cling to the meat and infusing a slight sweetness.

Soy sauce
Adds deep umami flavor and saltiness to balance the sweet and spicy notes.

Brown sugar
Brings out the sweetness and helps caramelize the chicken as it cooks.

Ground coriander
Provides warm, citrusy undertones that are classic in Thai cooking.

Curry powder
Aromatic and earthy, this adds an unmistakable golden color and signature taste.

Garlic and ginger
Fresh and zesty, these add depth and brightness to both the marinade and sauce.

Peanut butter
Forms the creamy base of the Thai peanut sauce and adds a nutty richness.

Lime juice
Cuts through the richness and enhances all the other flavors with its tangy kick.

Chili paste or sriracha
Optional, but great for adding just the right amount of heat.

How To Make the Chicken Satay with Easy Thai Peanut Sauce

Step 1: Make the Marinade

In a bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar, ground coriander, curry powder, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Slice the chicken into thin strips and toss it in the marinade until fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.

Step 2: Prepare the Peanut Sauce

While the chicken marinates, stir together the peanut butter, lime juice, soy sauce, a bit more grated ginger, and chili paste (if using). Add warm water to thin it to your desired dipping consistency.

Step 3: Skewer and Cook the Chicken

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken strips onto the skewers. Grill over medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes per side, or bake in a 425°F oven for 15-18 minutes until cooked through.

Step 4: Serve with Sauce

Arrange the skewers on a plate or platter and drizzle with some of the peanut sauce. Serve the rest on the side for dipping.

Serving and Storing Chicken Satay with Easy Thai Peanut Sauce

Chicken Satay is fantastic as an appetizer, main dish, or even as part of a build-your-own dinner spread. It typically feeds about 4 people when served as a main, especially with rice or salad on the side. For appetizers, you can stretch it to serve 6-8 as part of a finger food platter.

If you have leftovers, they store beautifully. Place any remaining skewers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The peanut sauce can be kept separately in the fridge and gently reheated. To freeze, remove chicken from skewers and place in freezer-safe bags. It will stay good for up to 2 months.

What to Serve With Chicken Satay?

Thai Cucumber Salad

Crisp cucumbers in a sweet-sour vinaigrette add brightness that complements the satay’s richness.

Jasmine Rice

Light and aromatic, jasmine rice is a classic pairing that helps soak up that luscious peanut sauce.

Grilled Pineapple

Caramelized and juicy, it contrasts wonderfully with the savory, nutty chicken.

Coconut Rice

Creamy and mildly sweet, it highlights the coconut notes in the marinade.

Thai Lettuce Cups

Use lettuce leaves to wrap satay strips for a light and refreshing twist.

Garlic Noodles

Rich, buttery noodles add an indulgent side that matches the boldness of the satay.

Mango Salad

Tart and juicy mango slices tossed with lime and chili bring a pop of tropical zest.

Edamame or Steamed Veggies

A simple, healthy side that rounds out the plate without overpowering the main flavors.

Want More Chicken Ideas?

If you love this Chicken Satay with Easy Thai Peanut Sauce, check out these other bold and comforting chicken dishes:

• Best Chicken and Rice Casserole for a cozy, all-in-one bake.
• Savory Chicken Wraps with Garlic Cream Sauce for lunch or easy dinner wraps.
• Easy Crock Pot Orange Chicken for a hands-off sweet-and-savory main.
• Cheesy Chicken Fritters when you’re craving crispy bites.
• Chicken Parmesan for a comfort food classic with melty cheese.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you grill it or bake it? Did you spice up the sauce?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook with more flavor and ease.

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