Chicken Satay with Peanut Lime Sauce

Posted in Recipe Collections / Favorite Recipes: Thai, Persian, Korean, French, and More
Chicken Satay with Peanut Lime Sauce
Dive into a world of flavor with these Chicken Satay skewers, marinated in a vibrant blend of coconut milk, curry, and spices, then grilled to perfection. Accompanied by a tangy and spicy Peanut Lime Sauce, this dish promises a delightful taste experience that transports you straight to the heart of Southeast Asian cuisine. Whether you're hosting a barbecue, looking for a delicious meal prep option, or simply craving something different, these chicken skewers are sure to impress.

Ingredients

Chicken Marinade:

  • ¼ cup coconut milk
  • 2 tbsp reduced sodium tamari sauce (or soy sauce)
  • 2½ tsp yellow curry powder
  • 1½ tsp turmeric
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 1 tbsp canola oil
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Peanut Sauce:

  • 3 tbsp creamy peanut butter
  • 1 tbsp reduced sodium tamari sauce (or soy sauce)
  • 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 2 tsp brown sugar
  • 2 tsp chili garlic sauce, or more, to taste
  • 1 tsp freshly grated ginger

Instructions

  1. Peanut Sauce Preparation: Begin by whisking together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, chili garlic sauce, and ginger in a small bowl. Add 2-3 tbsp of water until you achieve the desired consistency; set aside.

  2. Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, mix coconut milk, soy sauce, curry powder, turmeric, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, and fish sauce. Place the chicken in a Ziploc bag or large bowl and pour in the marinade. Let it marinate for 2 hours to overnight in the refrigerator, turning occasionally.

  3. Prep and Grill: After marinating, drain the chicken and discard the marinade. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the chicken onto skewers, brush with canola oil, and season with salt and pepper. Grill the skewers, turning occasionally, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, about 12-15 minutes.

  4. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the grilled chicken skewers hot, accompanied by the prepared peanut sauce for dipping.

Elevating Your Chicken Satay Experience

Chicken Satay, a beloved dish originating from Southeast Asia, is celebrated for its rich flavors and succulent texture. This rendition of the classic dish brings a delightful fusion of aromatic spices and the tangy zest of the peanut sauce, making each bite a memorable one. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary novice, here are some tips and creative ideas to elevate your Chicken Satay and turn it into a gourmet feast.

Perfecting the Marinade

The secret to mouthwatering Chicken Satay lies in its marinade. The combination of coconut milk, curry powder, turmeric, and other spices not only tenderizes the chicken but also imparts a depth of flavor that’s crucial to the dish’s signature taste. For an extra layer of complexity, consider adding a splash of lime juice or a bit of lemongrass to the marinade, enhancing its aromatic qualities.

Mastering the Grill

Achieving the perfect char on your Chicken Satay requires patience and attention to detail. Ensure your grill is properly preheated before adding the skewers to avoid sticking and to achieve those coveted grill marks. Keep a close eye on the skewers, turning them frequently to cook evenly without drying out the chicken. The goal is juicy, slightly charred skewers that are cooked through but still tender.

Diverse Serving Suggestions

While Chicken Satay is delicious on its own, accompanying it with the right sides and condiments can transform it into a feast. Apart from the traditional peanut sauce, consider serving it with a cucumber salad or a tangy pickled vegetable relish to cut through the richness of the meat. For a heartier meal, pair it with jasmine rice or a vibrant green papaya salad. Don’t forget to garnish with a sprinkle of crushed peanuts and a wedge of lime for that final touch.

Making It a Meal to Remember

Chicken Satay isn’t just food; it’s an experience. To truly celebrate this dish, consider setting up a satay bar for your guests, featuring various satays (including tofu or shrimp options for variety), multiple sauces, and a range of sides. This not only makes for an interactive dining experience but also allows guests to customize their plates according to their preferences.

Cooking with Love

The essence of Chicken Satay is its ability to bring people together, offering a taste of Southeast Asian culture and hospitality. Whether it’s for a casual family dinner, a special occasion, or a gathering of friends, cooking Chicken Satay is an act of love, meant to be shared and savored. So, the next time you fire up the grill, remember that each skewer is not just food but a story of tradition, flavor, and the joy of sharing a meal.

Embrace the art of making Chicken Satay, and let it be a gateway to exploring the rich and diverse culinary traditions of Southeast Asia. With each bite, may you experience the warmth, complexity, and delight that this dish has to offer.

Nutrition Facts

  • Servings Per Recipe: 6
  • Calories: 222

% Daily Value

  • Total Fat: 13.9g (18% DV)
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5g (18% DV)
  • Cholesterol: 30mg (10% DV)
  • Sodium: 2508mg (109% DV)
  • Total Carbohydrates: 10g (4% DV)
  • Dietary Fiber: 1.3g (5% DV)
  • Total Sugars: 5.6g
  • Protein: 15.8g
  • Vitamin D: 0mcg (0% DV)
  • Calcium: 32mg (2% DV)
  • iron: 3mg (17% DV)
  • Potassium: 291mg (6% DV)

Note: The “% Daily Value” (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Recipe analyzed by verywell.