Name: Chicken Satay Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch strips; 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free); ½ tablespoon fish sauce (or additional 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce); 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice (from 2 small limes); 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce; 2 teaspoons ground ginger; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup low sodium chicken broth; 5 tablespoons creamy peanut butter; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free); 2 teaspoons fish sauce (or additional 2 teaspoons soy sauce); 2 teaspoons Sriracha sauce; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice (from about 1 small lime); Chopped fresh cilantro, chopped unsalted roasted peanuts, and lime wedges, for serving

This Thai-inspired Chicken Satay is a flavor powerhouse that transforms simple chicken into something extraordinary. Marinated in a blend of aromatic spices and grilled to perfection, these tender skewers paired with a rich peanut sauce are guaranteed to transport your taste buds straight to Southeast Asia – all from the comfort of your kitchen in just about 25 minutes of active cooking time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Restaurant-Quality at Home: Create authentic Thai flavors that rival your favorite restaurant, without the hefty bill.
Make-Ahead Friendly: The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it becomes – perfect for prepping ahead when you know you’ll have a busy day.
Crowd-Pleaser: These skewers disappear quickly at gatherings! The combination of tender chicken and rich peanut sauce appeals to almost everyone.
Versatile: Works as an appetizer, main course, or even as part of a larger Asian-inspired feast.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken breasts: The star protein that becomes incredibly tender when marinated. The clean flavor provides the perfect canvas for our bold marinade.
Soy sauce: Delivers that essential umami foundation in both the marinade and sauce. Use tamari for a gluten-free alternative.
Fish sauce: The secret ingredient that adds incredible depth and authentic Thai flavor. Don’t be intimidated by the smell – it transforms completely when cooked!
Lime juice: Brightens everything with its fresh acidity and helps tenderize the chicken.
Honey: Balances the savory and spicy elements with just the right touch of sweetness.
Sriracha sauce: Provides that perfect kick of heat that can be adjusted to your preference.
Ginger: Adds a warm, aromatic quality that’s essential in Southeast Asian cooking.
Garlic: Infuses everything with its irreplaceable flavor – fresh is always best here.
Peanut butter: Creates a creamy, rich sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken. Use natural, creamy varieties for best results.
Chicken broth: Forms the base of our peanut sauce, allowing it to achieve the perfect consistency.
Cilantro and peanuts: Fresh garnishes that add color, texture, and a finishing flavor boost.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Protein Swap: Try this marinade with pork tenderloin, firm tofu, or even shrimp for equally delicious results.
Heat Level: Adjust the Sriracha up or down to make it family-friendly or fiery hot.
Nut-Free Version: Replace the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and skip the chopped peanuts for those with allergies.
Coconut Twist: Add a tablespoon of coconut milk to the peanut sauce for a richer, slightly sweeter flavor.

How to Make Chicken Satay

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, honey, Sriracha, ginger, and garlic, whisking until completely blended. Add chicken strips, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for best results).

Step 2: Soak the Skewers

If using wooden skewers, submerge them completely in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This prevents them from burning during cooking.

Step 3: Make the Peanut Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine chicken broth, peanut butter, honey, soy sauce, fish sauce, Sriracha, ginger, and garlic. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently until the sauce smooths out and thickens, about 6 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in lime juice, and set aside.

Step 4: Prepare for Grilling

Let the marinated chicken stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking. Thread chicken pieces onto pre-soaked skewers, threading them lengthwise to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the hot surface and grill for 2-3 minutes per side until the chicken is cooked through with nice grill marks. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the grilled skewers rest for 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro, then serve warm with the peanut sauce and lime wedges on the side.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Equal Sizing: Cut chicken pieces to a uniform thickness so they cook evenly.
Don’t Skip the Marinating: Even an hour makes a difference, but overnight is ideal for maximum flavor.
Watch the Heat: Chicken satay cooks quickly – keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking which can dry out the meat.
Sauce Consistency: If your peanut sauce becomes too thick, thin it with a little more chicken broth. If it’s too thin, simmer a bit longer.
Indoor Option: No grill? Use a grill pan or even broil the skewers for 4-5 minutes per side.

How to Serve

Main Course Serving

Pair with coconut rice and a simple cucumber salad for a complete Thai-inspired meal.

Appetizer Style

Arrange on a platter with the peanut sauce in a small bowl for dipping, perfect for gatherings.

Build-Your-Own Meal

Create a spread with rice noodles, fresh vegetables, and additional sauce, allowing everyone to customize their plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Remove chicken from skewers and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store the peanut sauce separately in its own container.

Freezing

Both the cooked chicken (removed from skewers) and peanut sauce freeze beautifully for up to 3 months in separate freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For the chicken: Place on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven just until heated through, about 5-8 minutes. Be careful not to overheat, as the chicken can dry out.

For the sauce: Reheat gently in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until warm.

FAQs

Can I make chicken satay without a grill?
Absolutely! You can use a grill pan on the stove or even broil the skewers in your oven. Place them on a broiler pan about 6 inches from the heat source and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Is there a substitute for fish sauce?
While fish sauce provides that authentic Thai flavor, you can substitute with additional soy sauce plus a tiny pinch of sugar. The flavor profile will be slightly different but still delicious. For a closer match, try vegan fish sauce alternatives available at specialty stores.

How do I know when the chicken is done?
Chicken satay cooks quickly due to the thin cuts. Look for firm, opaque meat with clear juices. For certainty, use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F. With thin chicken strips, this usually happens within 5-6 minutes total cooking time.

Can I prepare the peanut sauce in advance?
Definitely! The peanut sauce actually develops even better flavor when made 1-2 days ahead. Store it in the refrigerator, then gently reheat before serving, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to reach your desired consistency.

This Chicken Satay brings the vibrant flavors of Thai street food right to your dinner table with minimal effort. The tender, flavorful chicken paired with that irresistible peanut sauce creates a meal that feels special enough for entertaining yet simple enough for weeknight cooking. Don’t be surprised if this becomes a regular request in your household – these skewers have a way of turning first-time tasters into devoted fans!

Chicken Satay Recipe