Chicken Satay Skewers with Peanut Sauce

Have you ever been hit with that sudden dinner panic, staring into your fridge wondering what to cook that’s both impressive and easy? These Chicken Satay Skewers are your answer! I discovered this recipe years ago when hosting an impromptu gathering, and it’s been my go-to ever since. The tender, juicy chicken pieces threaded onto skewers create the perfect bite-sized appetizer or main dish that everyone reaches for.

The magic of these Chicken Satay Skewers lies in their incredible aroma – a tantalizing blend of coconut, curry, and lime that fills your kitchen as they cook. Each bite delivers that perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet flavors with a tender texture that melts in your mouth. What makes this dish truly special is how it transforms simple ingredients into something that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, when in reality, it comes together with minimal effort.

Whether you’re looking for an easy Chicken Satay Skewers recipe for beginners or want to impress guests at your next summer barbecue, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right in your home kitchen.

Why You’ll Love These Chicken Satay Skewers

• ✅ Easy Chicken Satay Skewers for beginners – no special equipment needed
• ✅ Perfect for summer barbecues – impress guests with minimal effort
• ✅ Healthy baked Chicken Satay Skewers option available if you don’t have a grill
• ✅ The marinade transforms ordinary chicken into authentic Thai-inspired Chicken Satay Skewers
• ✅ Kid-friendly Chicken Satay Skewers ideas that even picky eaters will love
• ✅ Make-ahead friendly – marinate overnight for the most flavorful Chicken Satay Skewers

Ingredients for Chicken Satay Skewers

For the Chicken Satay:

• 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts for a leaner option)
• ½ cup coconut aminos (or low sodium soy sauce for a traditional flavor)
• ¼ cup full-fat coconut milk
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 tsp lime zest
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tsp curry powder
• 16 medium wooden skewers (8 inches long)
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For Serving (Optional):

• Homemade peanut sauce (recipe below)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Lime wedges
• Chopped peanuts for garnish

How to Make Chicken Satay Skewers – Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a large bowl, combine coconut aminos, coconut milk, fish sauce, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, grated ginger, and curry powder. Whisk until well combined. This aromatic marinade is the secret to creating authentic Thai Chicken Satay Skewers that burst with flavor.

Step 2: Cut and Marinate the Chicken

Slice the chicken thighs into 1-inch strips (cutting against the grain for maximum tenderness). Add the chicken to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, though marinating overnight creates the most flavorful Chicken Satay Skewers.

Step 3: Prepare the Skewers

While the chicken marinates, soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. This crucial step ensures your Chicken Satay Skewers cook evenly without the wood catching fire.

Step 4: Thread the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Thread each strip of chicken onto a skewer, weaving it back and forth in an “S” pattern. This technique helps the Chicken Satay Skewers cook evenly and makes them easier to flip.

Step 5: Grill the Skewers

Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the Chicken Satay Skewers on the hot grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and has nice grill marks.

For Baked Chicken Satay Skewers:

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place skewers on a lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through cooking.

Homemade Peanut Sauce for Chicken Satay Skewers

No Chicken Satay Skewers are complete without a creamy peanut dipping sauce! Here’s a quick recipe:

1. In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup creamy natural peanut butter, ¼ cup coconut milk, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp coconut aminos or soy sauce, 1 tsp honey, and 1 clove minced garlic.
2. Heat over medium-low, stirring constantly until smooth and slightly thickened.
3. Add water 1 tablespoon at a time if needed to reach desired consistency.
4. For a spicy version, add 1 tsp sriracha or chili garlic paste.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Chicken Satay Skewers

• Use chicken thighs for the juiciest, most flavorful Chicken Satay Skewers – they’re more forgiving than breast meat if you accidentally overcook them.
• Double the marinade and freeze half of the raw marinated chicken for quick meal prep later. Having Chicken Satay Skewers ready to go in the freezer is a lifesaver on busy weeknights!
• For extra flavor, add a tablespoon of brown sugar or honey to the marinade. The slight caramelization will give your Chicken Satay Skewers beautiful color and flavor.
• Don’t skip the coconut milk – it’s what gives authentic Chicken Satay Skewers their signature tender texture and subtle sweetness.
• Make it a meal prep by cooking extra Chicken Satay Skewers to add to salads and grain bowls throughout the week.

Best Ways to Serve Chicken Satay Skewers

These versatile Chicken Satay Skewers work beautifully as an appetizer or main course. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Create a Thai-inspired feast by serving with coconut rice and a simple cucumber salad
• For a low-carb option, serve Chicken Satay Skewers with a side of stir-fried vegetables
• Make a colorful platter with Chicken Satay Skewers, fresh herbs, lime wedges, and small bowls of peanut sauce
• Add to a lunch bowl with quinoa, avocado, and fresh veggies for a nutritious meal
• For kid-friendly Chicken Satay Skewers, serve with a milder peanut sauce and some simple steamed vegetables

Nutritional Information for Chicken Satay Skewers

Per serving (4 skewers without peanut sauce):

• Calories: 325 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 21g
• Carbs: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 650mg

These healthy Chicken Satay Skewers are naturally low in carbohydrates, making them a great option for those following keto or low-carb diets. For a lighter version, use chicken breast instead of thighs and reduce the oil slightly.

Storage & Leftovers

Cooked Chicken Satay Skewers will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The peanut sauce can be stored separately and will last up to 5 days when refrigerated.

For meal prep, you can freeze cooked Chicken Satay Skewers for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving as this can make the chicken tough.

FAQs About Chicken Satay Skewers

What is chicken satay made of?

Chicken Satay Skewers are made with marinated strips of chicken that typically include ingredients like coconut milk, soy sauce or coconut aminos, lime, garlic, ginger, and curry spices. The chicken is threaded onto skewers and grilled until cooked through, then served with peanut dipping sauce.

How do you make chicken satay skewers?

To make Chicken Satay Skewers, you’ll need to cut chicken into strips, marinate it in a flavorful sauce, thread it onto soaked wooden skewers, and then grill or bake until cooked through. The key to perfect Chicken Satay Skewers is the marinade and not overcooking the chicken.

What is the best sauce for chicken satay?

The traditional and best sauce for Chicken Satay Skewers is peanut sauce, made with peanut butter, coconut milk, lime juice, soy sauce, and a touch of sweetness. This creamy, savory sauce perfectly complements the grilled chicken and is an essential component of authentic Chicken Satay Skewers.

How long should you marinate chicken for satay?

For the most flavorful Chicken Satay Skewers, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but preferably 4-8 hours or overnight. The longer marinating time allows the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat, resulting in more tender and flavorful Chicken Satay Skewers.

Make These Chicken Satay Skewers Tonight!

These Chicken Satay Skewers combine exotic flavors with simple preparation, making them perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The aromatic curry-coconut marinade transforms ordinary chicken into something truly extraordinary, while the peanut dipping sauce adds that perfect creamy, nutty finish.

Whether you’re grilling outdoors or cooking in your kitchen, these Chicken Satay Skewers are sure to become a family favorite. Don’t forget to make extra – they disappear quickly!

Have you tried making Chicken Satay Skewers at home before? Share your experience in the comments below, or tag us in your food photos on social media. We love seeing how you make these recipes your own!

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