How to Make Thai-Style Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce

Thai-style chicken satay is a delightful dish that features tender marinated chicken skewers served with a rich and creamy peanut sauce. This recipe is perfect for a casual get-together or a family dinner. Follow these simple steps to create your own Thai-style chicken satay with peanut sauce at home.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Satay:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 tablespoon coconut milk (optional)
Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)

For the Peanut Sauce:

1 cup smooth peanut butter
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon red curry paste (adjust to taste)
1/2 cup coconut milk
Water to thin the sauce, if necessary

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by preparing the marinade for your chicken. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, ground coriander, ground cumin, turmeric powder, and coconut milk. Mix welluntil dissolved. Cut the chicken into thin strips (about 1 inch wide) and add them to the marinade. Ensure the chicken is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably a few hours or overnight for enhanced flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Peanut Sauce

While the chicken is marinating, prepare the peanut sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the smooth peanut butter, soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), lime juice, red curry paste, and coconut milk. Stir the mixture until it’s well-combined and heated through. If the sauce is too thick, add water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Once done, remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Skewering and Grilling the Chicken

Once the chicken has marinated, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken strips onto the soaked wooden skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.

Grill the skewers for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has beautiful grill marks. You can also bake them in the oven on a broiler setting for about 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through.

Step 4: Serve

Remove the chicken satay from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Arrange the skewers on a platter and serve alongside the prepared peanut sauce. You can also garnish with chopped cilantro, crushed peanuts, and lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Satay

For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with firm tofu or vegetables such as bell peppers and zucchini.
If you want to enhance the flavor, consider adding some spices like chili powder or paprika to the marinade.
Pair your chicken satay with jasmine rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Enjoy your homemade Thai-style chicken satay with peanut sauce! It’s a delicious dish that will impress your guests and leave them asking for the recipe.