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If you are looking for a dish that bursts with bold flavors and takes your taste buds on a delicious journey, then this Chicken Satay with Peanut Dipping Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender chicken strips marinated in a fragrant blend of coconut milk, curry, and garlic are grilled to perfection and paired with a creamy, zesty peanut sauce that perfectly balances sweet, salty, and spicy notes. This recipe is not only packed with incredible flavors but is also straightforward to prepare, making it an absolute favorite for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with an exotic touch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken Satay with Peanut Dipping Sauce Recipe relies on simple yet essential ingredients that each play a vital role in crafting the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color on your plate. From the creamy coconut milk that tenderizes the chicken to the rich peanut butter that gives the dipping sauce its irresistible depth, each element enhances the dish beautifully.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut lengthwise into thin strips for quick marination and even grilling.
- ½ cup coconut milk: Adds creaminess and subtle sweetness to the marinade, helping to tenderize the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Provides a savory umami punch to both the marinade and peanut sauce.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Balances the salty and spicy flavors with a gentle caramel sweetness.
- 2 cloves garlic: Minced for a pungent kick that wakes up the marinade.
- 1 teaspoon curry powder: Brings a warm, aromatic layer to the chicken’s flavor profile.
- ½ cup peanut butter: The star of the peanut dipping sauce, offering richness and a nutty goodness.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice: Adds brightness to the dipping sauce, cutting through the richness.
- 2 teaspoons Sambal oelek (or sriracha): Offers just the right amount of heat to keep the sauce exciting.
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a warm spice nuance to the peanut sauce.
- 3 tablespoons coconut milk (or as needed): For thinning the peanut sauce to a luscious, dippable consistency.
- Chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro: Optional garnishes that add crunch and a burst of herbaceous freshness.
- Wooden skewers: Soaked beforehand to prevent burning on the grill.
How to Make Chicken Satay with Peanut Dipping Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Begin by whisking together the coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar, curry powder, and minced garlic in a large bowl. This marinade is the secret that infuses the chicken with layers of savory, sweet, and aromatic flavors, while the coconut milk gently tenderizes each strip. Toss the chicken strips in this mixture until thoroughly coated, cover the bowl, and refrigerate it for at least one hour—though letting it sit for up to eight hours deepens the taste wonderfully.
Step 2: Prepare the Peanut Dipping Sauce
In a separate medium bowl, combine the peanut butter with soy sauce, fresh lime juice, brown sugar, Sambal oelek or sriracha, and ground ginger. Whisk these ingredients together, then gradually add coconut milk to loosen the sauce until it reaches the perfect dip-worthy consistency. A silky, spicy, and tangy sauce is the perfect partner to the grilled chicken, so feel free to adjust the coconut milk for thickness. Chill the sauce in the refrigerator until serving time.
Step 3: Ready the Skewers
If you’re using wooden skewers, soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes is a must. This simple step keeps them from burning or snapping under the heat of the grill, ensuring your satay is safe to handle and beautifully presented.
Step 4: Thread the Chicken
Remove the marinated chicken strips from the refrigerator and thread them carefully onto the soaked skewers. Each strip should have just enough space to cook evenly without crowding. Discard any leftover marinade to avoid flare-ups on the grill and ensure food safety.
Step 5: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, allowing the edges to char slightly while the chicken cooks through. The aroma at this stage is absolutely irresistible—smoky, spicy, and sweet all at once.
Step 6: Serve Hot with Peanut Sauce
Serve the chicken skewers immediately while they’re nice and hot. Offer the peanut dipping sauce on the side, and don’t forget to sprinkle chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro over the top for added texture and a pop of color. This final touch elevates your Chicken Satay with Peanut Dipping Sauce Recipe from great to unforgettable.
How to Serve Chicken Satay with Peanut Dipping Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Adding chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro as garnishes brings a delightful crunch and a refreshing herbal note that contrasts brilliantly with the rich peanut sauce. A squeeze of lime can also brighten each bite if you love a citrusy lift. These simple additions turn a humble skewer into a vibrant, guest-worthy appetizer or meal.
Side Dishes
Chicken satay pairs wonderfully with fragrant jasmine rice or coconut rice to soak up every bit of that luscious peanut sauce. For a lighter touch, serve it alongside a crisp cucumber salad or pickled vegetables which offer a cooling balance to the savory grilled chicken and spicy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun and informal presentation, arrange the skewers fan-style on a large platter with small bowls of peanut sauce scattered around for dipping. You can also make a vibrant satay bowl by layering grilled chicken, rice, crunchy veggies, and drizzling the peanut sauce on top. This Chicken Satay with Peanut Dipping Sauce Recipe is versatile and photogenic—perfect for sharing with family or friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers from your Chicken Satay with Peanut Dipping Sauce Recipe, store the chicken skewers and peanut sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken stays juicy and flavorful for up to 3 days when properly stored.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken satay skewers to enjoy later. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Frozen, they maintain best quality for up to 2 months. Freeze the peanut sauce separately in a small airtight container for up to one month.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken skewers on a grill pan or under the broiler until heated through and slightly crispy again. Warm the peanut sauce in a microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until smooth. Avoid overheating the sauce to preserve its creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Chicken Satay with Peanut Dipping Sauce Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and have more fat, which can add extra flavor and tenderness. Just make sure to cut them into uniform thin strips so they cook evenly on the grill.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to this Chicken Satay with Peanut Dipping Sauce Recipe?
Yes, you can use firm tofu or tempeh cut into strips instead of chicken. Marinate and grill just as you would the chicken for a tasty plant-based satay option.
How spicy is the peanut dipping sauce in this recipe?
The sauce has a mild to moderate heat level thanks to the Sambal oelek or sriracha. You can always adjust the amount of chili according to your preference for a milder or spicier dip.
Do I have to grill the chicken or can I cook it indoors?
If grilling is not an option, you can cook the chicken skewers on a grill pan or under a broiler. Just keep an eye on them to achieve that charred exterior without overcooking.
Can I prepare this Chicken Satay with Peanut Dipping Sauce Recipe in advance?
Yes! The chicken is best marinated at least 1 hour up to 8 hours before grilling, and you can also prepare the peanut sauce a day ahead, keeping it refrigerated until ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Satay with Peanut Dipping Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that once you try it, it quickly becomes a beloved staple. It is bursting with flavor, easy to prepare, and perfect for entertaining or a comforting dinner at home. Give it a go—you’ll love how vibrant and satisfying this combination of tender grilled chicken and creamy peanut sauce can be. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and your taste buds will thank you!
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Chicken Satay with Peanut Dipping Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Southeast Asian
- Diet: Halal
Description
Chicken Satay is a delicious Southeast Asian dish featuring tender chicken strips marinated in a flavorful blend of coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and curry powder. Grilled to perfection, these skewers are served with a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy peanut dipping sauce, garnished with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro for an irresistible appetizer or main course.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut lengthwise into thin strips
- ½ cup coconut milk (not low fat)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
For the Peanut Sauce
- ½ cup peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 ½ tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons Sambal oelek (or sriracha)
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- 3 tablespoons coconut milk (or as needed for consistency)
For Serving
- Chopped peanuts (optional)
- Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Additional
- Wooden skewers (if using, soak in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar, curry powder, and minced garlic to create the marinade. Add the thinly sliced chicken strips, tossing them well to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the marinated chicken for at least 1 hour, preferably up to 8 hours, to allow flavors to infuse.
- Make the Peanut Sauce: Combine peanut butter, soy sauce, fresh lime juice, brown sugar, Sambal oelek, and ground ginger in a medium bowl. Whisk in coconut milk gradually until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Chill the sauce in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Prepare Skewers: If using wooden skewers, ensure they are soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
- Assemble the Skewers: Remove the chicken strips from the marinade, discarding any leftover marinade. Thread the chicken evenly onto the soaked skewers.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and has nicely charred grill marks.
- Serve: Serve the grilled chicken satay skewers hot alongside the chilled peanut dipping sauce. Garnish with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro if desired for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for longer (up to 8 hours) for maximum flavor infusion.
- Soaking wooden skewers helps prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Adjust the amount of Sambal oelek or sriracha in the peanut sauce to control the spice level.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- The peanut sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
