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Easy 30-Minute Chicken Satay Recipe with Crispy Peanut Sauce

easy 30-minute chicken satay - featured image

A quick and easy chicken satay recipe featuring juicy grilled chicken skewers paired with a rich, crispy peanut sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch strips
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice, freshly squeezed
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes or ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or peanut oil
  • ½ cup (125g) creamy peanut butter
  • ¼ cup (60ml) coconut milk, full-fat
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • ¼ cup (30g) crushed roasted peanuts
  • 1 teaspoon chili paste or sriracha (optional)
  • Bamboo skewers (soaked in water 30 minutes before grilling)
  • Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken marinade by combining 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon lime juice, minced garlic, ground coriander, turmeric powder, chili flakes (if using), and vegetable oil in a medium bowl. Whisk until sugar dissolves and mixture is well blended (about 3 minutes).
  2. Add chicken strips to the marinade, toss to coat thoroughly, cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, up to 30 minutes.
  3. Soak bamboo skewers in cold water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
  4. Prepare the crispy peanut sauce by mixing peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar or honey, lime juice, grated ginger, minced garlic, and chili paste (if using) in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth but thick. Stir in crushed roasted peanuts at the end to keep the crispy texture (about 5 minutes).
  5. Remove chicken from marinade and thread 3-4 pieces onto each skewer, leaving space between pieces. Discard leftover marinade.
  6. Preheat grill pan or grill to medium-high heat (about 5 minutes).
  7. Grill chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once or twice, until cooked through and grill marks appear. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  8. Serve immediately with crispy peanut sauce spooned over or on the side. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges if desired.

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 15 minutes for flavor; longer marinating up to 2 hours is possible but avoid too long to prevent texture changes. Soak bamboo skewers to prevent burning. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Keep peanut sauce chunky by adding crushed peanuts last. If no grill pan, broil skewers in oven for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway. Let chicken rest a few minutes after grilling to lock in juices.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken satay, peanut sauce, quick dinner, grilled chicken, easy recipe, weeknight meal, gluten-free, dairy-free