Chicken Satay Recipe: Chicken satay is a beloved Southeast Asian dish, popular in countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.
It consists of marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection and served with a rich, savory peanut sauce. Often enjoyed as street food or appetizers, this dish perfectly balances smoky, spicy, sweet, and nutty flavors.
Whether you’re new to Southeast Asian cuisine or a satay lover, this guide will show you how to create restaurant-quality chicken satay at home.
Ingredients Needed for Chicken Satay
To achieve the bold, authentic flavors of chicken satay, you’ll need fresh ingredients for both the marinade and the peanut sauce.
For the Chicken and Marinade:
- 500g (1 lb) chicken breast or thigh, cut into strips
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the Peanut Sauce:
- 1 cup coconut milk
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon red curry paste
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Having these ingredients ready ensures the entire process is smooth and stress-free.
Essential Kitchen Tools
To make chicken satay, a few key tools will make your life easier:
- Grill Pan or Outdoor Grill: For grilling the skewers and achieving the perfect smoky flavor.
- Skewers: Bamboo skewers work well, but make sure to soak them in water beforehand to prevent burning.
- Mixing Bowls: For preparing the marinade and peanut sauce.
- Basting Brush: For applying additional marinade or oil during grilling.
- Meat Thermometer (optional): Ensures your chicken is perfectly cooked inside.
With these tools ready, you’ll be well-equipped to move forward.
Preparing the Chicken for Satay
The right chicken preparation is essential for tender, juicy satay.
- Choose Your Cut: Chicken thighs are more flavorful and juicy, while breasts offer a leaner option.
- Cut into Strips: Slice the chicken into long, thin strips about 1 inch wide. This helps them cook evenly on the skewers.
- Prepare the Skewers: If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
Good preparation will ensure that your satay cooks consistently and doesn’t dry out.
How to Make Satay Marinade
The marinade is where the magic happens! It’s what gives chicken satay its signature taste. Here’s how to make it:
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, add soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, curry powder, turmeric, garlic, ginger, and vegetable oil.
- Mix Well: Stir until all ingredients are fully combined. The marinade should have a balance of sweet, salty, and aromatic notes.
- Taste Test: Feel free to adjust by adding more lime juice for acidity or more sugar for sweetness.
The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavor it will absorb, so take your time with this step.
Marinating the Chicken
- Coat the Chicken: Add your chicken strips to the marinade, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Let It Rest: For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour. For deeper flavor, you can marinate it overnight in the refrigerator.
- Storage Tips: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken and marinade to a resealable bag.
Marination is where the chicken absorbs all those delicious spices and sauces, making every bite flavorful.
Preparing the Peanut Sauce
The peanut sauce is a crucial part of chicken satay. It adds a creamy, nutty, and slightly sweet flavor that perfectly complements the smoky grilled chicken.
- Gather Ingredients: You’ll need coconut milk, peanut butter, soy sauce, fish sauce, red curry paste, brown sugar, and lime juice.
- Combine and Heat: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the coconut milk and peanut butter. Stir until smooth.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in soy sauce, fish sauce, red curry paste, and brown sugar. Allow it to simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Finish with Lime Juice: Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in lime juice for a fresh, tangy finish.
Taste and adjust the sauce to your preference—add more peanut butter for richness or more curry paste for spice.
Assembling the Chicken Skewers
Now that your chicken is marinated, it’s time to assemble the skewers.
- Thread the Chicken: Take your soaked skewers and carefully thread the chicken strips onto each one. Avoid overcrowding the skewer; leave some space for even cooking.
- Leave Space on Ends: Make sure the ends of the skewers are uncovered to allow for easy handling on the grill.
- Repeat: Continue threading until all the chicken pieces are used.
Pro tip: Lightly oil the skewers to prevent sticking during grilling.
Cooking the Chicken Satay
There are a few cooking methods to choose from depending on your setup. Whichever method you choose, you want to achieve a nice char on the outside without drying out the chicken.
Grilling Method:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, basting occasionally with any leftover marinade.
- Rotate skewers to ensure even cooking and char marks.
Grill Pan Method:
- Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat and lightly oil it.
- Cook the skewers in batches for 3–5 minutes on each side, pressing gently to ensure contact with the pan.
Oven-Baking Method:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange skewers on a wire rack over a baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes, turning once halfway through. For a charred effect, broil for the last 2–3 minutes.
Monitor closely to avoid overcooking and drying out the chicken.
Checking for Doneness
To ensure your chicken satay is cooked safely and remains juicy:
- Visual Check: The chicken should be golden brown with some charred edges.
- Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Juices Test: Pierce the thickest piece of chicken with a knife—clear juices indicate it’s fully cooked.
Proper doneness guarantees a juicy, flavorful bite every time.
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Satay
Chicken satay is best served fresh off the grill with various accompaniments.
- Peanut Sauce: Serve a generous portion of the peanut sauce on the side for dipping.
- Rice or Noodles: Traditional accompaniments include jasmine rice, coconut rice, or rice noodles.
- Fresh Vegetables: Add cucumber slices, red onion, and pickled vegetables for a refreshing contrast.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro for added flavor and presentation.
This combination makes for a satisfying, well-balanced meal.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Satay
Want to make the best chicken satay every time? Keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t Skimp on Marination: The longer the chicken marinates, the better the flavor. Overnight marination is ideal.
- Preheat Your Grill: Ensure your grill is hot before placing the skewers to get that perfect char.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Give each skewer space on the grill to allow even cooking.
- Keep Basting: Baste with leftover marinade or oil to keep the chicken moist during grilling.
These tips will take your chicken satay to the next level.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have leftover chicken satay, follow these storage tips:
- Refrigeration: Place cooled skewers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, wrap the skewers in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it may make the chicken dry.
Proper storage ensures you can enjoy satay again without compromising flavor or texture.
Health Benefits of Chicken Satay
Chicken satay can be a nutritious option, depending on how it’s prepared.
- Protein-Rich: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which helps with muscle repair and growth.
- Good Fats: The peanut sauce provides healthy fats, including heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
- Low-Carb Option: Without rice or noodles, chicken satay is a relatively low-carb meal, suitable for keto or low-carb diets.
You can also modify ingredients for a healthier version, such as using reduced-sodium soy sauce or natural peanut butter.
FAQs about Chicken Satay Recipe
What are the key ingredients in Chicken Satay?
Chicken Satay primarily consists of marinated chicken strips. The marinade usually includes coconut milk, soy sauce, turmeric, garlic, and ginger. It’s often served with a peanut sauce made from peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, and various seasonings.
How long should I marinate the chicken for Chicken Satay?
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours. However, if you’re pressed for time, 30 minutes will work. For optimal taste, leaving the chicken to marinate overnight in the refrigerator is highly recommended.
Can I make Chicken Satay without a grill?
Yes, Chicken Satay can be cooked in various ways if you don’t have a grill. You can use a broiler or a grill pan on the stove. Cooking in a regular skillet or in the oven are also viable alternatives.
Is Chicken Satay gluten-free?
Chicken Satay can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Always check the labels of your ingredients to make sure they do not contain gluten.
What side dishes pair well with Chicken Satay?
Popular side dishes include cucumber salad, steamed rice, or a fresh slaw. For a low-carb option, you can serve it with zucchini noodles or a green salad.
How can I store leftover Chicken Satay?
Leftover Chicken Satay can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can reheat it in a microwave, oven, or on the stovetop.
Conclusion
Chicken satay is a delicious, versatile dish that’s perfect for parties, family dinners, or even a fun weekend cookout. With tender, flavorful chicken skewers and a creamy peanut sauce, this dish is sure to impress your taste buds. By following this step-by-step guide, you can recreate authentic chicken satay at home with ease. So why wait? Fire up that grill and get cooking!
