Grilled Chicken Satay Peanut (Printable)

Tender grilled chicken skewers with aromatic spices paired with creamy spicy peanut sauce and fresh cilantro.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken Satay

01 - 1.1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, thinly sliced
02 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (gluten-free if needed)
03 - 2 tablespoons coconut milk
04 - 1 tablespoon brown sugar
05 - 1 tablespoon fish sauce
06 - 1 tablespoon lime juice
07 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
08 - 1 teaspoon ground coriander
09 - 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
10 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
11 - 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
12 - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

→ Peanut Sauce

13 - 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
14 - 2/3 cup coconut milk
15 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
16 - 1 tablespoon brown sugar
17 - 1 tablespoon lime juice
18 - 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili sauce (optional)
19 - 1 garlic clove, minced
20 - 2 teaspoons fish sauce
21 - 2–3 tablespoons warm water (to thin as needed)

→ For Serving

22 - Fresh cilantro, chopped
23 - Lime wedges
24 - Cucumber slices or salad
25 - Steamed rice (optional)

# How To Make:

01 - In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, coconut milk, brown sugar, fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, coriander, turmeric, cumin, chili flakes, and vegetable oil. Add chicken strips and toss until fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
02 - Submerge wooden skewers in water and let soak for 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
03 - Thread marinated chicken pieces evenly onto the soaked skewers, leaving space between pieces for even cooking.
04 - Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill skewers for 3 to 4 minutes per side until cooked through and slightly charred.
05 - In a small saucepan over low heat, combine peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, sriracha, garlic, and fish sauce. Stir continuously until smooth and warmed through. Add warm water gradually to reach desired consistency.
06 - Plate grilled chicken skewers hot with peanut sauce on the side. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Serve alongside cucumber slices and steamed rice if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • This satay has that perfect balance between smoky grilled chicken and a creamy, spicy-sweet peanut sauce, almost like a secret handshake among friends.
  • The marinade is super simple but turns the chicken unbelievably tender and packed with flavor—every bite feels like a little celebration.
02 -
  • Marinating the chicken overnight amps up the flavors and tenderness like nothing else.
  • Using coconut milk in both the marinade and peanut sauce layers the dish with a subtle sweetness that truly sets it apart.
03 -
  • Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful satay that stands up to grilling heat better than breast meat.
  • The secret that makes all the difference is resting the chicken a few minutes after grilling to lock in those delicious juices.