Satay Chicken Skewers Peanut Sauce

These satay chicken skewers are my go-to for easy entertaining or family dinners thanks to their tender flavor-packed chicken and that gorgeous creamy peanut sauce. Inspired by Southeast Asian street food they bring vivid flavors and a fun dining experience perfect for sharing with friends or making an ordinary night feel special at home.

I first made this recipe for a potluck where it completely disappeared within minutes and guests begged for the recipe. Ever since it’s been my signature dish for gatherings and family cookouts.

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs or breasts: provide tender texture and flavor choose thighs for max juiciness
• Soy sauce: adds savory depth opt for gluten free if needed and choose a dark soy for richer color
• Coconut milk: infuses tropical sweetness and keeps chicken moist use full fat for creaminess
• Brown sugar: balances spice and brings gentle caramel notes look for soft moist sugar
• Ground coriander and cumin: deliver warmth and signature aroma always check for fresh fragrant spices
• Turmeric powder: gives golden color and mellow earthiness
• Garlic and fresh ginger: offer zing and bite use firm ginger with smooth skin and plump garlic cloves
• Salt and ground black pepper: for essential seasoning use flaky sea salt for best results
• Vegetable oil: coats chicken and prevents sticking I like a neutral one such as sunflower

• Pepper Sauce
• Creamy peanut butter: forms the base pick a smooth type labeled natural for best flavor
• Coconut milk: ties in richness and silkiness
• Soy sauce: for umami taste again use gluten free if needed
• Brown sugar: for those hints of toffee
• Lime juice: adds acidity for balance look for heavy juicy limes
• Chili flakes or Sriracha: optional for a kick
• Garlic: for sharpness and aroma
• Water: to adjust the sauce to perfect dipping thickness

• To Serve
• Fresh coriander leaves: for herbal freshness pick vibrant green bunches
• Lime wedges: for a final zesty squeeze
• Cucumber slices: for crunch and cooling cleanse
• Steamed jasmine rice: optional for a comforting side

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:

Combine soy sauce coconut milk brown sugar ground coriander ground cumin turmeric garlic ginger salt black pepper and oil in a large bowl. Stir well to make a smooth marinade. Drop in the chicken cubes and use clean hands or tongs to coat them thoroughly so every piece soaks up the flavor. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least thirty minutes up to two hours for bolder taste. This step ensures your chicken is packed with flavor and will stay tender as it grills.

Prepare the Skewers:

If using wooden skewers submerge them in water for twenty minutes. This prevents burning on the grill and makes threading the chicken easier.

Thread the Chicken:

Remove the chicken from marinade. Shake off excess and thread pieces neatly onto skewers leaving a small space between chunks so they cook evenly.

Preheat the Grill:

Heat your grill grill pan or broiler to medium high. Allow at least five minutes for the heat to build evenly which helps with caramelization and searing.

Grill to Perfection:

Arrange the skewers on the hot surface and cook for twelve to fifteen minutes. Turn occasionally to develop color on all sides and repeat basting with leftover marinade for extra flavor. The chicken should be slightly charred and cooked through with clear juices running.

Make the Peanut Sauce:

Place peanut butter coconut milk soy sauce brown sugar lime juice chili if using garlic and two tablespoons water into a small saucepan. Warm gently over low heat whisking until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Let it gently simmer for about two to three minutes and add more water if a thinner texture is needed. Taste for saltiness and spice.

Serve and Garnish:

Arrange warm grilled skewers on a platter. Pile fresh coriander leaves lime wedges and cucumber slices alongside. For heartiness serve with a bowl of steamed jasmine rice.

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My absolute favorite element is the bright and creamy peanut sauce. The first time I made this for my family everyone circled the bowl of sauce long after the skewers were gone swiping it with rice and even veggies. It is the kind of comfort food you never tire of.

Storage Tips

Leftover grilled skewers keep well for up to three days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently so the chicken stays moist brush with a little extra sauce if needed. Peanut sauce stays fresh for a week in an airtight container chilled. If freezing raw marinated chicken do so in a zip top bag for up to two months and thaw overnight in the fridge.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want to avoid peanuts try almond butter or even sunflower seed butter in the sauce. For chicken alternatives turkey breast or boneless pork loin work nicely but adjust the cook time as needed. If you cannot find coconut milk replace it with Greek yogurt for a tangy creaminess. Skip chili if you are sensitive to heat and boost flavor with extra lime instead.

Serving Suggestions

These skewers shine on their own but they also pair beautifully with a crisp green salad or a cold noodle salad for extra freshness. Add a side of quick-pickled carrots and radish for crunch. Top with fried shallots or toasted coconut flakes to upgrade your platter for a festive gathering.

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Bring these satay chicken skewers to your next gathering and watch them vanish in minutes. Nothing beats the aroma and taste of fresh-off-the-grill bites with plenty of peanut sauce for dipping.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can chicken breasts be used instead of thighs?

Yes, both chicken breasts and thighs work well. Thighs tend to yield juicier, more flavorful results.

→ How can the dish be made gluten-free?

Simply swap regular soy sauce for a gluten-free version to make the skewers suitable for gluten-free diets.

→ Is the peanut sauce spicy?

The peanut sauce has optional chili flakes or Sriracha. Adjust or omit for desired spiciness.

→ How long should the chicken marinate?

Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, allowing the flavors to fully infuse.

→ What sides pair well?

Serve with cucumber slices, fresh coriander, lime wedges, or steamed jasmine rice for a balanced meal.

→ Can I use an oven if I don’t have a grill?

Yes, a broiler or grill pan also works well for cooking the skewers indoors.