If you’re craving a dish bursting with vibrant flavors and a touch of exotic charm, the Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish brings tender, marinated chicken perfectly grilled and paired with a luscious, creamy peanut sauce that dances on your taste buds. Each bite is a comforting blend of spicy, sweet, and tangy notes that feels like a warm hug from a beloved Thai street market. Whether you’re impressing guests or just treating yourself, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to make as it is to devour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building the rich, layered flavors and inviting textures of this beloved dish. From the fragrant Thai red curry paste to the creamy peanut butter, every component is essential for authenticity and taste.
- 500g chicken breast or thighs: Choose tender chicken pieces cut into strips for easy grilling and juicy bites.
- 2.5 tbsp Thai red curry paste: The star of the marinade and sauce, delivering a vibrant kick of authentic Thai spice.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce: Adds a salty, savory depth that balances the sweetness and heat perfectly.
- 1 tbsp brown sugar: Sweetens the marinade, creating a delightful caramelized sear on the grilled chicken.
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil: Helps the marinade coat the chicken evenly and keeps it moist during cooking.
- 1 tbsp lime juice: Infuses a bright, citrusy zing that lifts all the other flavors beautifully.
- 1 tsp ground coriander: Adds a warm, earthy undertone that complements the spices.
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (optional): For a burst of fresh herbal aroma at the end.
- Bamboo skewers: Soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
- 1/3 cup coconut milk: Creates a rich, creamy base for the peanut sauce with a hint of sweetness.
- 1 tbsp cider or white vinegar: Introduces a touch of tanginess to balance the sauce’s richness.
- 1/3 cup pure peanut butter: The heart of the peanut sauce, making it decadently creamy and nutty.
- 1 tsp sugar: Subtly sweetens the peanut sauce without overpowering it.
- 1 tsp cooking salt (or 1/2 tsp table salt): Enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
How to Make Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
The first step is where the magic begins. In a mixing bowl, combine the Thai red curry paste, soy sauce, brown sugar, vegetable oil, lime juice, and ground coriander. This marinade is packed with flavors that penetrate the chicken, making it tender and exciting. Toss the chicken strips in this mixture until they’re evenly coated, then let them soak up all that goodness for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, letting the chicken marinate overnight will deepen the flavors beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare the Peanut Sauce
While the chicken marinates, it’s time to craft the star dipping companion. In a small saucepan, mix together coconut milk, red curry paste, vinegar, peanut butter, soy sauce, sugar, and salt. Warm it over medium heat, stirring consistently until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to marry all the flavors together. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of water to reach your perfect consistency. This sauce is rich, tangy, and nutty with just the right hint of spice — truly irresistible!
Step 3: Thread and Grill the Chicken
Next comes the fun part: threading the marinated chicken strips onto your soaked bamboo skewers. Preheat your grill or a grill pan to medium-high heat to get those beautiful char marks and smoky flavor. Cook the skewers for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and golden brown. The marinade will caramelize slightly on the grill, locking in the juiciness of each succulent piece.
Step 4: Plate and Enjoy
Once grilled to perfection, your chicken satay is ready to be served. Let the skewers rest briefly before plating them alongside the peanut sauce for dipping. This is a dish best enjoyed fresh and warm, allowing the contrast of the smoky grilled chicken and creamy peanut dip to shine.
How to Serve Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes bring this dish to life visually and add an extra layer of flavor. Sprinkling chopped fresh cilantro over the chicken skewers adds a refreshing herbal note that complements the rich peanut sauce. A wedge of lime on the side encourages guests to add a citrusy burst, balancing the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce Recipe is wonderful paired with a simple cucumber salad to provide crunch and coolness. Steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice is another classic accompaniment, soaking up any extra sauce and making the meal truly satisfying. You could also serve it alongside lightly pickled vegetables for a tangy contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, present the satay skewers as appetizers on a platter with small dipping bowls of peanut sauce. If you’re hosting a casual meal, wrap the grilled chicken strips in lettuce leaves with a drizzle of the sauce for hand-held satay lettuce wraps. Another great idea is to serve the chicken satay over a vibrant noodle salad for a fresh, complete meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooked, allow the chicken satay and peanut sauce to cool completely before storing. Transfer the chicken skewers and sauce into separate airtight containers to keep the textures intact. Refrigerate leftovers for up to three days, making it easy to enjoy a quick meal the next day.
Freezing
While freshly grilled satay is best, you can freeze the marinated uncooked chicken strips or cooked skewers wrapped tightly in foil and sealed in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight before grilling or reheating to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat the satay skewers, grill them for a few minutes on each side or warm them gently under a broiler to regain some char and crispness. Heat the peanut sauce slowly on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, to keep it creamy and smooth. Avoid overheating to prevent the sauce from separating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs have a bit more fat, which keeps them juicy and flavorful when grilled. Just be sure to trim excess fat if needed and cook thoroughly.
What can I substitute for Thai red curry paste if I can’t find it?
If red curry paste isn’t available, you can use a mix of Thai chili paste and a bit of ground coriander and cumin, but the flavor might be slightly different. Store-bought curry pastes offer the most authentic taste, so visiting an Asian market is worth it!
Is peanut sauce gluten-free?
Traditional peanut sauce can be gluten-free if you use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce. Always check your soy sauce label to be sure, and avoid added ingredients with gluten.
Can I make the peanut sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The peanut sauce can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just gently warm it before serving and stir to recombine any separated ingredients.
How spicy is this Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce Recipe?
The spice level is moderate due to the red curry paste, but it can be adjusted to your taste. If you prefer milder flavors, use less curry paste or remove the seeds from any chili you add.
Final Thoughts
Making this Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce Recipe is like bringing a little slice of Thailand into your kitchen — warm, inviting, and packed with unforgettable flavors. Whether for a weeknight dinner or your next gathering, it’s a dish that promises smiles all around. Trust me, once you try it, the rich, creamy peanut sauce combined with perfectly grilled chicken will keep you coming back for more. So go ahead, give this recipe a whirl and savor the delicious adventure!
Print
Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Thai
Description
This Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce recipe features tender chicken strips marinated in fragrant Thai red curry paste and spices, grilled to perfection and served with a creamy, flavorful peanut dipping sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, this recipe offers authentic Thai flavors with a delightful blend of sweet, savory, and tangy notes.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Satay
- 500g (1 lb) chicken breast or thighs, cut into strips
- 2.5 tbsp Thai red curry paste
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- Bamboo skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
For the Peanut Sauce
- 1/3 cup coconut milk
- 2.5 tbsp Thai red curry paste
- 1 tbsp cider or white vinegar
- 1/3 cup pure peanut butter
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp cooking salt (or 1/2 tsp table salt)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the red curry paste, soy sauce, brown sugar, vegetable oil, lime juice, and ground coriander. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.
- Coat the Chicken: Add the chicken strips to the marinade and toss thoroughly ensuring all pieces are well coated. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight to deepen the flavor.
- Prepare the Peanut Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine coconut milk, Thai red curry paste, cider or white vinegar, peanut butter, soy sauce, sugar, and salt.
- Simmer the Sauce: Stir the mixture over medium heat until smooth and well blended. Let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, adjusting the consistency with water if needed, then remove from heat.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken strips onto the soaked bamboo skewers evenly.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, turning to ensure the chicken is cooked through and has a nice golden brown color.
- Serve: Serve the grilled chicken satay immediately with the warm peanut sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro if desired.
Notes
- Soaking bamboo skewers before grilling prevents them from burning.
- Marinate chicken overnight to enhance the flavor.
- Adjust peanut sauce thickness by adding water as needed.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier satay or breast for leaner meat.
- Serve with steamed jasmine rice or a fresh cucumber salad for a complete meal.
