Savory and Delicious Chicken Satay Recipe

Ingredients

  • 500 grams of boneless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup of coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of fish sauce
  • 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of lime juice
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon of ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon of turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon of cumin
  • 1 teaspoon of coriander
  • 1 teaspoon of chili powder
  • Wooden skewers, soaked in water
  • For Satay Peanut Sauce:
  • 1 cup of unsalted dry roasted peanuts
  • 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup of coconut milk
  • 1/2 tsp of chili powder
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon of ginger, grated
  • Pinch of salt

Steps and instructions

  1. Cut the chicken into thin strips and set aside.
  2. In a bowl, combine coconut milk, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili powder. Mix well to create the marinade.
  3. Add the chicken strips to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Leave to marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
  4. Thread the marinated chicken strips onto the soaked wooden skewers.
  5. Heat your grill or griddle pan over medium heat and cook the chicken skewers for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and slightly charred.
  6. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the peanut sauce. In a food processor, blend the roasted peanuts until finely chopped.
  7. Add soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, coconut milk, chili powder, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a pinch of salt to the food processor. Blend until smooth.
  8. Transfer the sauce to a small saucepan and heat over medium heat until warmed through.
  9. Once the chicken is cooked, serve the skewers with the warm peanut sauce for dipping.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs for a leaner option.
  • Substitute the chicken with tofu for a vegetarian or vegan version.
  • Add a tablespoon of peanut butter to the marinade for extra richness.
  • Replace coconut milk with Greek yogurt for a lighter marinade.
  • Try using different spices such as paprika, curry powder, or lemongrass for added flavor.
  • Experiment with different dipping sauces like sweet chili sauce, hoisin sauce, or tamarind sauce.
  • Add sliced onions and bell peppers to the skewers for a colorful and flavorful twist.
  • Grill the satay on an outdoor barbecue for a smoky flavor.
  • Serve the satay with steamed rice or as a filling for wraps or sandwiches.
  • Garnish with chopped cilantro, chopped peanuts, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice for added freshness.

Recipe overview

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of this Chicken Satay recipe, a popular Southeast Asian dish. Marinated in a blend of coconut milk and aromatic spices, the chicken is grilled to perfection for a delectable caramelized finish. The star of this dish is the homemade peanut sauce - a rich and creamy blend of roasted peanuts and spices that perfectly complements the smoky goodness of the grilled chicken. Whether you're cooking for a BBQ party or a family dinner, this Chicken Satay recipe is sure to impress with its balance of sweet, salty, spicy, and tangy flavors. A relatively simple recipe, this will also give you a glimpse into the intriguing world of Southeast Asian cuisine.

Common questions

  1. How long should I marinate the chicken?
    You should marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
  2. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
    Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs. However, thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful.
  3. How can I cook the chicken if I don't have a grill or griddle pan?
    If you don't have a grill or griddle pan, you can cook the chicken skewers on a regular stovetop pan or bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, turning them halfway through.
  4. Can I use crunchy peanut butter for the sauce?
    Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter for extra texture in the sauce. However, smooth peanut butter works just as well.
  5. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
    Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it before serving.
  6. Are there any alternatives to wooden skewers?
    If you don't have wooden skewers, you can use metal skewers or even lemongrass stalks. Just make sure to soak wooden skewers in water before using to prevent them from burning.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Chicken Satay, with its rich flavours and creamy peanut sauce, is a popular dish hailing from Indonesia. The word 'Satay' is thought to have been derived from 'catai', the Malay word for skewered meats. The dish is steeped in history, with some records suggesting it was first created by street vendors as an Indonesian adaptation of Indian kebabs. However, Chicken Satay isn't just confined to Indonesia - it has found its way into the hearts and kitchens of many Southeast Asian countries, each bringing its own unique variation to the recipe. This delicious dish truly embodies the vibrant, eclectic culinary culture of the region: a melting pot of influences from India, the Middle East, and local traditions. Today, whether it's served in a fancy restaurant or from a street food cart, Chicken Satay continues to be a beloved part of the Southeast Asian food experience.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.