Succulent Paleo Chicken Thigh Satay: A Flavorful and Healthy Recipe

Ingredients

8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
2 tablespoons of avocado oil
1 tablespoon of raw honey
1/2 cup of almond butter
2 tablespoons of coconut aminos
2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, grated
1/2 teaspoon of sea salt
1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
8 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes prior to use
1 tablespoon of fresh cilantro, finely chopped (for garnish)
1 tablespoon of sesame seeds (for garnish)

Steps and instructions

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
While the grill is heating, cut the chicken thighs into long, thin strips.
In a mixing bowl, combine the avocado oil, raw honey, almond butter, coconut aminos, lime juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, sea salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Add the chicken strips to the bowl, ensuring they are fully coated with the marinade. Allow them to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for more flavor.
Thread each chicken strip onto a soaked wooden skewer.
Place the chicken skewers on the preheated grill. Grill for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has grill marks.
Remove the chicken skewers from the grill and allow them to rest for a few minutes.
Just before serving, sprinkle the grilled chicken skewers with chopped fresh cilantro and sesame seeds for garnish.
Serve the Paleo Chicken Thigh Satay warm, with extra marinade on the side for dipping if desired.

Tools for making

Grill or Grill Pan - Needed to cook the chicken skewers.
Mixing Bowl - To combine the marinade ingredients and coat the chicken.
Wooden Skewers - Used to thread the marinated chicken strips for grilling.
Knife - To cut the chicken thighs into strips.
Cutting Board - To provide a safe and stable surface for cutting the chicken.
Measuring Spoons - To accurately measure ingredients like salt, pepper, and spices.
Grater - For grating fresh ginger for the marinade.
Serving Platter - To beautifully present the grilled chicken skewers for serving.
Basting Brush - To brush extra marinade on the chicken skewers while grilling, if desired.
Tongs - To flip and remove the chicken skewers from the grill.

Recipe variations

Use cashew butter or sunflower seed butter instead of almond butter for a different flavor profile.
Substitute tamari or soy sauce for coconut aminos if not following a strict paleo diet.
Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Marinate the chicken in a blend of coconut milk, curry powder, and turmeric for a more Indian-inspired satay.
Try grilling shrimp or tofu cubes instead of chicken for a seafood or vegetarian option.
Serve the satay with a side of cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a complete paleo meal.
Include chopped peanuts or cashews on top for added crunch and texture.
Mix in some finely chopped lemongrass or lemongrass paste to the marinade for a citrusy, fragrant twist.

Recipe overview

Our Paleo Chicken Thigh Satay recipe is a delicious and nutritious dish with bold flavors inspired by Asian cuisine. This recipe uses boneless, skinless chicken thighs marinated in a blend of almond butter, coconut aminos, lime juice, and spices, which brings out the succulent taste of the chicken when grilled to perfection. The chicken is then garnished with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds, adding an extra layer of texture and flavor. This dish is simple to prepare, yet impressive in presentation, making it a great choice for dinner parties or family meals. Plus, it's paleo-friendly, which means it's free from dairy, grains, and refined sugars — yet packed full of taste. With a prep time of about 30 minutes (plus marinating time), and a cooking time of approximately 10 minutes, you can have a delightful, paleo-friendly meal ready to serve in no time. Enjoy this tasty and healthy Paleo Chicken Thigh Satay as is, or pair it with a fresh salad or your favorite sides for a complete meal.

Common questions

Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs? Yes, you can substitute chicken breast for chicken thighs in this recipe, but be mindful that chicken breast tends to cook faster, so adjust cooking time accordingly to prevent overcooking.
Can I use a different nut butter if I don't have almond butter? Absolutely, feel free to use any nut butter of your choice as a substitute for almond butter. Cashew butter or peanut butter can work well in this recipe.
Is there a substitute for coconut aminos? Yes, you can replace coconut aminos with tamari or soy sauce if you don't have coconut aminos on hand. Keep in mind that soy sauce is not paleo-friendly, so opt for tamari if you are following a strict paleo diet.
Can I bake the chicken skewers instead of grilling? Yes, you can bake the chicken skewers in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked, flipping them halfway through the cooking time.

Serving dishes and utensils

Grill or Grill Pan - Essential for cooking the chicken skewers with that delicious grilled flavor.
Mixing Bowl - To combine and marinate the chicken with the flavorful sauce.
Wooden Skewers - Needed for threading the marinated chicken strips for grilling.
Tongs - Useful for flipping the chicken skewers on the grill.
Basting Brush - Helpful for brushing extra marinade onto the chicken skewers while grilling.
Serving Platter - For presenting and serving the finished Paleo Chicken Thigh Satay.
Chopped Fresh Cilantro and Sesame Seeds - For garnishing the dish before serving.

Origin stories

Satay, a popular dish in Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand, is often associated with a convivial atmosphere as it is typically served at social gatherings and celebrations. The dish is steeply rooted in the street food culture of these regions, where it is commonly cooked over charcoal grills at roadside stalls. Its rich and spicy flavors are a trademark of Southeast Asian cuisine. The unique twist in this recipe, however, is that it adheres to the Paleo diet principles, replacing traditional ingredients like soy sauce and peanuts with coconut aminos and almond butter respectively, thus creating a delightful and healthy fusion of flavors.

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.

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