If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor but doesn’t take all day to prepare, this easy chicken satay recipe is your go-to! It’s one of my absolute favorites—trust me, the tender chicken paired with that rich, creamy peanut sauce is just heavenly. I first fell in love with satay during a trip to Thailand, where I savored it from street vendors who grilled it to perfection right in front of me. The aroma wafting through the air was irresistible! Now, I often whip it up at home for family gatherings or a quick weeknight dinner. It’s so simple yet so satisfying, and I just know you’re going to enjoy it as much as I do. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients List
To make this mouthwatering easy chicken satay recipe, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients that pack a punch! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into strips
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup coconut milk
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Don’t forget to soak your wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes before grilling. This little step helps prevent them from burning on the grill, ensuring your delicious chicken stays the star of the show!
How to Prepare Instructions
Now, let’s dive into the fun part—preparing your easy chicken satay! Follow these steps for a deliciously satisfying dish that’s sure to impress.
Marinating the Chicken
Start by whisking together the soy sauce, brown sugar, vegetable oil, lime juice, minced garlic, ground coriander, and cumin in a bowl. This marinade is where the magic happens, infusing the chicken with a burst of flavor! Once mixed, add the chicken strips and ensure they’re well coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. If you have a little extra time, letting it sit for an hour or two will deepen the flavors even more. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Preparing the Peanut Sauce
While the chicken is marinating, let’s whip up that creamy peanut sauce! In a saucepan over low heat, combine the creamy peanut butter, coconut milk, rice vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir continuously until everything is smooth and well blended. This should take just a few minutes, but be patient—low heat is key to preventing the sauce from burning. Once it reaches that luscious, pourable consistency, remove it from heat and set it aside until you’re ready to serve. This sauce is going to elevate your chicken satay to a whole new level!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Flavorful peanut sauce that’s rich, creamy, and totally addictive.
- Versatile dish—pair it with rice, salad, or serve as an appetizer!
- Great for meal prep; the chicken stays juicy and flavorful even after a day in the fridge.
- Customizable—adjust the spices or add your favorite veggies to the skewers for a personal touch.
Tips for Success
To ensure your easy chicken satay turns out perfectly every time, here are some tips I swear by! First off, consider using chicken thighs instead of breast. They’re juicier and have a richer flavor, making your satay even more delicious. If you’re looking for a little heat, feel free to adjust the spices in the marinade—add a pinch of cayenne or some red pepper flakes for that extra kick!
Also, remember to let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you can, aim for a couple of hours. The longer it sits, the more flavorful it becomes. And when grilling, don’t overcrowd the skewers; give the chicken some space so it cooks evenly and gets those beautiful grill marks. Lastly, keep an eye on the grill—cooking times may vary depending on your equipment, so check for doneness to avoid any surprises. Happy grilling!
Variations
One of the best things about this easy chicken satay recipe is how adaptable it is! If you’re in the mood for something different, you can swap out the chicken for other proteins like shrimp or tofu. Just make sure to adjust your marinating time—shrimp needs less time, while tofu can soak up the flavors beautifully with a longer marination.
Feeling adventurous? Try adding colorful vegetables to your skewers! Bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes not only add vibrant color but also enhance the flavor profile. Just cut them into similar sizes as your chicken for even cooking.
You could even experiment with different marinades—consider a spicy sriracha twist or a sweet teriyaki glaze. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes this satay recipe so much fun!
Nutritional Information
This easy chicken satay recipe is not only delicious but also a great option for those mindful of their nutrition! Each serving, which consists of one skewer with peanut sauce, contains approximately 250 calories. You’ll be pleased to know it offers 20g of protein, making it a solid choice for a satisfying meal. With 15g of fat and 12g of carbohydrates, it strikes a lovely balance for a flavorful dish that won’t weigh you down!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your easy chicken satay, the options are as delightful as the dish itself! I love pairing it with fragrant jasmine rice or coconut rice to soak up that creamy peanut sauce. A fresh cucumber salad with a zesty lime dressing adds a refreshing crunch that perfectly balances the flavors. If you’re feeling adventurous, serve it with some Thai-style spring rolls for a complete feast! As for drinks, a chilled Thai iced tea or a light, crisp lager complements the savory notes beautifully. Trust me, each bite and sip will transport you back to those sunny Thai streets!
FAQ Section
Got questions about this easy chicken satay recipe? I’ve got answers! First off, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to keep that flavor intact.
As for grilling, make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high for that perfect char. If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them for at least 30 minutes before skewering the chicken to prevent burning.
What if you don’t have peanut butter on hand? No problem! You can substitute with almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a different twist. And if you’re looking for a vegetarian option, tofu or tempeh works beautifully in this recipe—just marinate them as you would the chicken. Enjoy experimenting and making it your own!
For more information on the nutritional benefits of peanut butter, check out this article. If you’re curious about the history of satay, you can read more here.
Print
Easy Chicken Satay Recipe: 5 Simple Steps to Delight!
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Easy chicken satay recipe with a flavorful peanut sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into strips
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup coconut milk
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, vegetable oil, lime juice, garlic, coriander, and cumin.
- Marinate chicken strips in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Thread marinated chicken onto skewers.
- Grill chicken skewers for 5-7 minutes per side until cooked through.
- In a saucepan, combine peanut butter, coconut milk, rice vinegar, salt, and pepper over low heat. Stir until smooth.
- Serve chicken skewers with peanut sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling.
- Adjust spices in the marinade for desired heat.
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier result.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer with sauce
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: easy chicken satay recipe, chicken satay, satay sauce, grilling recipes
