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Grilled chicken satay skewers with a rich peanut sauce on the side.

Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce

Enjoy succulent grilled chicken marinated in aromatic spices, served with a rich and creamy homemade peanut sauce. This classic Southeast Asian dish is perfect as an appetizer or a main course.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken Satay
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch strips
  • 1 lemongrass stalk, minced
  • 1 inch ginger fresh, grated
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 2 tbsp coconut milk full-fat
  • wooden skewers soaked in water for 30 minutes
Peanut Sauce
  • 0.5 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 0.25 cup coconut milk full-fat
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 0.5 inch ginger fresh, grated
  • 1 tsp sriracha or chili paste or to taste
  • 2 tbsp water or more, to thin

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowls
  • Wooden Skewers
  • Grill or Broiler
  • Small Saucepan
  • Whisk

Method
 

Chicken Preparation
  1. Combine chicken strips with minced lemongrass, grated ginger, minced garlic, turmeric, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, and coconut milk in a bowl. Mix well, cover, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or preferably 2-4 hours.
  2. Thread the marinated chicken strips onto the soaked wooden skewers, typically 3-4 pieces per skewer.
Peanut Sauce Preparation
  1. Whisk together peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sriracha, and water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and warm.
  2. Adjust the consistency with more water if needed, and taste to adjust seasoning (more lime, sugar, or chili for desired flavor).
Cooking the Satay
  1. Preheat a grill or broiler to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates or broiler pan to prevent sticking.
  2. Grill or broil the chicken skewers for 2-3 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice char marks.

Notes

Soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes before threading chicken to prevent them from burning on the grill. Adjust the spice level of the peanut sauce to your preference by adding more or less sriracha or chili paste. Serve immediately with extra peanut sauce and a squeeze of fresh lime.