Introduction

Chicken satay is a popular dish that showcases tender marinated chicken skewers, grilled to perfection and served with a flavorful peanut sauce. Often enjoyed as an appetizer or main dish, this recipe captures the essence of traditional Southeast Asian flavors, making it a favorite for gatherings and family meals alike.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

Chicken breast: 1 pound, sliced into bite-sized pieces

Peanut butter: 1/2 cup

Coconut milk: 1/4 cup

Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons

Brown sugar: 1 tablespoon

Lime juice: 2 tablespoons

Garlic: 2 cloves, minced

Ginger: 1 teaspoon, grated

Red pepper flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (optional)

Skewers: 8-10, soaked in water for 30 minutes

Prep Time

Preparation time for this chicken satay recipe is approximately 30 minutes. This includes the time needed for marinating the chicken and preparing the peanut sauce.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook time is about 10-15 minutes, depending on your grill and how well-done you prefer your chicken. The total time for the entire process, including prep and cooking, is around 45 minutes. This recipe yields approximately 4 servings, perfect for a small group or family meal.

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Prepare Chicken

Cut chicken breasts into thin strips, approximately 1 inch wide, to allow for even cooking.

Make Marinade

In a bowl, combine soy sauce, peanut butter, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, lime juice, and red pepper flakes. Mix until smooth.

Marinate Chicken

Add the chicken strips to the marinade and coat well. Allow them to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for more flavor.

Prepare Skewers

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during cooking. If you are using metal skewers, this step is not necessary.

Assemble Skewers

Thread the marinated chicken strips onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.

Preheat Grill or Oven

Preheat your grill to medium heat or set your oven to broil, ensuring it is well-heated before adding the skewers.

Cook Chicken Satay

Place the skewers on the grill or in the oven. Grill for about 5-7 minutes on each side until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. If broiling, keep a close eye to avoid burning.

Prepare Peanut Sauce

While the chicken is cooking, in a separate bowl, whisk together peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, and a bit of sweetener to create a smooth sauce.

Serve

Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill or oven. Serve them warm with the peanut sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

Chicken Options

You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts for a juicier option.

Alternative Marinades

Feel free to experiment with different marinades involving spices or herbs to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken satay pairs well with jasmine rice, cucumbers, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Storage Instructions

Leftover skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

Vegetarian Option

For a non-meat version, consider substituting chicken with tofu or tempeh, using the same marinade for flavor.

Cook techniques

Marinating

Marinating the chicken in a mixture of coconut milk, peanut butter, soy sauce, and spices enhances the flavor and tenderizes the meat.

Skewering

Using skewers helps to hold the chicken pieces together, ensuring even cooking and easy handling during grilling.

Grilling

Grilling the satay allows for a smoky flavor and creates a charred exterior, adding texture to the dish.

Basting

Basting the chicken with the marinade while grilling helps to keep it moist and infuses additional flavor.

Serving

Serving chicken satay with peanut sauce and a side of fresh vegetables complements the dish and balances the flavors.

FAQ

What type of chicken should I use for satay?

Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs is recommended for their juiciness and flavor, though chicken breasts can also be used.

Can I make chicken satay in advance?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to grill.

What can I serve with chicken satay?

Chicken satay is often served with peanut sauce, cucumber salad, or rice for a complete meal.

How can I make the peanut sauce?

Peanut sauce can be made by combining peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and coconut milk, adjusting to taste.

Can I use a grill pan instead of an outdoor grill?

Yes, a grill pan can be used on the stovetop to achieve similar grilling results indoors.

Conclusion

The chicken satay recipe provides a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for gatherings or a quick weeknight meal. With its rich marinated chicken served with a creamy peanut sauce, it’s sure to please both family and friends. Experimenting with different dipping sauces can further enhance the experience, offering a range of flavors that cater to various palates.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Vegetable Satay

Try skewering a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms to create a vegetarian option that pairs perfectly with the same peanut sauce.

Grilled Shrimp Satay

Substitute chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist. Marinating the shrimp in a similar blend will yield a delightful and quick dish.

Thai Coconut Rice

Serve your chicken satay with fragrant Thai coconut rice for a delicious and complementary side that enhances the flavors of the dish.

Peanut Sauce Variations

Experiment with different peanut sauce variations by adding more spices or ingredients such as lime juice or cilantro for a fresh taste.

Spicy Chili Sauce

Add a spicy chili sauce or sriracha on the side for those who prefer a bit of heat with their chicken satay.

Grilled Pineapple Skewers

For a sweet complement, grill pineapple chunks on skewers alongside the chicken satay for a refreshing balance of flavors.

Asian Cucumber Salad

A light cucumber salad with sesame dressing can add a crunchy and refreshing side that pairs well with the rich flavors of satay.