Jump to:
Peanut Satay Chicken Skewers
Peanut satay chicken skewers bring the vibrant flavors of Southeast Asian cuisine right to your dinner table. This recipe combines tender marinated chicken with a rich, creamy peanut sauce that delivers the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or looking for an exciting weeknight dinner, these skewers offer restaurant-quality taste with simple home cooking techniques.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick marinade creates incredibly tender and flavorful chicken in just one hour
- Perfect for grilling season with minimal prep work and maximum flavor impact
- Kid-friendly recipe that introduces exotic flavors in an approachable way
- Versatile dish that works as appetizers, main course, or party food
- Uses simple pantry ingredients to create complex, restaurant-style flavors
Why This Peanut Satay Chicken Recipe Works
This peanut satay chicken recipe succeeds because it focuses on building layers of flavor through a well-balanced marinade. The combination of coconut milk and peanut butter creates a creamy base that penetrates the chicken, while fresh ginger and garlic add aromatic depth.
The key lies in cutting the chicken into uniform one-inch pieces, ensuring even cooking and maximum surface area for the marinade to work its magic. Brown sugar balances the saltiness of soy sauce, while lime juice adds brightness that prevents the rich peanut flavors from becoming overwhelming.
Why You’ll Love This Peanut Satay Chicken Skewers
These skewers transform ordinary chicken into an extraordinary dining experience. The marinade does double duty as both a flavor enhancer and tenderizer, making even budget-friendly chicken breasts incredibly juicy and flavorful.
The recipe scales easily for crowds and requires minimal hands-on cooking time. Once marinated, the skewers cook quickly on the grill, making them perfect for entertaining. The combination of familiar ingredients creates exotic flavors that appeal to adventurous eaters and picky palates alike.
What You’ll Need for Perfect Peanut Satay Chicken
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity (Approx) | Purpose / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 3-4 pieces (1.5 lbs) | Main protein, cut into 1-inch chunks |
| Fresh garlic | 2 cloves, minced | Aromatic base for marinade |
| Fresh ginger | 1-inch piece, grated | Adds warmth and Asian flavor profile |
| Full-fat coconut milk | 1 cup | Creates creamy, rich marinade base |
| Natural peanut butter | 1/2 cup | Signature nutty flavor and thickness |
| Low-sodium soy sauce | 1/4 cup | Umami depth and saltiness |
| Fresh lime | Juice of 1 lime | Brightens flavors and tenderizes |
| Brown sugar | 2 tablespoons | Balances saltiness and aids caramelization |
Tools
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Wooden skewers | Threading chicken for grilling and presentation |
| Large mixing bowl | Combining marinade ingredients and chicken |
| Grill or grill pan | Cooking skewers with proper char and heat |
| Whisk | Blending marinade ingredients smoothly |
| Sharp knife | Cutting chicken into uniform pieces |
How to Make Peanut Satay Chicken Skewers
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1. Prep Chicken | Cut chicken breasts into uniform one-inch chunks for even cooking |
| 2. Make Marinade | Whisk together garlic, ginger, coconut milk, peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and brown sugar until smooth |
| 3. Marinate | Combine chicken with marinade and refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight |
| 4. Prep Skewers | Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning |
| 5. Thread Chicken | Thread marinated chicken pieces onto prepared skewers, leaving small gaps |
| 6. Grill | Cook on medium-high heat for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until charred and cooked through |
| 7. Serve | Garnish with chopped peanuts and cilantro, serve with extra peanut sauce |
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Reserve some marinade before adding chicken to use as serving sauce
- Don’t overcrowd skewers – leave space between pieces for even cooking
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F
- Let skewers rest for 2-3 minutes after grilling to redistribute juices
- Brush skewers with reserved marinade during cooking for extra flavor
Serving and Storage Tips for Peanut Satay Chicken
Serving Tips
Serve these peanut satay chicken skewers immediately while hot for the best texture and flavor. Arrange on a platter with fresh lime wedges and chopped cilantro for garnish. The skewers pair beautifully with jasmine rice, cucumber salad, or grilled vegetables.
For parties, consider serving with additional peanut dipping sauce on the side. These skewers also work well as part of a larger Southeast Asian spread alongside dishes like ultimate chicken casserole for variety.
Store leftover cooked skewers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of coconut milk to prevent drying out.
Mistakes to Avoid When Making Peanut Satay Chicken
Don’t skip soaking the wooden skewers – dry skewers will burn and potentially catch fire on the grill. Always soak them for at least 30 minutes before use.
Avoid using chunky peanut butter, as it won’t blend smoothly into the marinade. Natural peanut butter works best, but make sure to stir it well before measuring.
Never use the same marinade that touched raw chicken as a serving sauce without cooking it first. Always reserve some marinade separately before adding the chicken, or boil used marinade for at least five minutes.
Don’t overcook the chicken. Small pieces cook quickly, and overcooked chicken becomes dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
You Must Know
- Marinating time significantly impacts flavor – minimum one hour, but overnight is better
- Chicken pieces should be uniform size to ensure even cooking throughout
- Medium-high heat prevents burning while ensuring proper caramelization
- Internal temperature must reach 165°F for food safety
Tips and Tricks for Peanut Satay Chicken Skewers
For extra flavor depth, toast whole peanuts and grind them yourself instead of using store-bought peanut butter. This adds texture and fresher nutty flavor to your marinade.
Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or sriracha to the marinade for heat lovers. The creamy coconut milk balances spiciness perfectly.
Double the marinade recipe and freeze half for future use. It keeps for up to three months and makes weeknight dinners incredibly quick.
Consider grilling some vegetables on separate skewers using the same marinade. Bell peppers, onions, and zucchini work particularly well with these flavors.
Suggestions for Peanut Satay Chicken Variations
Transform this recipe by substituting chicken with firm tofu, shrimp, or beef for different protein options. Each requires slight timing adjustments but uses the same delicious marinade.
Create a Thai-inspired version by adding lemongrass paste and fish sauce to the marinade. For a more traditional Thai satay approach, consider these authentic ingredients.
Make it into a complete meal by serving over rice noodles or cauliflower rice. The extra marinade makes an excellent sauce when thinned with a bit of coconut milk.
For inspiration on other chicken dishes, check out this easy chicken satay recipe or explore our creamy garlic shrimp pasta for more dinner ideas.
FAQ for Peanut Satay Chicken Skewers
FAQs:
Yes! You can cook these skewers in a grill pan, regular skillet, or even bake them in the oven at 425°F for 12-15 minutes. The key is getting good caramelization on the outside while keeping the inside juicy.
Minimum one hour for decent flavor, but overnight marinating produces the best results. The acids in the lime juice and enzymes in the ginger help tenderize the meat while the flavors penetrate deeper.
Smooth, natural peanut butter works best for even distribution in the marinade. Crunchy peanut butter can work, but blend the marinade thoroughly or strain it for smoother consistency.
Heavy cream or whole milk can substitute coconut milk, though you’ll lose some tropical flavor. For dairy-free options, try cashew milk or additional peanut butter thinned with chicken broth.
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Visually, the chicken should be golden brown outside with no pink inside, and juices should run clear when pierced.
Conclusion
These peanut satay chicken skewers prove that restaurant-quality flavors are achievable in your own kitchen. With simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, you can create a dish that’s both exotic and approachable.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility and make-ahead potential. Whether you’re planning a casual family dinner or entertaining guests, these skewers deliver impressive results with minimal effort. The combination of creamy peanut marinade and perfectly grilled chicken creates a memorable meal that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Try this peanut satay chicken recipe for your next gathering, and don’t forget to explore our keto cloud cake recipe for a perfect dessert pairing.
More Easy Dinner Recipes:
- Dinner for Two: Perfect Meals for a Romantic Evening or Cozy Night In
- Lentil Tomato Basil Salad: Perfect Healthy Recipe Guide
- Easy Balsamic Grilled Zucchini Recipe for Memorial Day
- Healthy Pasta Recipes: Delicious, Nutritious, and Easy to Make
Recommended
📖 Recipe Card
Peanut Satay Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A delicious and flavorful peanut satay chicken recipe featuring tender marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection with a rich, creamy peanut sauce marinade.
Ingredients
- 3–4 pieces (1.5 lbs) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cloves, minced fresh garlic
- 1-inch piece, grated fresh ginger
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- Juice of 1 lime fresh lime
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Instructions
- Prep Chicken: Cut chicken breasts into uniform one-inch chunks for even cooking
- Make Marinade: Whisk together garlic, ginger, coconut milk, peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and brown sugar until smooth
- Marinate: Combine chicken with marinade and refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight
- Prep Skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning
- Thread Chicken: Thread marinated chicken pieces onto prepared skewers, leaving small gaps
- Grill: Cook on medium-high heat for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until charred and cooked through
- Serve: Garnish with chopped peanuts and cilantro, serve with extra peanut sauce
Notes
- Reserve some marinade before adding chicken to use as serving sauce
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F
- Let skewers rest for 2-3 minutes after grilling to redistribute juices
- Don’t overcrowd skewers – leave space between pieces for even cooking
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 calories
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 98mg
Keywords: peanut satay chicken, grilled chicken, Asian chicken, peanut sauce, chicken skewers, Thai inspired, coconut milk chicken
