Description
A flavorful Thai-inspired dish featuring tender chicken satay skewers marinated in fragrant spices, grilled to perfection, and served with a creamy peanut dipping sauce for a perfect appetizer or main course.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Peanut Sauce:
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (peanuts only, or peanuts and salt)
- 1 cup unsweetened, full-fat coconut milk (from a can)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce (or low-sodium soy sauce)
- 2 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (more or less to taste)
For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (approximately 4 medium)
Serving Suggestions (All Optional):
- Crushed peanuts
- Chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Make peanut sauce: In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, coconut milk, lime juice, fish sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes until smooth. Reserve 1 cup of the sauce for dipping.
- Marinate chicken: Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Toss with the remaining peanut sauce in a bowl. Marinate for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Soak skewers: Soak bamboo skewers in warm water for 30 minutes before using to prevent burning.
- Thread skewers: Thread marinated chicken onto skewers, dividing evenly.
- Broil or grill: Preheat broiler or grill. Cook chicken skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Sprinkle with crushed peanuts and chopped cilantro, if desired. Serve immediately with the reserved peanut sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Use creamy peanut butter made with only peanuts or peanuts and salt for authentic flavor.
- Use unsweetened, full-fat coconut milk from a can, not a carton, for richer sauce.
- Soaking bamboo skewers prevents them from burning during grilling or broiling.
- Leftover chicken satay can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently in a 350°F (175°C) oven.
- Leftover peanut sauce can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days and used as a dip or spread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer with sauce
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
