Chicken Satay
Indulge in the delightful experience of chicken satay, a dish that marries succulent marinated chicken with the rich flavors of peanut sauce. This popular street food from Southeast Asia is perfect for gatherings, barbecues, or a quick weeknight meal. With its tender meat and aromatic spices, chicken satay is sure to impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into this easy recipe that brings the taste of the streets right to your kitchen!
Ingredients
- 500g chicken breast, cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers (soaked in water if wooden)
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is about 20 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 15 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (approximately 125g) of chicken satay contains about 250 calories, 20g protein, 15g fat, 10g carbohydrates, and 2g fiber. This is for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce, peanut butter, honey, lime juice, garlic, coriander, cumin, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
- Add chicken cubes to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.
- Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
- While the chicken is grilling, prepare the peanut sauce by mixing any remaining marinade with additional peanut butter if desired.
- Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Serve the chicken satay with the peanut sauce on the side.
- Garnish with lime wedges and fresh cilantro for added flavor.
- Enjoy your homemade chicken satay with rice or vegetables!
Alternative Ingredients
If you’re looking for alternatives, consider using tofu or shrimp for a different protein option. You can also swap peanut butter for almond or sunflower seed butter for those with nut allergies.
Serving and Pairings
Chicken satay pairs beautifully with jasmine rice, cucumber salad, or fresh herbs like cilantro and mint. It also goes well with a side of spicy chili sauce for an extra kick.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover chicken satay in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on a grill to maintain its flavor. While it can be frozen, the texture might change upon thawing.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overcooking the chicken can lead to dryness; monitor cooking time closely.
- For best flavor, don’t skip marinating the chicken.
- Ensure skewers are soaked if wooden to prevent burning.
- Don’t overcrowd the grill; leave space for even cooking.
- Use fresh spices for a more vibrant flavor.
Helpful Tips
- For extra flavor, add a splash of coconut milk to the marinade.
- Let the skewers rest after grilling for juicier chicken.
- Experiment with different vegetables on the skewers.
- Serve with a variety of dipping sauces for a fun twist.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used for a juicier and more flavorful option. Just ensure they are cut into equal-sized pieces for even cooking.
What can I serve with chicken satay?
Chicken satay pairs well with rice, fresh salads, or flavorful dips like peanut sauce or sweet chili sauce, making it a versatile dish.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
The chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is no longer pink in the center.
Can I make chicken satay in the oven?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the skewers on a lined baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through.
Is chicken satay gluten-free?
By using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, chicken satay can be made gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Conclusion
Chicken satay is not only a delightful dish bursting with flavor but also an easy recipe to whip up at home. With its tender chicken and rich peanut sauce, it’s perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe today and bring a taste of Southeast Asia to your table!

Chicken Satay
Ingredients
- 500 g chicken breast cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers soaked in water if wooden
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce, peanut butter, honey, lime juice, garlic, coriander, cumin, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
- Add chicken cubes to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.
- Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Prepare the peanut sauce by mixing any remaining marinade with additional peanut butter if desired.
- Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Serve the chicken satay with the peanut sauce on the side.
- Garnish with lime wedges and fresh cilantro for added flavor.
- Enjoy your homemade chicken satay with rice or vegetables!