Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce

This Thai Chicken Satay recipe features tender, marinated chicken skewers paired with a rich and creamy peanut sauce. The marinade infuses the chicken with flavors of coconut milk, red curry paste, and spices, while the peanut sauce combines natural peanut butter with Thai red curry paste and coconut milk for a savory dip. It’s a dish that brings the vibrant taste of Thai street food to your home kitchen, offering a flavorful and satisfying experience that’s perfect for dinner, parties, or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Satay Marinade:

• Chicken thighs (preferred for juiciness)

• Coconut milk

• Thai red curry paste

• Curry powder

• Sugar

• Salt
  
  

For the Thai Peanut Sauce:

• Natural peanut butter (unsweetened)

• Coconut milk

• Thai red curry paste

• Soy sauce

• Vinegar (cider or white)

• Sugar

• Salt
  
  

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, combine coconut milk, red curry paste, curry powder, sugar, and salt to create a flavorful marinade. Cut the chicken into strips and coat them thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and let the chicken marinate for at least 3 hours, but for the most flavor, leave it overnight in the refrigerator.

2. Prepare the Peanut Sauce:
In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine natural peanut butter, coconut milk, red curry paste, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and salt. Simmer the mixture for about 5 minutes, stirring often until it becomes smooth, creamy, and fragrant. Adjust seasoning to taste.

3. Cook the Chicken Skewers:
Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers. Grill or pan-fry the skewers over medium-high heat for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char on the outside.

4. Serve:
Place the grilled chicken skewers on a serving platter. Serve with the warm peanut sauce on the side or drizzle it on top. Add garnishes like chopped peanuts, fresh herbs, or lime wedges for extra flair.

Serving Suggestions

This Thai Chicken Satay is perfect when served with steamed jasmine rice or fragrant coconut rice. For a refreshing contrast, include sliced cucumbers or a light Asian slaw with a sesame vinaigrette. You can also serve it with rice noodles or wrap the skewers in lettuce leaves for a lighter option. It’s great as a main course or as a party appetizer.

Nutritional Information

Nutritional values will vary depending on exact ingredients and portion sizes, but on average:

• Calories per serving: approximately 450–550 kcal

• Protein: 30–35g

• Fat: 30–35g (mostly from coconut milk and peanut butter)

• Carbohydrates: 10–15g
  
  

This dish is high in protein and provides healthy fats from peanut butter and coconut milk. It's naturally gluten-free (if using gluten-free soy sauce) and can be served with vegetables or whole grains for a balanced meal.