Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce

Thai Chicken Satay is a flavorful and aromatic dish that's perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or even a main course when served with rice or salad. Tender strips of chicken are marinated in a blend of coconut milk, spices, and seasonings, then grilled to perfection and served with a rich, creamy peanut dipping sauce. This dish beautifully balances sweet, savory, salty, and spicy elements that are iconic in Thai cuisine. Whether you're preparing it for a family meal or entertaining guests, Thai Chicken Satay is always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Satay Marinade:

• Boneless chicken thighs or breasts, sliced into strips
  
  

• Coconut milk
  
  

• Soy sauce
  
  

• Brown sugar
  
  

• Curry powder
  
  

• Turmeric powder
  
  

• Garlic, minced
  
  

• Ground coriander
  
  

• Lemongrass (optional), finely chopped
  
  

• Salt and pepper
  
  

• Skewers (if using bamboo, soak in water for 30 minutes before grilling)
  
  

For the Peanut Sauce:

• Peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
  
  

• Coconut milk
  
  

• Soy sauce
  
  

• Brown sugar or palm sugar
  
  

• Red curry paste
  
  

• Lime juice
  
  

• Fish sauce (optional)
  
  

• Water (to adjust consistency)
  
  

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade:
   In a large bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar, curry powder, turmeric, garlic, coriander, and lemongrass. Add salt and pepper to taste.
   
   

2. Marinate the Chicken:
   Add the chicken strips to the marinade and mix well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for deeper flavor.
   
   

3. Make the Peanut Sauce:
   In a small saucepan, combine peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, red curry paste, lime juice, and sugar. Heat gently over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Add water if needed to adjust the consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with more lime, sugar, or fish sauce as desired. Set aside.
   
   

4. Skewer and Grill the Chicken:
   Thread marinated chicken strips onto skewers. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for 3–4 minutes per side or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
   
   

5. Serve:
   Serve hot with the prepared peanut sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with chopped peanuts, cilantro, and lime wedges if desired.
   
   

Serving Size

• Makes approximately 4 servings (about 2–3 skewers per person depending on size)
  
  

Nutritional Information (per serving, estimated)

• Calories: 400–450 kcal
  
  

• Protein: 30g
  
  

• Carbohydrates: 15g
  
  

• Fat: 28g
  
  

• Fiber: 2g
  
  

• Sugar: 7g
  
  

• Sodium: 600mg
  
  

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredients used and portion sizes.