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Chicken Satay Recipe

4.4 from 98 reviews

This Chicken Satay recipe features tender, marinated chicken thighs grilled to perfection and served with a flavorful peanut sauce. The marinade combines coconut aminos, coconut milk, fish sauce, lime, garlic, ginger, and curry powder to infuse the chicken with a delicious Southeast Asian-inspired taste. Perfect for a casual barbecue or as an appetizer, this dish offers a delightful balance of savory, tangy, and nutty flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Satay Marinade

  • 1/2 cup Coconut aminos (or low sodium soy sauce)
  • 1/4 cup Full-fat coconut milk
  • 1 tbsp Fish sauce
  • 1 tbsp Lime juice
  • 1 tsp Lime zest
  • 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 tsp Fresh ginger (grated)
  • 2 tsp Curry powder

Chicken

  • 1 1/2 lb Boneless skinless chicken thighs (or boneless skinless chicken breasts)
  • 16 medium Wooden skewers (8 inches long)
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil

Optional For Serving

  • 1/2 recipe Peanut sauce
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Lime wedges
  • Peanuts (chopped)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the coconut aminos, coconut milk, fish sauce, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, grated ginger, and curry powder until fully combined.
  2. Slice the chicken: Cut the boneless skinless chicken thighs into long, thin strips about 1 inch wide. Each thigh yields approximately 4 strips.
  3. Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken strips in a plastic bag, pour the marinade over them, seal the bag, and toss to coat evenly. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally 2-4 hours, and up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.
  4. Soak the skewers: While the chicken marinates, soak the wooden skewers in cold water for 30-60 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
  5. Preheat the grill: About 5-10 minutes before cooking, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (or heat a grill pan with additional oil over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes).
  6. Thread the chicken onto skewers: Remove the chicken from the marinade and thread strips lengthwise onto the soaked skewers. Brush all sides with olive oil to help achieve a crispy texture.
  7. Grill the chicken satay: Cook the skewers on the preheated grill for 3-5 minutes per side until crisp and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 170°F (77°C) for chicken thighs or 165°F (74°C) for chicken breasts.
  8. Serve: Serve the grilled chicken satay hot with peanut sauce, chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges for a fresh and nutty accompaniment.

Notes

  • Soaking wooden skewers before grilling is essential to prevent them from burning.
  • Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful satay; chicken breasts work but may be drier.
  • Marinate longer for deeper flavor, but avoid exceeding 24 hours to prevent texture changes.
  • If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan or broiler can be used as alternatives.
  • Adjust grilling times based on your equipment and chicken thickness to avoid under- or overcooking.
  • The peanut sauce is optional but highly recommended to complement the satay flavors.

Keywords: Chicken Satay, Grilled Chicken Skewers, Southeast Asian Chicken, Peanut Sauce, Coconut Aminos Chicken