Name: Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Thai-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into thin strips; ½ cup coconut milk; 1 tablespoon curry powder; 1 teaspoon turmeric; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional); 2 cloves garlic, minced; Skewers (wooden or metal); ½ cup creamy natural peanut butter; ½ cup coconut milk; 1 tablespoon red curry paste; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 tablespoon lime juice; ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha (adjust to taste); ¼ cup water (to thin, as needed)

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Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce is a popular Southeast Asian dish made with marinated, grilled chicken skewers and a rich, flavorful peanut sauce. The combination of smoky, tender chicken and creamy, spicy-sweet peanut sauce makes this recipe incredibly satisfying and perfect for appetizers, party platters, or a flavorful main dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish packs bold, complex flavors in every bite—from the aromatic marinade to the creamy, zesty dipping sauce. It’s easy to prepare and great for grilling or stovetop cooking. Whether served as an appetizer or a main course with rice or salad, Chicken Satay is always a crowd-pleaser. The spicy peanut sauce can even be used as a dip or dressing beyond this dish.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the chicken satay:

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Garlic
Ginger
Soy sauce
Brown sugar
Lime juice
Curry powder or turmeric
Coconut milk
Skewers (soaked if wooden)
Salt
Black pepper

For the spicy peanut dipping sauce:

Creamy peanut butter
Soy sauce
Rice vinegar or lime juice
Brown sugar or honey
Garlic
Sriracha or chili paste
Coconut milk or water (to thin)
Crushed peanuts and cilantro (optional, for garnish)

directions

In a bowl, whisk together garlic, ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, curry powder, and coconut milk.
Cut the chicken into thin strips and place in the marinade. Toss to coat, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
While the chicken marinates, make the peanut sauce: combine peanut butter, soy sauce, vinegar or lime juice, brown sugar, garlic, and sriracha in a small bowl. Thin with coconut milk or water until desired consistency is reached.
Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Thread marinated chicken onto skewers.
Grill chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and nicely charred.
Serve skewers hot with the spicy peanut dipping sauce on the side. Garnish with chopped peanuts and cilantro if desired.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Marinate time: 1 hour (or more)
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Variations

Use tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.
Add lemongrass to the marinade for an extra aromatic twist.
Swap sriracha with chili oil or sambal oelek for a different heat level.
Try almond or cashew butter in place of peanut butter.
Bake the skewers in the oven at 425°F for 15–20 minutes if you don’t have a grill.

storage/reheating

Store leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat chicken in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
The peanut sauce can be served cold or gently reheated with a splash of water to loosen the texture.
Skewers are best fresh but can be frozen for up to 2 months.

FAQs

What is chicken satay made of?

Chicken satay is made of thin strips of marinated chicken grilled on skewers, typically served with a peanut dipping sauce.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, both work well—thighs are juicier, but breasts are leaner and cook quickly.

How spicy is the peanut sauce?

The spice level depends on how much sriracha or chili paste you add. You can easily adjust it to your taste.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, if you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, the dish is naturally gluten-free.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken overnight and prepare the peanut sauce a day in advance.

What should I serve with chicken satay?

It pairs well with jasmine rice, cucumber salad, rice noodles, or a side of sautéed vegetables.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Yes, but you may want to blend the sauce for a smoother texture if preferred.

Can I bake the skewers instead of grilling?

Absolutely. Bake at 425°F on a lined baking sheet for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway.

How do I keep the chicken from drying out?

Don’t overcook it, and use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F without going too far over.

What else can I use the peanut sauce for?

It’s great as a dip for veggies, a dressing for salads, or even as a sauce for noodles or grain bowls.

Conclusion

Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce is a flavorful, satisfying dish that’s surprisingly simple to make. The savory grilled chicken and creamy, spicy peanut sauce create a perfect pairing that works for both casual meals and entertaining. With its bold flavors and easy preparation, this recipe is sure to become a regular favorite in your kitchen.

Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce