Chicken Satay Peanut Skewers (Print Version)

Grilled marinated chicken strips paired with a creamy peanut sauce and fresh garnishes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken Marinade

01 - 1.1 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 3/4-inch strips
02 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce
03 - 2 tablespoons coconut milk
04 - 1 tablespoon brown sugar
05 - 1 tablespoon fish sauce
06 - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
07 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
08 - 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
09 - 1 teaspoon ground coriander
10 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
11 - 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
12 - 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes

→ Peanut Sauce

13 - 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
14 - 1/2 cup coconut milk
15 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce
16 - 1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
17 - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
18 - 1 tablespoon fish sauce
19 - 1 garlic clove, minced
20 - 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
21 - 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
22 - 2-4 tablespoons warm water

→ For Serving

23 - 1 cucumber, sliced
24 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
25 - Fresh cilantro, chopped
26 - Lime wedges

# Steps:

01 - Whisk together soy sauce, coconut milk, brown sugar, fish sauce, vegetable oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, coriander, cumin, turmeric, and chili flakes in a large bowl. Add chicken strips and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to 8 hours for optimal flavor penetration.
02 - Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent scorching. Thread marinated chicken strips onto skewers, piercing through the center lengthwise for even cooking.
03 - Combine peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, fish sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chili flakes in a small saucepan. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth and well blended. Add warm water 1 tablespoon at a time until desired dipping consistency is achieved.
04 - Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill chicken skewers for 3 to 4 minutes per side until cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F and lightly charred edges.
05 - Arrange grilled skewers on a serving platter alongside warm peanut sauce. Garnish with cucumber slices, red onion, chopped cilantro, and fresh lime wedges.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The marinade transforms ordinary chicken into something incredibly juicy and aromatic
  • That peanut sauce is the kind of thing you'll want to put on everything
  • Grilled skewers turn dinner into an interactive, finger-food experience
02 -
  • Don't marinate the chicken longer than eight hours or the texture can become mushy
  • The peanut sauce thickens as it cools, so keep it warm or add more water before serving
  • Medium-high heat is crucial for those restaurant-quality char marks without drying out the meat
03 -
  • Thread the chicken strips in a slight wave pattern rather than straight and tight to help them cook evenly
  • For extra-smooth peanut sauce, give it a quick whisk with an immersion blender before serving