If you’re looking for a vibrant dish that bursts with flavor and is surprisingly simple to make, this Easy Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. Juicy, tender chicken marinated in a heavenly blend of fragrant spices and coconut milk comes together perfectly with a rich, creamy peanut sauce that’s both tangy and just a little spicy. Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a gathering, this dish brings a taste of Southeast Asia right to your table without fuss. Get ready to fall in love with every bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the joy of cooking this dish. Each component plays an essential role, contributing distinct layers of flavor and texture that make this recipe so memorable.
- Coconut milk (1/2 cup): Adds creamy richness and balances the spices beautifully.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Brings a savory umami punch that deepens the marinade.
- Freshly squeezed lime juice (1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon): Infuses the chicken and peanut sauce with bright, zesty notes.
- Gourmet Garden Stir-in Garlic Paste (3 teaspoons + 2 teaspoons): Provides pungent, fresh garlic flavor without the hassle of peeling and chopping.
- Brown sugar (1 tablespoon + 2 tablespoons): Offers a subtle sweetness that balances heat and acidity.
- Gourmet Garden Stir-in Ginger Paste (1 teaspoon): Lends warm, fragrant spice for an authentic touch.
- Gourmet Garden Lightly Dried Cilantro (1 teaspoon + 1/2 teaspoon): Adds herby freshness and a pop of color.
- Curry powder (1 teaspoon + 1 teaspoon): Gives the dish a mild, aromatic foundation that ties all flavors together.
- Boneless skinless chicken breast tenders (1 pound): The star protein that’s quick to cook and easy to skewer.
- Creamy peanut butter (1/2 cup): Essential for that luscious, nutty peanut sauce that makes this recipe so irresistible.
- Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): Helps with cooking the chicken evenly without sticking.
- Sriracha (1 tablespoon): Adds just the right amount of heat to the peanut sauce for a hint of excitement.
How to Make Easy Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade and Chicken
Mix the coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic paste, brown sugar, ginger paste, cilantro, and curry powder in a large bowl. This marinade infuses the chicken with vibrant, layered flavors and helps tenderize it for that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Add the chicken tenders or strips to the marinade, making sure each piece is well coated. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes, but if you have time, a couple of hours will intensify the delicious flavors.
Step 2: Make the Peanut Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine the creamy peanut butter, lime juice, vegetable oil, curry powder, garlic paste, coconut milk, sriracha, cilantro, and brown sugar. Warm the mixture gently over low heat, stirring continuously until smooth and glossy. The peanut sauce should be thick enough to cling to the chicken but still pourable. This sauce is the heart of the dish and brings a perfect balance of sweet, salty, tangy, and spicy.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken Satay
Thread the marinated chicken strips onto skewers. Grill or pan-fry the chicken over medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and lightly charred. The marinade caramelizes beautifully, creating that signature satay look and flavor. It’s best to keep an eye on the chicken to avoid overcooking, preserving its juiciness.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Arrange the cooked chicken satay on a platter and generously drizzle or serve alongside the peanut sauce. The combination of warm chicken with the creamy sauce will delight your taste buds and leave you craving more.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes always elevate the dish. Sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts for crunch, extra cilantro for freshness, and thinly sliced red chilies if you love an added kick. A wedge of lime on the side invites guests to add a burst of citrus that cuts through the richness.
Side Dishes
This Easy Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce Recipe pairs wonderfully with fragrant jasmine rice or steaming coconut rice to soak up every savory drop of sauce. A crisp cucumber salad or tangy pickled vegetables provide a refreshing contrast and nicely balance the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or casual munching, serve the chicken satay on a wooden board or bamboo platter with small bowls of peanut sauce for dipping. You can even turn these into wraps by adding the chicken and sauce inside soft tortillas or lettuce leaves for a fun twist on the traditional appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken and peanut sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps the chicken tender and the sauce fresh, preventing them from blending flavors prematurely.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish longer, freeze the cooked chicken skewers and the peanut sauce in separate freezer-safe containers. When properly sealed, they can last up to 2 months without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet or oven to avoid drying it out. Warm the peanut sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring to restore its creamy consistency. Avoid microwaving if possible, as slow reheating retains the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken breast tenders are ideal for quick cooking and easy skewering, boneless chicken thighs also work beautifully if you prefer a juicier, more flavorful option.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and double-check that all other ingredients, like curry powder and sriracha, are certified gluten-free.
How spicy is this Easy Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce Recipe?
The heat comes primarily from the sriracha, which is mellowed by creamy peanut butter and coconut milk. If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce the sriracha or omit it altogether without losing flavor.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a party?
Definitely! You can marinate the chicken and make the peanut sauce a day in advance. When your guests arrive, just cook the chicken quickly and serve. This recipe is perfect for entertaining because it’s easy to scale and temperament.
What if I don’t have Gourmet Garden pastes and herbs?
Freshly minced garlic, ginger, and cilantro work fine as substitutes. The Gourmet Garden products add convenience and a consistent intensity, but fresh ingredients keep the dish vibrant and authentic.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce Recipe is a wonderful blend of simplicity and bold, exciting flavors that anyone can achieve in their home kitchen. Once you try it, you’ll see how effortless it is to bring a restaurant-quality dish to your own table. So grab those skewers and start cooking—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Easy Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southeast Asian
Description
This Easy Chicken Satay recipe features tender strips of boneless skinless chicken breast marinated in a flavorful blend of coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, and aromatic spices. Grilled or pan-cooked to perfection, the chicken is served with a rich and creamy peanut sauce enhanced with garlic, ginger, and a hint of sriracha, making it a perfect dish for appetizers or a main course that captures the essence of Southeast Asian cuisine.
Ingredients
Marinade
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 3 teaspoons Gourmet Garden Stir-in Garlic Paste
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Gourmet Garden Stir-in Ginger Paste
- 1 teaspoon Gourmet Garden Lightly Dried Cilantro
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast tenders (or chicken breast cut into strips)
Peanut Sauce
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 2 teaspoons Gourmet Garden Stir-in Garlic Paste
- 1/4 cup coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1/2 teaspoon Gourmet Garden Lightly Dried Cilantro
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup coconut milk, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice, 3 teaspoons garlic paste, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ginger paste, 1 teaspoon dried cilantro, and 1 teaspoon curry powder. Stir well to create a smooth marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken tenders or strips to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
- Prepare the Peanut Sauce: In a separate saucepan, combine 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon curry powder, 2 teaspoons garlic paste, 1/4 cup coconut milk, 1 tablespoon sriracha, 1/2 teaspoon dried cilantro, and 2 tablespoons brown sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently until the sauce is smooth and heated through. Adjust seasoning if needed, then remove from heat.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and nicely charred on the edges.
- Serve: Arrange the cooked chicken satay on a platter and serve hot with the warm peanut sauce for dipping. Garnish with extra dried cilantro or lime wedges if desired.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes to develop flavor; overnight marinating intensifies taste.
- For a spicier peanut sauce, increase the amount of sriracha according to your preference.
- Can substitute chicken tenders with thigh meat for juicier results.
- Prepare peanut sauce ahead of time and reheat gently before serving.
- Serve with steamed rice or fresh vegetable sticks for a complete meal.
