Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce

Name: Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Southeast Asian
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup coconut milk; 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter; 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce; 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Published: February 16, 2026

by william castellanos

Why You'll Love This Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce

This incredible Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor; they add a kick that makes everything better!
Coconut Milk: A must-have for creamy peanut sauce; it adds richness and balances out all those bold flavors.
Peanut Butter: Use smooth peanut butter for easy mixing and a luxurious texture in your sauce—no one likes chunky sauce unless it’s chunky monkey ice cream!
Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness while adding umami goodness.
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens up the dish and brings out all the flavors—think of it as sunshine in a bottle!

For the Sauce:

Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance out the savory elements—don’t skip this unless you’re trying to make friends with bitter flavors!
Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy some heat; adjust according to your fiery tolerance level—like how much spice you can handle at family gatherings!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce:

Step 1: Marinate Your Chicken

Start by slicing your boneless chicken breasts into strips or cubes—whatever suits your fancy. In a bowl, mix garlic cloves (minced), coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, and brown sugar. Toss in your chicken pieces until they’re well-coated. Cover and let them marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or overnight if you’re feeling ambitious).

Step 2: Prepare the Skewers

While your chicken is soaking up all those delightful flavors like a sponge at a waterfall retreat, soak wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill. If you’re using metal skewers—congratulations! You’re already ahead of the game!

Step 3: Make Your Peanut Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium heat, stir together peanut butter and coconut milk until smooth (like butter on hot toast). Add soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. Let it simmer until everything is combined beautifully—this is where magic happens!

Step 4: Grill Time!

Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers like threading pearls onto a necklace—just don’t eat them yet! Grill each side for about 4-5 minutes or until cooked through and slightly charred.

Step 5: Serve It Up

Transfer those glorious skewers onto plates and drizzle generously with your homemade peanut sauce. Garnish with chopped peanuts or cilantro if you’re feeling fancy—nothing says “I’m an adult” like garnishes!

Step 6: Dive In!

Serve hot alongside extra peanut sauce for dipping because who doesn’t want more? Gather everyone around and watch as they devour every last morsel—and savor every moment of joy!

Enjoy this delightful experience as you indulge in Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce that’ll transport you straight to flavor paradise!

You Must Know About Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce

This showstopping Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.

Perfecting Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken to infuse it with flavor. While that’s happening, whip up the peanut sauce. Sear the marinated chicken on a hot grill or skillet until golden brown while the sauce simmers to perfection.

Flavor Your Way

Feel free to swap out chicken for tofu or shrimp if you want a twist. Add some chopped cilantro or lime zest into the peanut sauce for extra zing, or toss in crushed peanuts for texture. The options are endless!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.

Chef's Helpful Tips for Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce

This professional-quality Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.

Sometimes I whip up this Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce when friends come over, and their eyes light up as soon as they take that first bite—it’s like magic!

FAQs

What is Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce?

Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce is a popular Southeast Asian dish that features marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection and served with a rich, savory peanut sauce. The chicken typically marinates in a blend of spices, coconut milk, and soy sauce, imparting a deep flavor. The peanut sauce, made from ground peanuts, coconut milk, and spices, complements the grilled chicken beautifully. This dish is often enjoyed as an appetizer or main course and is beloved for its unique taste and aroma.

How do you make Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce?

To make Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce, start by cutting chicken breast into strips and marinating them in a mixture of soy sauce, turmeric, garlic, and coconut milk for at least 30 minutes. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers and grill until cooked through. For the peanut sauce, combine peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until smooth. Serve the grilled chicken skewers alongside the warm peanut sauce for dipping.

What can I serve with Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce?

Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Common accompaniments include jasmine rice or rice noodles that soak up the delicious sauce. Fresh cucumber salad adds crunch and freshness. You can also serve it alongside steamed vegetables or a light Asian coleslaw for added texture. This combination enhances the overall meal experience while balancing flavors.

Can Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce be made in advance?

Yes, you can prepare Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce in advance. Marinate and skewer the chicken ahead of time, then refrigerate until you are ready to grill. The peanut sauce can also be made earlier; just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply grill the chicken skewers and reheat the sauce gently on low heat before serving.

Conclusion

In summary, Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce is a delightful dish that brings together tender grilled chicken and a creamy, flavorful peanut sauce. Making this recipe involves simple ingredients and straightforward steps that anyone can follow. It serves well as an appetizer or main course paired with rice or salads. With its rich flavors and enticing aroma, Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce will surely impress your guests or family at any gathering.