Easy Thai Chicken Satay & Peanut Sauce

introduction

This Easy Thai Chicken Satay & Peanut Sauce is a simple, tasty meal you can make at home. The chicken soaks up a mild spice mix and coconut milk, and the peanut sauce is rich and smooth. If you like quick chicken recipes, also try the best crispy chicken taquitos recipe for another easy idea.

why make this recipe

• It is fast and uses few ingredients.
• The flavors are bold but not hard to make.
• You can grill, broil, or pan-fry the skewers.
• The peanut sauce works as a dip or a dressing.

how to make Easy Thai Chicken Satay & Peanut Sauce

1. Make the marinade and mix with the chicken. Let it sit so the flavors soak in.
2. Grill or cook the chicken on skewers until done and slightly charred.
3. Make the peanut sauce on low heat until smooth and warm.
4. Serve the hot chicken with the warm peanut sauce and any fresh sides.

Ingredients :

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into strips
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger or galangal
• Juice of 1 lime
• Skewers (if grilling on BBQ)

Peanut sauce:

• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon red curry paste
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
• Juice of 1/2 lime
• Warm water (as needed to thin the sauce)

Directions :

1. Whisk together 1/2 cup coconut milk, curry powder, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, fish sauce, soy sauce, turmeric, minced garlic, grated ginger, and lime juice.
2. Add the chicken strips to the marinade and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 1 hour, ideally overnight.
3. In a saucepan, combine peanut butter, 1/2 cup coconut milk, red curry paste, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and lime juice. Simmer on low heat, stirring often, until smooth. Thin with warm water as needed to reach the right dip consistency.
4. Preheat a grill pan or BBQ. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers if using. Grill 4–5 minutes per side until cooked through and slightly charred.
5. Serve hot chicken satay with the warm peanut sauce on the side and optional fresh cucumber relish.

how to serve Easy Thai Chicken Satay & Peanut Sauce

• Serve the skewers hot with a bowl of warm peanut sauce for dipping.
• Add a simple cucumber relish or sliced cucumbers for freshness.
• Offer steamed rice or rice noodles to make a fuller meal.
• Garnish with chopped cilantro and lime wedges.

how to store Easy Thai Chicken Satay & Peanut Sauce

• Store cooked chicken and sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat chicken gently in a pan or oven to keep it moist. Rewarm the sauce on low and add a little water if it thickens.
• Freeze the cooked chicken or sauce for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

tips to make Easy Thai Chicken Satay & Peanut Sauce

• Cut chicken into even strips so it cooks evenly.
• Marinate longer for deeper flavor. Overnight is best.
• Use thighs for juicier results, breasts for leaner meat.
• If you do not have a grill, broil or pan-sear the skewers.
• Thin the peanut sauce slowly with warm water until you reach the right texture.

variation (if any)

• Make it spicy: add more red curry paste or a dash of chili flakes to the sauce.
• Make it nut-free: use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
• Make it vegetarian: use firm tofu or seitan in place of chicken and cook the same way.

FAQs

Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Yes. Breasts work fine. Watch cook time so they do not dry out.

Q: How long should I marinate the chicken?
A: At least 1 hour. For best flavor, marinate overnight in the fridge.

Q: Can I make the peanut sauce ahead?
A: Yes. Make it a day or two ahead and store in the fridge. Warm it gently before serving.

Q: Do I have to use skewers?
A: No. Skewers help with grilling but you can cook strips directly in a pan or on a sheet pan.

Q: How do I fix a too-thick peanut sauce?
A: Stir in warm water, one tablespoon at a time, until it loosens to your liking.

Print