Name: Chicken Satay with Easy Thai Peanut Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs; 1 cup coconut milk; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger; 1 tablespoon curry powder; 1 teaspoon turmeric; 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce; 1/4 cup coconut milk or water (to thin); 1 teaspoon fish sauce (optional); 2 tablespoons chopped peanuts; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Golden, smoky, and loaded with flavor, this Chicken Satay with Easy Thai Peanut Sauce brings street food magic right to your backyard grill or stovetop. The chicken is marinated in a fragrant blend of spices and coconut milk, grilled to charred perfection, and served with a creamy peanut sauce that’s downright addictive. It’s an easy dish that tastes like you’ve spent hours preparing it, perfect for weeknights, gatherings, or when you just want something satisfying and savory.

This recipe celebrates Southeast Asian flavors with simple ingredients and bold results. The combination of tender chicken skewers and rich peanut sauce creates a balance of savory, sweet, and spicy in every bite. It’s kid-friendly, meal-prep friendly, and absolutely made to impress. You’ll want to keep the sauce recipe around for dipping everything from veggies to spring rolls.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

For chicken satay, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal. They remain juicy during grilling and soak up the marinade beautifully. You can use chicken breasts if preferred, but keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook. Thighs are a bit more forgiving, especially when grilled or pan-seared at high heat.

Ingredients for the Chicken Satay with Easy Thai Peanut Sauce

Chicken Thighs – Tender and flavorful, they hold up well on skewers and absorb the marinade deliciously.

Coconut Milk – Adds creaminess and subtle sweetness to the marinade, helping to tenderize the meat.

Garlic & Ginger – Fresh aromatics that boost the flavor profile with warmth and depth.

Soy Sauce – Brings the salty umami needed to balance the sweet and spicy flavors.

Brown Sugar – For a hint of caramelized sweetness that enhances the grill marks and flavor.

Curry Powder & Turmeric – These spices add color, warmth, and a traditional Southeast Asian flair.

Peanut Butter – The base of the peanut sauce; creamy, nutty, and perfectly rich.

Lime Juice – Cuts through the richness and brightens the sauce.

Chili Garlic Sauce – Brings the heat and tang to the peanut sauce.

Fish Sauce – Optional, but adds a deep umami hit to the peanut sauce.

Water or Coconut Milk (for thinning sauce) – To adjust consistency to your liking.

Chopped Peanuts & Cilantro (for garnish) – For crunch and freshness on top.

How To Make the Chicken Satay with Easy Thai Peanut Sauce

Step 1: Prep the Marinade

In a large bowl, whisk together coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, curry powder, and turmeric. Slice the chicken thighs into long strips and toss them in the marinade. Cover and let them marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Make the Peanut Sauce

In a small saucepan over low heat, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, chili garlic sauce, and a splash of coconut milk or water until smooth. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, adding more liquid to reach your desired consistency. Set aside.

Step 3: Skewer the Chicken

Thread the marinated chicken strips onto soaked bamboo skewers or metal skewers. Don’t pack them too tightly—leave a little space so they cook evenly.

Step 4: Grill or Sear

Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates and cook the chicken skewers for 3–4 minutes per side, or until nicely charred and cooked through. Flip only once to get those beautiful grill marks.

Step 5: Serve with Sauce

Arrange the hot skewers on a platter, sprinkle with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro, and serve with a side of warm peanut sauce. Optionally, serve with cucumber salad or jasmine rice to round out the meal.

Serving and Storing Chicken Satay with Easy Thai Peanut Sauce

Serve chicken satay fresh off the grill with warm peanut sauce on the side for dipping. It pairs beautifully with jasmine rice, coconut rice, or a crisp cucumber salad to balance the richness. You can also add a side of pickled vegetables or wrap the skewers in lettuce for a low-carb option.

To store leftovers, remove chicken from skewers and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The peanut sauce can be stored separately in a sealed jar for the same duration. Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave, and warm the sauce on the stove with a splash of water or coconut milk to loosen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake the chicken satay instead of grilling it?

Yes! Preheat your oven to 425°F and bake the skewers on a lined baking sheet for 15–18 minutes, flipping once halfway through.

Is there a substitute for peanut butter in the sauce?

If you have a peanut allergy, you can use sunflower seed butter or almond butter. The flavor will vary slightly but still be delicious.

Can I freeze chicken satay?

Yes, marinated (uncooked) chicken freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before cooking. Cooked chicken can also be frozen, though it may dry slightly when reheated.

What if I don’t have curry powder?

You can mix equal parts ground coriander, cumin, and turmeric to get a similar warm, earthy flavor. Or substitute with a mild yellow curry paste.

Can I make the peanut sauce in advance?

Absolutely. The sauce can be made up to 5 days ahead and stored in the fridge. Just reheat gently before serving.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you’re loving the bold, savory flavors of this Chicken Satay with Easy Thai Peanut Sauce, you’ll want to explore these other incredible dishes from Life with Jam:

Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet – A creamy, comfort-packed skillet dish you’ll crave all week.
Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce – Perfect for meal prep with bold garlic flavor.
Sweet Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot – Set it, forget it, and come home to amazing aroma.
Creamy Garlic Marry Me Salmon – Another creamy favorite for seafood nights.
Healthy Lemon Butter Baked Cod – Light and zesty, perfect for a quick dinner fix.

These recipes are full of bold seasoning and weeknight-friendly ease. Great for anyone looking to keep dinner exciting without the stress.

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Tried this chicken satay? Let me know in the comments how it turned out! Did you char it on the grill or bake it? Tweak the sauce with extra heat? I’d love to hear your take.

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Chicken Satay with Easy Thai Peanut Sauce

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Bring home the bold flavors of Southeast Asia with this Chicken Satay with Easy Thai Peanut Sauce. Tender marinated chicken thighs are grilled to perfection and served with a rich, creamy peanut sauce that’s full of sweet, savory, and spicy notes. It’s perfect for dinner, parties, or meal prep!

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, curry powder, and turmeric. Slice chicken thighs into long strips and toss in the marinade. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.

2. For the sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, chili garlic sauce, and coconut milk (or water). Stir until smooth and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Set aside.

3. Thread the marinated chicken onto soaked bamboo or metal skewers. Leave space between each piece for even cooking.

4. Grill on medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side until charred and cooked through. Alternatively, bake at 425°F for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.

5. Serve skewers with warm peanut sauce. Garnish with chopped peanuts and cilantro. Enjoy with jasmine rice or cucumber salad.