Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce

These Chicken Satay skewers are a perfect combination of tender, marinated chicken and a rich, spicy peanut dipping sauce. Grilled to perfection with Southeast Asian spices, they are quick, flavorful, and perfect for a snack, appetizer, or a part of a larger meal. The peanut sauce adds an extra layer of creaminess and heat, making this dish irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce brings together bold flavors from Southeast Asia in a simple and easy-to-make dish. The chicken is marinated in a vibrant mix of spices and herbs, offering a zesty, savory base, while the peanut dipping sauce is smooth, creamy, and just the right amount of spicy. It’s a perfect dish for grilling season, casual gatherings, or even a flavorful snack anytime.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Satay:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1 teaspoon ground coriander

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric

• 2 stalks lemongrass, minced (or 1 teaspoon lemon zest)

• 1 shallot, minced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced/grated

• 1 tablespoon galangal (or ginger), minced/grated

• 1 lime, zest and juice

• 1 bird’s eye chili, minced (or 1 tablespoon sriracha)

• 2 tablespoons fish sauce (or soy sauce)

• 2 tablespoons palm sugar (or brown sugar)

• 1 tablespoon oil

For the Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce:

• ½ cup peanut butter

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1 teaspoon lime juice

• 1 tablespoon sriracha (or more for extra heat)

• ¼ cup warm water (to adjust consistency)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken:

• In a bowl, mix the coriander, cumin, turmeric, lemongrass, shallot, garlic, galangal, lime zest and juice, chili, fish sauce, palm sugar, and oil.

• Add the chicken pieces to this mixture and toss to coat. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the fridge for more flavor.

2. Grill the Chicken:

• Skewer the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers.

• Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and grill the chicken for about 2-4 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and nicely charred.

3. Make the Peanut Sauce:

• While the chicken is grilling, prepare the dipping sauce by combining the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, lime juice, and sriracha in a bowl.

• Stir in warm water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency (thicker or thinner based on preference).

4. Serve:

• Once the chicken is cooked, serve the skewers with the spicy peanut dipping sauce on the side for dipping.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Marinate Time: 30 minutes to overnight

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version of this dish.

• Spicy Kick: For more heat, add extra sriracha or a couple of extra bird’s eye chilies to the marinade or sauce.

• Grill Pan Alternative: If you don’t have an outdoor grill, you can also cook the chicken skewers in a grill pan or under the broiler.

• Peanut Butter Substitution: If you’re allergic to peanuts, you can substitute the peanut butter with almond butter or sunflower seed butter.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover chicken satay can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat on the stovetop in a pan over low heat.

• Sauce Storage: The peanut sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Stir well before using, as it may thicken when chilled.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs are a great alternative, as they tend to stay juicy and flavorful when grilled. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, depending on the thickness.

2. Can I make the sauce spicier?

Absolutely! Add more sriracha or fresh chopped chilies to increase the heat level of the dipping sauce.

3. How long should I marinate the chicken?

For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but if you have more time, marinate it overnight for a deeper flavor.

4. Can I grill the chicken without skewers?

Yes! If you don’t have skewers, you can simply grill the marinated chicken pieces directly on the grill or on a grill pan.

5. Can I make the chicken satay in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the marinated chicken and the peanut sauce ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge and cook the chicken when ready to serve.

6. Can I serve the chicken with a side dish?

Yes! This satay pairs well with jasmine rice, a light cucumber salad, or grilled vegetables.

7. Can I freeze the leftover chicken satay?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and heat gently in the oven.

8. Can I make the peanut dipping sauce without soy sauce?

Yes, you can use tamari for a gluten-free version, or coconut aminos as a soy-free alternative to soy sauce.

9. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

The marinated chicken and peanut sauce can be made ahead of time. Just assemble and grill when you’re ready to serve.

10. How can I adjust the sweetness of the peanut sauce?

Adjust the honey or sugar in the peanut sauce according to your sweetness preference. For a more savory sauce, reduce the honey or increase the soy sauce.

Conclusion

Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that brings the best of Southeast Asian cuisine to your table. The perfectly grilled chicken, combined with the creamy, spicy peanut dipping sauce, makes for an unforgettable meal. Whether you’re serving it as a snack, appetizer, or part of a larger meal, this dish is sure to be a hit with everyone!

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