Chicken satay dinner featuring grilled skewers served with a rich peanut sauce, creating a flavorful meal inspired by Southeast Asian cuisine.
Main Dishes

Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce

Chicken satay with peanut sauce is built for simple prep, bold flavor, and an easy serving setup that works for snacks or full meals.
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Ingredients

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne powder
  • 10 wooden skewers, soaked for 30 minutes
  • 1 scallion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsps sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp lime juice

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden skewers
  • Baking sheet or grill
  • Small saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Tongs

Instructions

  1. Marinate the chicken by combining the coconut milk, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and cayenne powder in a large bowl. Stir until the marinade looks fully blended and evenly seasoned. Cut the chicken breast into 1-inch chunks, add them to the bowl, and stir until each piece is coated. Cover and refrigerate for 5 to 6 hours so the chicken absorbs the flavor and stays tender during high-heat cooking.
  2. Thread the marinated chicken chunks onto the soaked wooden skewers, leaving about half of each skewer empty for handling. Arrange the skewers in a single layer on a large baking sheet so heat circulates evenly. Bake at 450°F for 10 minutes, flip the skewers, then bake for another 5 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Grilling also works if you prefer a more charred finish, and the timing will be similar depending on heat.
  3. Make the peanut sauce while the chicken cooks by adding peanut butter, minced garlic, sesame oil, soy sauce, and lime juice to a small saucepan. Whisk over medium-low heat until the sauce turns smooth and pourable. Keep the sauce warm over low heat and stir occasionally so it stays consistent. If it thickens too much, a small splash of water can loosen it without changing the flavor.
  4. Transfer the chicken skewers to a serving plate and lightly brush peanut sauce over the chicken. Top with sliced scallions and a touch of black pepper, then serve while warm. Extra sauce on the side works well for dipping, especially if you want a stronger peanut finish. Lime at serving can also brighten the plate if you like a sharper edge.

Notes

  • Soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes before cooking to help prevent burning.
  • Marinating the chicken for several hours produces the most tender and flavorful results.
  • If the peanut sauce becomes too thick, whisk in a tablespoon of warm water until it reaches your preferred consistency.
  • Chicken satay can be baked or grilled depending on your preference.
  • Serve with steamed rice, cucumber salad, or fresh vegetables for a complete meal.

Chicken Satay with Homemade Peanut Sauce

Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce combines juicy marinated chicken skewers with a creamy, savory peanut dipping sauce inspired by Southeast Asian flavors. The coconut milk marinade keeps the chicken moist while garlic, cayenne, and black pepper provide balanced seasoning that pairs perfectly with the rich peanut sauce.
Whether served as an appetizer for entertaining or as the centerpiece of a weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers restaurant-style flavor using simple ingredients and straightforward preparation.

Rich Peanut Sauce for Dipping or Drizzling

The homemade peanut sauce blends creamy peanut butter with sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, and fresh lime juice to create a smooth sauce that's ideal for brushing over the chicken or serving alongside for dipping. The combination offers savory, nutty, and slightly tangy flavors that complement the grilled chicken beautifully.

Perfect for Meals or Entertaining

These chicken skewers can be baked indoors or cooked on the grill, making them a versatile recipe year-round. Pair them with rice, fresh vegetables, or a simple salad for a complete meal, or serve them on a platter as an easy appetizer for gatherings and cookouts.
Browse more recipes in our Main Dishes collection, discover additional Appetizers & Snacks, learn about The Peanut's Journey, or explore Where Peanuts Grow.

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