Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce

Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce is a delightful dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine right to your kitchen. Perfect for parties, family dinners, or a cozy night in, these chicken skewers are marinated to perfection and grilled until tender. The rich and creamy peanut sauce elevates this dish, making it an unforgettable experience. Whether served as an appetizer or a main course, Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce is sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy Preparation: This recipe takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of spices and the creamy peanut sauce creates a delicious balance of flavors.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve these skewers as a starter, main course, or even at barbecues for a crowd-pleasing dish.
• Customizable Ingredients: Adjust the level of spice or add your favorite garnishes for a personal touch.
• Healthy Protein Source: Made with boneless chicken thighs, this recipe provides lean protein along with healthy fats from the peanut sauce.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen. These will help streamline the process and ensure perfect results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Bamboo skewers
• Grill or BBQ
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring spoons
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Bamboo skewers: These are essential for holding the chicken pieces together while they cook evenly on the grill.
• Grill or BBQ: Provides that perfect charred flavor that makes satay so special.
• Mixing bowls: Necessary for marinating the chicken and mixing the peanut sauce smoothly.

Ingredients

For your Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce, gather these ingredients:

• 400 g/14oz coconut milk (1 can), full fat
• 13-16 bamboo skewers, 16cm / 6.5 long (Note 1)
• 600 g / 1.2lb chicken thighs, boneless skinless, cut into 2cm/4/5 pieces (Note 2)
• 1 tbsp curry powder (Note 3)
• 1 tsp white sugar
• 2 tsp red curry paste (Note 4)
• 1 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt (sub 1/2 tsp table salt)
• 2 tbsp red curry paste (Note 4)
• 3/4 cup natural peanut butter, smooth (Note 5)
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 2 tsp dark soy sauce (Note 6)
• 1 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt (sub 1/2 tsp table salt)
• 2 tbsp cider vinegar (Note 7)
• 3/4 cup water
• 2 tbsp peanuts, finely chopped
• Lime wedges (optional)
• Coriander / cilantro leaves and sliced red chili (optional)

How to Make Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Skewers

If cooking on a BBQ or over charcoal, soak skewers for at least two hours in water. This prevents them from burning during grilling.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

In a mixing bowl:
1. Combine coconut milk, curry powder, white sugar, red curry paste, and cooking salt.
2. Add chicken pieces to the marinade and stir well to coat.
3. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb all those delicious flavors.

Step 3: Make the Peanut Sauce

In another bowl:
1. Mix together natural peanut butter, white sugar, dark soy sauce, cooking salt, cider vinegar, and water.
2. Whisk until smooth and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken Skewers

1. Preheat your grill or BBQ over medium heat.
2. Thread marinated chicken onto soaked bamboo skewers.
3. Grill each skewer for about six to eight minutes on each side or until fully cooked through.

Step 5: Serve

Serve warm with peanut sauce on the side for dipping along with optional lime wedges and fresh coriander leaves for garnish.

Enjoy your homemade Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce!

How to Serve Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce

Serving Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce is a delightful experience that combines flavors and textures. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this dish for an unforgettable meal.

With Fresh Vegetables

• Crispy cucumber slices – These add a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the satay.
• Carrot sticks – Sweet and crunchy, they complement the savory flavors beautifully.
• Bell pepper strips – Colorful and sweet, they provide a vibrant addition to your platter.

On a Bed of Rice

• Jasmine rice – The fragrant rice absorbs the peanut sauce, making every bite delicious.
• Brown rice – A healthier option, it offers a nutty flavor that pairs well with the chicken.

As Part of a Platter

• Thai-style salad – Serve alongside a fresh salad dressed with lime juice for acidity.
• Spring rolls – These provide a fun texture contrast and can be dipped in peanut sauce too.

With Dipping Sauces

• Spicy chili sauce – For those who like extra heat, this is an excellent accompaniment.
• Soy sauce – A classic pairing that enhances the satay’s flavors.

How to Perfect Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce

Achieving perfection in your Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce takes just a few simple steps. Follow these tips to elevate your dish.

• Choose quality chicken – Use fresh boneless, skinless thighs for tender and juicy skewers.
• Marinate properly – Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor.
• Soak skewers ahead of time – Prevents burning on the grill by soaking bamboo skewers in water for two hours.
• Use natural peanut butter – Opt for peanut butter without added sugar or oils for the best flavor in your sauce.
• Adjust spice levels – Customize the amount of red curry paste based on your heat preference.
• Serve immediately – Enjoy the satay right off the grill for optimal taste and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce

Pairing side dishes with your Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce can enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Coconut Rice – This creamy rice complements the rich flavors of satay perfectly.
2. Thai Green Papaya Salad – A tangy salad that adds freshness and crunch, balancing out the meal.
3. Steamed Vegetables – Broccoli or bok choy lightly steamed provide nutrition without overpowering flavors.
4. Grilled Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn adds a smoky flavor that works well alongside satay.
5. Noodle Salad – Chill noodles tossed with veggies and sesame oil make a great side dish.
6. Mango Sticky Rice – This classic dessert balances out savory dishes beautifully, perfect for finishing off your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce, it’s easy to overlook some key steps that can lead to less-than-perfect results.

• Over-soaking skewers – Soaking bamboo skewers for too long can make them too soft. Aim for a soaking time of about 2 hours.
• Using low-quality peanut butter – Not all peanut butters are the same. Select natural peanut butter without added sugar or oil for the best flavor.
• Skipping marination time – Failing to marinate the chicken can result in bland skewers. Allow at least 30 minutes for marination, or longer if possible.
• Not monitoring cooking time – Overcooking the chicken can make it dry. Keep an eye on it and cook until just done, around 15 minutes.
• Neglecting sauce consistency – If your peanut sauce is too thick, you may need to add more water or vinegar to achieve a smooth texture.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Ensure the chicken satay is cooled before sealing to avoid condensation.

Freezing Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce

• Freeze the cooked satay in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• For best results, freeze the peanut sauce separately.

Reheating Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave – Place on a microwave-safe plate and heat in short bursts (30 seconds), checking frequently.
• Stovetop – Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce?

Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce consists of marinated chicken skewers grilled and served with a rich, creamy peanut sauce for dipping.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, while chicken thighs are recommended for juiciness, boneless chicken breast can also be used if preferred.

How do I make the peanut sauce smoother?

If your peanut sauce is thick, gradually add water or vinegar until you reach your desired consistency.

Can this recipe be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the satay and peanut sauce ahead and store them in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to serve.

What should I serve with Thai Chicken Satay?

Serve it with lime wedges, fresh coriander leaves, and sliced red chili for added flavor. It pairs well with rice or a fresh salad too!

Final Thoughts

Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adjusting spices or trying different proteins like shrimp or tofu. Don’t hesitate to experiment and make this dish your own!