Recipe

Signature Chicken Satay

Juicy, grilled chicken skewers with a creamy peanut sauce that hits sweet, salty, tangy, and just-spicy-enough. Weeknight-friendly, party-ready, and wildly dunkable.

By Matt Campbell

•

4.8

Grilled chicken satay skewers on a plate with a bowl of creamy peanut sauce and lime wedges

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Chicken satay is one of those foods that makes everyone hover near the kitchen like they suddenly have important business in there. The smell alone does it. And this is my signature chicken satay recipe, meaning it is the one I make when I want guaranteed applause with minimal drama.

What makes it “signature” for me is the combo of a yogurt plus coconut milk marinade (tender, juicy, nicely seasoned) and a peanut sauce that is actually balanced. Think: nutty, glossy, lightly sweet, salty, and brightened up with lime so it does not feel heavy. If your last satay sauce tasted like straight peanut butter, do not worry. We are fixing that.

Good news: you do not need a grill. A grill pan, broiler, or hot skillet works. Just promise me you will taste as you go. That is how the sauce becomes your sauce.

Chicken satay skewers sizzling on a hot grill pan with light charring

Why It Works

Tender chicken, not dry chicken: A yogurt and coconut milk marinade keeps things juicy while fish sauce and brown sugar build savory depth and browning.
Big flavor without a long ingredient list: Curry powder, garlic, ginger, and lime do most of the heavy lifting.
Creamy peanut sauce that actually tastes balanced: Peanut butter gets loosened with coconut milk and sharpened with lime and a touch of vinegar, so it is rich but not cloying.
Fast cook time: Thin strips on skewers cook quickly and char nicely, even on a stovetop or under the broiler.

Pairs Well With

Storage Tips

How to Store Leftovers

Chicken: Cool, then store airtight in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water, or microwave in short bursts so it stays juicy.
Peanut sauce: Store in a jar or container in the fridge for up to 5 to 7 days. It will thicken as it chills. Warm it up and whisk in 1 to 3 tablespoons water or coconut milk until it is pourable again.
Freezing: The cooked chicken freezes well up to 2 months. The sauce can be frozen too, but may separate slightly. Thaw overnight and whisk hard while warming to bring it back.
Meal prep tip: Keep chicken and sauce separate until serving so the chicken keeps its crisp edges.

Common Questions

FAQ

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes. Slice it thin and do not overcook it. Chicken breast is less forgiving, so pull it as soon as it hits 165°F in the thickest piece. Also, do not marinate it too long: 30 minutes to 4 hours is the sweet spot so it stays tender (not mealy).

Do I have to use fish sauce?

No, but it adds that savory depth that makes satay taste restaurant-level. Swap with soy sauce (same amount). If you go soy sauce, consider using low-sodium, and add a tiny extra squeeze of lime at the end to keep it bright.

What if I do not have skewers?

No problem. Cook the marinated chicken strips directly in a hot skillet or grill pan. You will still get those browned edges, and nobody will complain.

Is the peanut sauce spicy?

It can be as mild or spicy as you want. Start with a little chili garlic sauce, taste, then add more. This is a sauce, not a dare.

My sauce is too thick or too salty. How do I fix it?

Too thick: whisk in warm water or coconut milk a tablespoon at a time. Too salty: add more lime juice and a touch of honey or brown sugar. If it is still intense, thin it slightly and it will mellow.

Any peanut-free option?

If you need to skip peanuts, try sunflower seed butter (best 1:1 swap) or almond butter. The flavor will change a bit, but the sauce will still be creamy and very dip-friendly.

Matt Campbell

I have always had a huge passion for the culinary arts, people, working as a team, and so on. I wanted to pursue my love for cooking initially at Virginia Commonwealth University with a culinary arts degree; however, I instead decided to apply myself and acquire more practical skills. My end goal is to eventually open my own restaurant or similar establishment.

Kitchen Essentials

Mixing bowl (for marinade)
Small saucepan (for peanut sauce)
Whisk
Metal or wooden skewers (if using wooden, soak 20 to 30 minutes)
Grill, grill pan, broiler, or large skillet
Tongs
Instant-read thermometer (recommended)
Foil (optional, for wrapping skewer ends)

I started making satay when I realized it is basically the perfect cooking-for-people loophole. It looks impressive, it feeds a crowd, and it gives everyone permission to eat with their hands. The first time I nailed the sauce, I actually stopped mid-stir and said out loud, “Okay, wow.” That is still the goal. Not perfection, just that moment where the flavors click and you know dinner is going to be a good time.

Signature Chicken Satay

(4.8 Reviews)

Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 12 mins

Total Time 1 hr 2 mins (includes 30 mins marinating)

Servings 4

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

1 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), sliced into 1-inch strips
1/3 cup full-fat coconut milk
1/4 cup plain yogurt (Greek or regular)
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp fish sauce (or soy sauce, preferably low-sodium)
1 tbsp neutral oil (avocado, canola, or grapeseed)
2 tsp curry powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp kosher salt (use 3/4 tsp if using soy sauce and you are salt-sensitive)
3 cloves garlic, grated or finely minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
1 lime, zested and juiced

For the Creamy Peanut Sauce

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk
2 tbsp soy sauce (preferably low-sodium)
1 tbsp lime juice, plus more to taste
1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
1 to 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar (to taste)
1 to 2 tsp chili garlic sauce or sriracha (optional, to taste)
1 small clove garlic, finely grated (optional but good)
Warm water, as needed to thin

For Serving (Optional but Highly Encouraged)

Chopped cilantro
Chopped roasted peanuts
Lime wedges (grab a second lime if yours is small)
Cucumber slices
Steamed rice or coconut rice

Instructions

Soak skewers (if using wood). Soak in water for 20 to 30 minutes so they do not burn. Optional but helpful: wrap the exposed skewer ends with a little foil, especially on a grill or grill pan.
Make the marinade. In a bowl, whisk coconut milk, yogurt, brown sugar, fish sauce, oil, curry powder, cumin, salt, garlic, ginger, and lime zest and juice.
Marinate the chicken. Add chicken strips and toss well. Marinate for 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours in the fridge if using thighs). If using chicken breast, cap it at 4 hours so the texture stays juicy and tender. If chilled, let it sit at room temp for 10 minutes before cooking for more even browning.
Make the peanut sauce. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, whisk peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, vinegar, honey, chili sauce, and garlic (if using). Simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until smooth. If it gets too thick, whisk in warm water 1 tablespoon at a time until it is creamy and dippable. Taste and adjust: more lime for brightness, more honey for sweetness, more soy for salt.
Skewer the chicken. Thread chicken onto skewers, accordion-style. Do not pack it too tightly so heat can get in there. You will typically end up with 6 to 8 skewers, depending on size.
Cook (choose your method).
- Grill or grill pan: Heat over medium-high and oil the grates lightly. Cook skewers 3 to 4 minutes per side, until charred at the edges and the thickest piece hits 165°F.
- Skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium-high with a thin slick of oil. Cook 3 to 4 minutes per side, adjusting heat as needed to get browning without burning.
- Broiler: Set an oven rack about 6 inches from the broiler. Line a sheet pan with foil and lightly oil it (or use a rack on the pan if you have one). Broil skewers 4 to 5 minutes, flip, then broil 3 to 5 minutes more, until lightly charred and the thickest piece hits 165°F. Keep an eye on them, broilers mean business.
Rest, then sauce. Rest skewers 2 minutes. Serve with peanut sauce, chopped peanuts, cilantro, and lime wedges. If you want the full experience, spoon a little sauce over the skewers and keep extra for dunking.

Creamy peanut sauce being whisked in a small saucepan on a stovetop

Nutrition information is estimated.

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