Thai Peanut Chicken Satay Skewers

Introduction

Thai cuisine is a celebration of vibrant, complex flavors — and nothing captures that better than Thai Peanut Chicken Satay Skewers. This iconic dish features marinated strips of juicy chicken, threaded onto skewers, grilled until lightly charred, and served with a luscious, savory-sweet peanut dipping sauce that’s downright addictive.

Satay is deeply rooted in Southeast Asian culinary traditions, with every country giving it a unique twist. The Thai version stands out for its rich marinade infused with coconut milk, lemongrass, curry, garlic, and turmeric, offering deep flavor with just the right balance of sweet, spicy, and umami.

The best part? These skewers are easy to prepare, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for anything from weeknight dinners and party appetizers to BBQ cookouts. Paired with a creamy, zesty Thai peanut sauce, they’re impossible to resist. This dish brings the essence of Thai street food right to your kitchen — bold, bright, and unforgettable.

Why I Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons why I absolutely adore this Thai Peanut Chicken Satay recipe. First and foremost, it’s about the layers of flavor — the marinade isn’t just a quick mix; it’s a beautiful blend of coconut milk, warm spices, aromatics, and curry that soaks deeply into the chicken, making every bite tender, juicy, and packed with flavor.

The peanut sauce deserves its own praise. It’s nutty, creamy, slightly tangy, a little spicy, and just sweet enough — the kind of sauce that you’ll want to dip everything into (veggies, rice, even your fingers!). What makes this dish so great is how well the chicken and sauce complement each other — each bite is like a dance of textures and tastes.

This recipe is a must-try because it’s:

• Perfect for meal prep or parties
• Naturally gluten-free
• Easily made ahead of time
• A total crowd-pleaser
• And an authentic flavor bomb with minimal effort

Plus, grilling anything on skewers always adds a fun, interactive element to a meal. Whether you’re feeding your family or entertaining friends, these satay skewers are guaranteed to impress.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Marinating Time: 1 hour (or overnight)
• Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
• Total Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes (including marination)

Calories (Per Serving)

• Approximate: 380–450 kcal
  (based on 4 servings with sauce)

Ingredients

For the Chicken Satay:

• 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into thin strips
• ¾ cup full-fat coconut milk
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari)
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 tsp garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp fresh ginger (grated)
• 1 tbsp fish sauce (optional but authentic)
• Juice of ½ lime
• 8–10 bamboo skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)

For the Thai Peanut Sauce:

• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• ¼ cup coconut milk
• 1½ tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
• 1 tsp chili garlic sauce or sriracha (optional)
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Warm water, to thin as needed

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a bowl, whisk together coconut milk, soy sauce, sugar, curry powder, turmeric, garlic, ginger, fish sauce, and lime juice.
2. Add chicken strips to the marinade, toss to coat well.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Peanut Sauce

1. In a saucepan or small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, garlic, and chili sauce.
2. Heat gently over low heat (or microwave in short bursts) until smooth and creamy.
3. Add warm water, 1 tablespoon at a time, to reach your desired dipping consistency.

Step 3: Skewer the Chicken

1. Thread the marinated chicken strips onto soaked skewers, weaving them in a ribbon-like pattern.
2. Preheat grill, grill pan, or broiler over medium-high heat.

Step 4: Cook the Skewers

1. Grill chicken skewers for 3–5 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and slightly charred.
2. Baste with remaining marinade during grilling for extra flavor (if desired, only if not reused after raw chicken contact).

How to Serve

Serve hot off the grill with:

• A bowl of Thai peanut sauce for dipping
• A side of steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice
• A light cucumber salad or pickled veggies
• Garnished with chopped peanuts, cilantro, and lime wedges

Also works great as:

• A party appetizer
• A main dish with rice or noodles
• In lettuce wraps for a low-carb option

Recipe Tips & Variations

• Use chicken thighs for juicier skewers (breasts are leaner but slightly drier).
• Make it spicier by adding more chili garlic sauce to the peanut dip.
• Grill alternatives: You can also broil the skewers in your oven or cook on a stovetop grill pan.
• Nut-free? Try sunflower seed butter or tahini in the sauce.
• Vegan option: Use tofu or seitan and swap fish sauce for more soy sauce.

Freezing & Storage

• Chicken (uncooked): Marinate and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before grilling.
• Cooked chicken: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Peanut sauce: Store in the fridge for up to 1 week; reheat gently and stir well before serving. Do not freeze the sauce.

Special Equipment Needed

• Bamboo or metal skewers
• Grill pan, outdoor grill, or broiler
• Mixing bowls
• Saucepan or microwave-safe bowl (for sauce)
• Basting brush (optional)

Conclusion

Thai Peanut Chicken Satay Skewers are more than just a grilled meat dish — they’re a celebration of aromatic spices, creamy nutty flavors, and Southeast Asian flair. Whether you’re planning a party, firing up the grill for summer dinner, or simply want to enjoy something new and exciting, these skewers are easy to prepare, bursting with flavor, and guaranteed to impress. Pair them with that irresistible peanut sauce, and you’ve got a dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds — and the recipe.