Thai Chicken Satay Skewers With Peanut Sauce

What You’ll Need

For the Chicken Satay

• 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken thighs, sliced into strips
• Wooden or metal skewers

Satay Marinade

• ⅓ cup coconut milk
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
• 1 tsp curry powder
• 1 tsp turmeric
• ½ tsp coriander
• Juice of ½ lime
• 1 tbsp neutral oil

Peanut Sauce

• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
• 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
• 1 tsp chili garlic sauce (optional)
• ½ cup warm coconut milk or warm water
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Rice & Garnish

• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 2 cups water
• Fresh cilantro
• Green onions, sliced
• Sesame seeds
• Lime wedges

 

Let’s Cook

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl combine: coconut milk, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, curry powder, turmeric, coriander, lime juice, and oil. Add chicken and toss well to coat. Cover and marinate for at least 1 hour (overnight for deeper flavor).

2. Cook the Rice

Bring water to a boil. Add rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit covered 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

3. Make the Peanut Sauce

In a saucepan or bowl combine: peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar or lime juice, honey, chili garlic sauce, and garlic. Slowly whisk in warm coconut milk or water until smooth and pourable. Adjust consistency as needed. The balance of peanut butter, acid, and sweetness creates the classic satay dipping sauce flavor profile.

4. Skewer the Chicken

Thread marinated chicken onto skewers.

5. Grill the Satay

Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Cook skewers 4–5 minutes per side, until: lightly charred, caramelized, and chicken reaches 165°F internally.

6. Assemble the Plates

Serve skewers over white rice. Drizzle or serve alongside the peanut sauce.

7. Finish & Serve

Top with: fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, and sesame seeds. Serve with lime wedges on the side. Enjoy!