Thai Chicken Satay
Equipment
- Barbecue or grill
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Saucepan
- Skewers
- Tongs
- Whisk
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 900 g chicken breasts cut into strips
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons tamarind paste
- 1 stalk lemongrass finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves crushed
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon muscovado sugar
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
For the Peanut Sauce
- 400 ml coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons crunchy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons roasted peanuts chopped
- 2 teaspoons red Thai curry paste
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the vegetable oil, soy sauce, tamarind paste, lemongrass, garlic, cumin, coriander, lime juice, muscovado sugar, and chili powder.
- Add the chicken strips and toss until every piece is evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Meanwhile, prepare the peanut sauce by combining the coconut milk, peanut butter, chopped peanuts, red Thai curry paste, fish sauce, tomato paste, and brown sugar in a saucepan.
- Cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Reduce the heat to low and keep the sauce warm.
- Thread the marinated chicken onto soaked skewers.
- Lightly oil the barbecue or grill and cook the skewers for 3 to 5 minutes per side until the chicken is fully cooked and lightly charred.
- Serve the chicken skewers immediately with the warm peanut sauce for dipping or spoon the sauce over the top.
Notes & Wine Advice
Recipe Notes
Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning. For the most tender chicken, marinate it for 4 to 8 hours if time allows. Serve with steamed jasmine rice, cucumber salad, or Thai pickled vegetables for a complete meal. Warning: This recipe contains peanuts and is not suitable for anyone with a peanut allergy.Wine Advice
A chilled Riesling complements the spicy peanut sauce and fragrant Thai flavors beautifully. A crisp Gewürztraminer is another excellent pairing with this classic Thai dish.Nutrition values
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About This Recipe
Thai Chicken Satay is one of Thailand’s most famous street food dishes, loved for its tender marinated chicken and rich, creamy peanut sauce. The chicken is infused with classic Thai flavors including lemongrass, tamarind, garlic, lime, coriander, and cumin before being grilled until lightly charred and juicy. Served with a warm peanut dipping sauce, these flavorful skewers are perfect for barbecues, family dinners, or entertaining guests with authentic Thai cuisine.
Why You’ll Love Thai Chicken Satay
This chicken satay recipe delivers authentic Thai flavor using simple ingredients that are easy to prepare ahead of time. The aromatic marinade keeps the chicken incredibly tender while the creamy coconut peanut sauce provides the perfect balance of sweet, salty, spicy, and nutty flavors. Whether served as an appetizer or main course, these skewers are always a crowd favorite. If you enjoy Asian-inspired dishes, browse our Barbecue Recipes, Chicken Recipes, Poultry Recipes, Thai Recipes, and Party Food Recipes.
How To Make Chicken Satay
Prepare the fragrant marinade by combining the herbs, spices, tamarind, soy sauce, lime juice, and oil before coating the chicken thoroughly. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least one hour so the flavors penetrate the meat. While it marinates, prepare the creamy peanut sauce and keep it warm. Grill the skewers until lightly charred and fully cooked before serving immediately with plenty of warm dipping sauce. Thai Chicken Satay is at its very best straight from the grill.
Serving Thai Chicken Satay
Serve this chicken satay with steamed jasmine rice, cucumber salad, Thai pickled vegetables, or grilled pineapple. It also pairs beautifully with fresh spring rolls and other Thai-inspired appetizers for a complete meal.
Storage Tips
Store leftover Thai Chicken Satay and peanut sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat the chicken gently before serving and warm the sauce over low heat, adding a splash of coconut milk if needed. For additional food storage guidance, visit the FDA Food Safety website.
This traditional Thai favorite combines fragrant spices, tender grilled chicken, and an irresistible peanut sauce into a dish that’s easy enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for special occasions. Once you’ve made homemade Thai Chicken Satay, it’s sure to become a regular feature on your barbecue menu.