Satay chicken recipe is a traditional Southeast Asian dish made of marinated grilled chicken skewers served with a rich, flavorful peanut sauce.

I decided to make this satay chicken recipe after watching a street food documentary from Indonesia that brought back memories. I have years of experience making satay from scratch, and this version reflects what I’ve learned over time.

The highlight of this recipe is the deep, smoky flavor of grilled lemongrass-marinated chicken paired with a creamy, spicy peanut sauce. Today, I’m going to walk through each step of how I make this dish from start to finish. Let’s begin.

Table of Contents

Why We Love This Recipe?

This satay chicken recipe is loved for its bold and balanced flavors. The juicy, marinated chicken pairs perfectly with the creamy peanut sauce, creating a delicious mix of sweet, savory, and spicy tastes.

The grilling adds a wonderful smoky touch that makes the dish stand out. It’s simple to prepare yet full of vibrant flavors, making it a favorite for meals that satisfy and impress everyone at the table.

How To Prepare Satay Chicken Recipe?

Recipe Overview

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Marinating Time (Recommended): 1–2 hours

Cooking Time: 15–20 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes (including marinating)

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Indonesian / Southeast Asian

Difficulty: Medium

Yield: Serves 4

Kitchen Utensils Needed

Mixing bowls
Cutting board and sharp knife
Skewers (bamboo or metal)
Grill pan, BBQ, or stovetop grill
Saucepan (for peanut sauce)
Tongs or spatula
Measuring spoons and cups
Basting brush (optional)

Ingredients

For the Chicken & Marinade

500g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2½ tbsp kecap manis (sweet soy sauce)
1 tbsp vegetable oil or melted butter
2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (plus extra for garnish)
2 stalks lemongrass (white part only), finely minced
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ tbsp salt
1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
1 small onion or shallot, finely diced
1 tsp turmeric powder
2 tbsp palm sugar or brown sugar
Optional: Splash of coconut milk (for added richness)
To serve: ¼ cup crushed roasted peanuts

For the Peanut Sauce

½ cup peanut butter (smooth or chunky)
1 cup full-fat coconut milk
2½ tbsp kecap manis
1–2 tbsp Thai red curry paste (to desired heat level)
½ tbsp soy sauce
¾ cup sugar
1 tbsp vegetable oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 bird’s eye chilies, finely chopped (optional for heat)
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
1 small onion or shallot, finely diced
¼ cup crushed roasted peanuts (for texture)
1–2 tbsp lime juice (adjust to taste)
Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade

In a large mixing bowl, combine kecap manis, oil, cilantro, lemongrass, garlic, salt, chili powder, onion, turmeric, sugar, and optional coconut milk.

Add chicken pieces and toss to coat well.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (preferably 2–4 hours for deeper flavor).

2. Make the Peanut Sauce

Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat.

Sauté garlic, onion/shallot, and bird’s eye chilies (if using) until fragrant.

Add peanut butter, coconut milk, kecap manis, soy sauce, curry paste, sugar, and vinegar. Stir to combine.

Simmer on low heat for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

Stir in lime juice, crushed peanuts, and adjust seasoning with salt to taste.

Keep warm or reheat gently before serving.

3. Grill the Chicken

Thread marinated chicken onto skewers.

Grill over medium-high heat for 10–15 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and nicely charred.

Alternatively, you can cook the chicken in a grill pan or broil in the oven.

4. Serve

Place chicken skewers on a serving plate.

Spoon or drizzle warm peanut sauce over or on the side.

Garnish with chopped cilantro and crushed peanuts.

Serve with steamed rice, cucumber salad, or flatbread if desired.

Nutrition Facts Of Satay Chicken Recipe

Nutrition	Amount
Calories	300 kcal
Protein	31 g
Fat	14 g
Carbohydrates	13 g
Sugar	7 g
Fiber	2 g
Sodium	727 mg
Cholesterol	144 mg

Expert Tips For The Best Satay Chicken Recipe

1. Marinate Longer for Flavor

Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours or overnight if possible. The longer it soaks, the deeper the flavor.

2. Use Chicken Thighs

Thigh meat stays juicier and more flavorful than breast meat, especially when grilled.

3. Soak Bamboo Skewers

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.

4. Grill on High Heat

Sear the chicken quickly over high heat for that signature char and smoky flavor.

5. Adjust Sauce Consistency

If your peanut sauce is too thick, add a splash of coconut milk or water to smooth it out without losing flavor.

How To Make Satay Chicken Recipe Tastier?

To make satay chicken recipe even tastier, focus on building deep flavor at every step. Use fresh ingredients like lemongrass, garlic, and shallots in the marinade, and allow the chicken to marinate overnight for maximum flavor.

Grill the chicken over high heat to get a nice char that adds smokiness. For the peanut sauce, balance the sweetness, saltiness, and spice to your taste, and use full-fat coconut milk for richness. A squeeze of fresh lime and a sprinkle of crushed peanuts before serving enhances both texture and flavor.

Usage Suggestions For Satay Chicken Recipe

1. Serve with Steamed Jasmine Rice

A classic pairing that soaks up the rich peanut sauce beautifully.

2. Wrap in Lettuce Cups

Use crisp lettuce leaves as a light, refreshing wrap for the satay and sauce.

3. Add to Noodle Bowls

Slice the grilled chicken and serve it over rice noodles with veggies and extra sauce.

4. Stuff into Flatbread or Wraps

Make a quick satay chicken wrap with flatbread, cucumbers, and herbs for a portable meal.

5. Serve as Party Skewers

Serve mini skewers with a dipping bowl of peanut sauce for appetizers or finger food.

How Do You Preserve Satay Chicken Recipe?

To preserve satay chicken Recipe, allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.

Keep the peanut sauce in a separate container to maintain its texture and flavor. For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken without the sauce for up to 2 months.

Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating. When reheating, warm the chicken gently to keep it tender, and stir a little coconut milk or water into the sauce if it has thickened too much.

Conclusion

This satay chicken recipe turned out to be an easy, delicious success that I truly enjoyed making. The flavors came together perfectly, and the process was simple from start to finish.

I hope this recipe inspires you to give it a try in your own kitchen. It’s a dish that’s both satisfying and fun to prepare. Now it’s your turn to make it don’t forget to let me know how tasty it was once you’ve tried it yourself!

Author
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Popy Aktar

Hello, I'm Popy Aktar, and I'm the chicken recipe creator over at yammichickenrecipe.com blog. With a deep-seated passion for all things delicious and a commitment to healthy creativity in the kitchen, I've dedicated four years to perfecting the craft of chicken recipe development and presentation. Through numerous cooking experiments, I've refined my skills and am eager to share my knowledge and experiences with you. I'm particularly fond of trying out new recipes, especially when they turn out to be irresistibly delicious. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do! Thank you for your time!

Satay Chicken Recipe || Spicy Tastes