Perfectly Juicy Chicken Satay Skewers with Peanut Sauce

Introduction

Few dishes rival the flavor-packed appeal of Perfectly Juicy Chicken Satay Skewers with Peanut Sauce. This Southeast Asian classic transforms simple chicken into tender, aromatic bites, thanks to a vibrant marinade rich with spices and coconut milk. Paired with a creamy, savory peanut sauce, these skewers make for a show-stopping appetizer or a satisfying centerpiece for a weeknight dinner. They’re also incredibly easy to prep ahead—perfect for busy home cooks who crave something delicious and fuss-free.

Why These Chicken Satay Skewers Are a Crowd Pleaser

What sets these skewers apart is their irresistibly juicy texture and bold, layered flavors. The secret lies in marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes, which allows the fragrant mix of lemongrass, ginger, garlic, turmeric, and coconut milk to infuse every piece. Once grilled or broiled, the chicken is tender and succulent, offering the ideal contrast to the rich, slightly spicy peanut dipping sauce. This recipe is a guaranteed hit at gatherings or as a flavorful change of pace for family dinners.

Crafting the Perfect Peanut Sauce

A proper peanut sauce should be creamy, nutty, and carry a subtle kick. To achieve this, blend creamy peanut butter with coconut milk, fresh lime juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and a touch of chili. The result is a luscious sauce that perfectly complements the savory, charred notes of the chicken satay. Adjust the heat and sweetness to your preference—a little extra lime or sugar can make a world of difference in balancing flavors.

Assembling and Cooking Chicken Satay Skewers

Thread the marinated chicken strips onto soaked wooden or metal skewers for even cooking. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or using a hot oven broiler, cook the skewers until they are just cooked through and slightly caramelized (5–7 minutes per side over medium-high heat). Basting with reserved marinade ensures maximum juiciness and flavor. Remember to let the skewers rest briefly before serving; this locks in their moisture and makes for an even juicier bite.

Serving Suggestions for Memorable Chicken Satay Skewers

Serve the skewers garnished with chopped cilantro and crushed peanuts alongside the peanut sauce. For a complete meal, pair with jasmine rice, cucumber salad, or pickled vegetables. A simple squeeze of lime before serving can brighten each bite. These skewers are perfect for casual dinners, meal prep, or as the star of your next party platter.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe serves 4 people as a main or up to 8 as an appetizer. Each serving of chicken satay with peanut sauce is approximately 350–400 calories, depending on portion size and amount of sauce used. It’s a protein-rich, satisfying option that can easily be worked into a balanced weekly meal plan.

The Secret to Juicy Chicken Satay Skewers (Recap)

A flavorful marinade and a quick grill deliver the most juicy, aromatic chicken satay, complete with a creamy peanut sauce that’s just begging to be dipped. It’s a dish that will impress guests, delight family, and elevate any night of the week.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar or honey, lemongrass, ginger, garlic, turmeric, coconut milk, and vegetable oil. Add salt and pepper to taste.
2. Add chicken strips to the marinade, tossing to coat completely. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor).
3. Meanwhile, prepare the peanut sauce: In a small bowl, combine peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, and chili garlic sauce. Whisk until smooth. Add warm water a tablespoon at a time until your desired consistency is reached. Set aside.
4. Preheat your grill or broiler to medium-high heat. Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers.
5. Grill or broil the skewers for 5–7 minutes per side, basting with reserved marinade, until cooked through and slightly charred on the edges. Remove and let rest 3–5 minutes.
6. Garnish with chopped cilantro and crushed peanuts if desired. Serve with prepared peanut sauce and lime wedges.

Weekly Meal Planning

This recipe fits seamlessly into weekly meal prep—marinate the chicken the night before or in the morning, then cook when you’re ready. Save and schedule this recipe for any night of the week, and use CookifyAI to generate a smart shopping list that consolidates all the ingredients you need.

Planning Benefits:

– Instantly calculates ingredient totals for multiple recipes
– Organizes shopping lists by grocery sections for speedier shopping
– Reduces food waste by preventing duplicate purchases
– Makes weekly meal prep and dinner planning completely stress-free

Pro tip: If you’re prepping several meals, schedule all your recipes to see where ingredients—like soy sauce or coconut milk—overlap. This way, your shopping list reflects exactly what you need, saving time, money, and effort.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45–60 minutes (with marinating)