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3 Comments If there’s one recipe I always make when the grill comes out, it’s this easy chicken satay with peanut sauce. It’s quick, simple, and let’s be honest – who doesn’t love a juicy, crispy skewer of chicken?
Ingredients Needed
You really don’t need a lot of ingredients to make a delicious chicken satay. Just use the following ingredients for a delicious meal.
- chicken – I prefer to use chicken thighs for this as the meat will stay juicy for much longer than chicken breast
- garlic – for the marinade. Can you fresh but ground garlic is also an option
- kecap manis – this is my favorite way to marinate the chicken in as it adds loads of flavor. Just be sure not to add extra salt as it can be quite salty
- lime – lemon is also fine to use
- peanut sauce – for the peanut sauce you can easy and use store bought or use the almost as easy recipe below featuring crunchy peanut butter
Easy Chicken Satay
I’ll admit it – I don’t fire up the grill all that often. It’s one of those things I enjoy way more when I’ve got friends over or at least one other person to share it with. I’m not the type to light the BBQ just for myself (you get me, right?).
But whenever the grill does get going, this chicken satay is always, and I mean always, on the menu.
The marinade? Super simple. No fancy ingredients, no fuss – just sweet soy sauce (aka ketjap manis, a pantry MVP if you ask me) and a few flavor boosters. Let it sit for about 30 minutes, and boom – you’re ready to grill. Well, okay, you still have to cook them. But you’re 90% there!
Satay on the Grill (or Not)
Nothing beats that smoky BBQ flavor – crispy edges, juicy center, and a little char for good measure. But hey, don’t sweat it if grilling’s not your thing. These skewers are just as delicious when pan-fried or cooked on a grill pan. Also great when the weather doesn’t allow grilling. And if you want something a little different why not have a look at my chicken liver in a creamy mustard sauce?
If you’re skipping the skewers, you can totally just toss the marinated chicken thigh chunks straight into the pan. That’s peak easy chicken satay, right there. Perfect for when you want all the flavor but it is simply not barbecue season.
Of course, satay’s best friend is a rich, creamy peanut sauce. Luckily, I’ve got a super easy recipe for satay sauce (check it out below – or try this easy peanut sauce recipe if you want another version). It pulls everything together and takes the dish to the next level. Not a fan of peanut sauce? This will also be delicious with something green like chimichurri sauce or smother it in BBQ sauce. I also love serving the skewers with an easy salad like this more or less traditional cobb salad.
Want something else that is just as easy but with a Japanese twist? The Yakitori skewers are a great dish too.
What To Serve With Chicken Satay?
There is so many things you can serve with chicken satay. You can add a delicious potato salad or even add the chicken to a salad like in this chicken satay salad.
FAQ on chicken satay
Yes, definitely! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. In fact, a longer marinating time only improves the flavor. Just keep it in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
Leftover chicken satay can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’ve already added peanut sauce, store it separately if possible to keep the chicken from getting soggy.
You sure can! Freeze the raw, marinated chicken in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before cooking. Cooked chicken satay also freezes well – wrap it tightly and reheat in a pan or oven.
Nope! Skewers are great for presentation and grilling, but they’re totally optional. You can cook the marinated chicken pieces directly in a pan or on a griddle. Same flavor, less fuss.
Chicken thighs are ideal – they stay juicy and flavorful, even on high heat. But if you prefer leaner meat, chicken breast works too – just be careful not to overcook it, as it can dry out faster.
Easy chicken satay with peanut sauce
Ingredients
Sate stokjes
- 400 gr chicken thigh fillet in cubes
Marinade
- 3 tbsp sweet soy sauce kecap manis
- 2 cloves garlic grated
- 1 lime juice
- 1 tsp ginger powder ground
Pindasaus
- 200 gr crunchy peanut butter or use smooth if you prefer
- 3 tbsp kecap manis
- 2 tbsp ginger syrup
- 1 tsp sambal (hot sauce) or 1 tbsp sriracha
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 150 ml water or more if too thick
Equipment
- skewers
How to make the chicken satay
- Cut the chicken into cubes. Not too small and not too big. If you're using wooden skewers make sure to soak them in water for about 15 minutes before adding the chicken.400 gr chicken thigh fillet
- Mix the ingredients for the marinade and add the chicken to it. Mix it well so all chicken is covered with the marinade. Let it stand – covered – for about 30 minutes.3 tbsp sweet soy sauce, 2 cloves garlic, 1 lime, 1 tsp ginger powder
- Place the marinated chicken on the skewers and place on the barbecue for about 15-20 minutes or until cooked and golden brown.
- In the mean time make the peanut sauce by adding all the ingredients (except the water) together in a small sauce pan. Place on low heat and stir through. Add water until the desired consistency. Serve the sauce with the chicken satay.200 gr crunchy peanut butter, 3 tbsp kecap manis, 2 tbsp ginger syrup, 1 tsp sambal (hot sauce), 1 tbsp lime juice, 150 ml water
Notes
Nutrition Information per portion:
Disclaimer:
The nutritional values above are calculated per portion. The details are based on standard nutritional tables and do not constitute a professional nutritional advice.
Chicken satay is my favorite barbecue recipe. It is quick, packed with flavor and perfect for hot summer nights!
Love it. Just about to open our BBQ season….
Chicken satay is the best right?