Name: Chicken Satay with Easy Thai Peanut Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs chicken thighs or breasts, cut into strips; 1 cup coconut milk; 1 tablespoon curry powder; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon ginger, grated; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon fish sauce; 1 tablespoon lime juice; Skewers, soaked if wooden; 1/2 cup peanut butter; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for sauce); 1 clove garlic, minced (for sauce); 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for sauce); 1 teaspoon chili paste (or to taste); 1/4 cup warm water (to thin sauce)

Juicy, smoky, and beautifully spiced, Chicken Satay with Easy Thai Peanut Sauce is the kind of dish that instantly transports you to the bustling streets of Bangkok. Each skewer is a flavorful journey of tender marinated chicken grilled to perfection and paired with a rich, creamy, slightly spicy peanut sauce that’s good enough to eat with a spoon. Whether you’re serving it at a backyard BBQ or making it for a cozy dinner, this crowd-pleaser never disappoints.

The real magic lies in the marinade—a vibrant mix of curry, coconut milk, and garlic that infuses the chicken with warmth and complexity. And when you dip those smoky skewers into that golden, nutty sauce? Pure bliss. The best part? This recipe is surprisingly easy and accessible, bringing the flavors of Southeast Asia straight to your kitchen with no fuss.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Chicken thighs are ideal for Chicken Satay thanks to their juicy texture and rich flavor, but if you’re looking for a leaner option, chicken breasts will work just as well. The key is to cut the meat into evenly-sized strips so they grill evenly and soak up all that delicious marinade.

You can also try a plant-based twist using tofu or seitan—just remember to adjust your marinade time accordingly (usually less than for chicken).

Ingredients for the Chicken Satay with Easy Thai Peanut Sauce

Chicken Thighs or Breasts
Tender and flavorful, these are the heart of the dish. Go for boneless, skinless cuts to make skewering and grilling easy.

Coconut Milk
Adds a creamy base to the marinade with subtle tropical sweetness. It helps tenderize the chicken and balance the spices.

Curry Powder
Brings warm, earthy notes that give the satay its iconic flavor. You can use yellow curry powder or a blend you enjoy.

Garlic and Ginger
Fresh aromatics that punch up the flavor. Ginger adds a little heat and zing while garlic gives it depth.

Brown Sugar
A touch of sweetness enhances the caramelization on the grill and balances the savory marinade.

Soy Sauce and Fish Sauce
Adds umami and saltiness to round out the flavor. If you’re going gluten-free, you can swap with tamari.

Lime Juice
A splash of acidity to brighten everything up and help tenderize the meat.

Skewers
Wooden or metal—just make sure to soak wooden ones in water if you’re using a grill, so they don’t burn.

Thai Peanut Sauce
Made with peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and a touch of chili paste—this sauce is creamy, nutty, and a little spicy. It’s perfect for dipping!

How To Make the Chicken Satay with Easy Thai Peanut Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a mixing bowl, whisk together coconut milk, curry powder, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice. Mix until fully combined and fragrant.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Cut your chicken thighs or breasts into long, even strips. Place them in a zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Soak the Skewers

If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.

Step 4: Skewer the Chicken

Thread the marinated chicken strips onto the soaked skewers. Try to fold the strips in a wave-like pattern for even grilling and a more substantial bite.

Step 5: Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates. Cook the skewers for 3-4 minutes per side until the chicken is cooked through and has beautiful char marks.

Step 6: Make the Easy Thai Peanut Sauce

In a saucepan, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, brown sugar, and a touch of chili paste. Heat gently over low, stirring until smooth. Thin with warm water as needed to reach your desired dipping consistency.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the hot chicken satay skewers with a generous side of the Thai peanut sauce. Garnish with chopped peanuts or fresh cilantro if desired, and pair with cucumber slices or jasmine rice for a full meal.

How to Serve and Store Chicken Satay with Easy Thai Peanut Sauce

Chicken Satay is best served hot off the grill while the edges are still slightly crisp and the interior is juicy. Arrange the skewers on a platter with a generous bowl of warm Thai peanut sauce for dipping. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, crushed peanuts, or lime wedges for a burst of freshness.

For storing leftovers, remove the chicken from the skewers and place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or a skillet over low heat to avoid drying it out. The peanut sauce should be stored separately in a jar or container and stirred well before reheating or serving again.

What to Serve With Chicken Satay?

Cucumber Salad

A crisp cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar, sugar, and chili flakes balances the rich peanut sauce with cool, tangy freshness.

Jasmine Rice or Coconut Rice

These fragrant rice options soak up all that extra sauce and help turn this into a complete, comforting meal.

Grilled Vegetables

Bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms grilled alongside the satay make for a smoky, colorful side.

Thai Slaw

Crunchy shredded cabbage tossed with a light, limey vinaigrette brings brightness and crunch to the table.

Peanut Noodles

Cold or warm, noodles tossed in a similar peanut sauce make a hearty and delicious pairing.

Lettuce Wraps

For a lighter twist, serve the chicken in butter lettuce cups with extra herbs and a drizzle of sauce.

Thai Iced Tea or Coconut Water

A chilled Thai drink rounds out the meal and balances the subtle heat from the sauce.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you’re loving the smoky flavors of this Chicken Satay, check out these delicious options that bring big flavor to the dinner table:

Try our Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce for a juicy bite with rich, herby flavor.
Craving comfort food? This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is cheesy, creamy, and weeknight-ready.
Go for a spicy twist with the Bang Bang Chicken – Crispy, Saucy, and Irresistible.
For a low-effort meal that still wows, this Crock Pot Chicken Enchilada Casserole is a set-it-and-forget-it gem.
Need a speedy stir-fry? This No-Fuss 20 Minute Stir Fry packs veggies and protein into one pan.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you add extra spice? Try it with tofu? Pair it with rice noodles?

I love hearing how you personalize these dishes. Questions are always welcome—let’s help each other cook better, together.

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