Chicken Satay is a delightful dish that hails from Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia and Malaysia, showcasing skewered and grilled marinated chicken served with a rich and creamy peanut sauce. The combination of tender chicken, aromatic spices, and the nutty sauce creates a mouthwatering experience that will have your taste buds dancing. This recipe not only brings a taste of street food to your home but also makes for an impressive dish at any gathering or dinner party.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will love this chicken satay recipe for its incredible flavor, simplicity, and versatility. The marinade is a harmonious blend of spices, creating a savory and slightly sweet flavor profile that perfectly complements the smoky notes from grilling. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it suitable for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs. Plus, this dish fits well into various lifestyles, including gluten-free and dairy-free diets, allowing everyone to enjoy a taste of Asian cuisine without sacrificing their dietary preferences.
Tips and Tricks
- Marinate Overnight: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours or overnight if possible. This allows the spices to penetrate the meat thoroughly.
- Soak the Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This prevents them from burning and ensures your chicken stays on the skewer.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To avoid overcooking, use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Grill with Care: Keep an eye on the chicken while it’s grilling to avoid flare-ups. A consistent medium heat is ideal for cooking the chicken evenly.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the marinade and marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Simply store the marinated chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, the peanut sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week, making this recipe perfect for meal prep or busy weeknight dinners.
Recipe Variations
- Beef or Tofu Satay: Swap the chicken for beef or firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust marinating time accordingly, as tofu needs less time to soak up flavors.
- Spicy Satay: Add chili paste or fresh minced chilies to the marinade for a spicy kick.
- Different Sauces: Experiment with different dipping sauces, such as a sweet soy sauce or a coconut curry sauce, for a unique twist.
How to Serve
Serve the chicken satay skewers on a large platter, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for an extra burst of freshness. Accompany with the creamy peanut sauce in a small bowl for dipping. You can also add a side of jasmine rice or a light cucumber salad to balance out the meal.
Pairing Suggestions
For drink pairings, consider a chilled Riesling or a fruity cocktail like a mojito. Complementary side dishes include coconut rice, spring rolls, or a refreshing Asian slaw. For dessert, a light mango sticky rice would be a delightful finish to this flavorful meal.
How to Store
Leftover chicken satay can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, wrap the skewers tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm them up on a grill or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Equipment Needed
- Wooden or metal skewers (wooden skewers should be soaked in water)
- Grill or grill pan
- Mixing bowl for marinating
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Meat thermometer (optional but recommended)
Dietary Adaptations
To make this recipe vegan, substitute the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, and use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey in the marinade. Ensure the peanut sauce is made without any dairy products and replace soy sauce with a gluten-free variety if necessary.
Seasonal Adaptations
In spring and summer, consider adding seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes to the skewers for added color and nutrition. In the fall, you could incorporate butternut squash or mushrooms for a heartier touch.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs? Yes, but chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful. If using breasts, be careful not to overcook them.
- How long does the chicken need to marinate? Ideally, marinate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best for maximum flavor.
- What can I substitute for peanut butter? Sunflower seed butter or tahini can be good alternatives for those with nut allergies.
Chicken Satay
Chicken Satay is a delightful dish that hails from Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia and Malaysia, showcasing skewered and grilled marinated chicken served with a rich and creamy peanut sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, peanut butter, honey, vegetable oil, garlic, ginger, turmeric, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, lime juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Marinate the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and add them to the marinade. Mix well to coat the chicken thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Soak the Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
- Skewer the Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
- Prepare the Peanut Sauce: While the chicken is grilling, make the peanut sauce by whisking together additional peanut butter, soy sauce, and a splash of lime juice until smooth.
- Serve: Arrange the skewers on a platter, garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges, and serve with the peanut sauce on the side for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 312Total Fat 16gSaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 12gCholesterol 138mgSodium 754mgCarbohydrates 14gFiber 1gSugar 8gProtein 30g
Dinnerfocus.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
This chicken satay recipe is not only a feast for the senses but also a fantastic way to bring a taste of Southeast Asia into your kitchen. With its rich flavors and easy preparation, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Enjoy the process of marinating and grilling, and don’t forget to savor every bite!
