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Authentic Thai Chicken Satay with Creamy, Homemade Peanut Sauce

Four perfectly grilled, golden-yellow chicken satay skewers resting on a white plate next to a small bowl of peanut sauce.

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Make tender, juicy chicken skewers marinated in aromatic spices and grill them perfectly. Serve with a rich, creamy Thai peanut dipping sauce that tastes just like street food.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch strips
  • 1/4 cup coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
  • For the Peanut Sauce:
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup hot water
  • 1/4 cup coconut milk
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)

Instructions

  1. Combine the coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar, turmeric, coriander, cumin, and cayenne pepper in a bowl. Whisk until the sugar dissolves.
  2. Add the chicken strips to the marinade, toss to coat completely, and cover. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 8 hours, for the best flavor.
  3. While the chicken marinates, prepare the peanut sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the peanut butter, hot water, coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, ginger, garlic, and sriracha.
  4. Heat the sauce mixture over medium-low heat, whisking constantly until the peanut butter melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Remove from heat and set aside. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more hot water, one tablespoon at a time.
  5. Thread the marinated chicken onto the soaked wooden skewers, leaving a small space between each piece. Brush the chicken lightly with vegetable oil.
  6. Preheat your grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken skewers for 3 to 4 minutes per side, turning until the chicken is cooked through and has nice char marks.
  7. Arrange the grilled chicken satay skewers on a platter. Serve immediately with the warm, creamy peanut dipping sauce on the side.

Notes

  • For an air fryer method, cook the skewers at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • If you prefer a sweeter sauce, increase the brown sugar slightly in the peanut sauce.
  • Serve these flavorful chicken appetizers with steamed rice or fresh cucumber slices.

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