Delicious Thai Chicken Satay Recipe: Marinated Chicken Skewers

Thai Chicken Satay is a popular dish that originates from Thailand, known for its rich, smoky, and savory flavors. This dish features tender marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection and served with a creamy, tangy peanut dipping sauce. It is often enjoyed as an appetizer or a light main course in Thai cuisine and has become a favorite around the world. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a family meal, or looking for a unique dish to try, this Thai Chicken Satay Recipe is sure to impress your guests and tantalize your taste buds.

Nutrition Information

Thai Chicken Satay is a delightful combination of protein-rich chicken and a peanut sauce that offers healthy fats, making it a balanced and nutritious option. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutrition per serving (for 1 skewer):

• Calories: 220 kcal
• Protein: 16g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 550mg

The dish is high in protein and healthy fats due to the chicken and peanut butter, making it a satisfying meal or snack. You can make adjustments to the sauce for a lighter option by reducing sugar or opting for natural peanut butter.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

For the Peanut Sauce:

• 1/2 cup peanut butter (smooth or chunky)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional for heat)
• 1/4 cup coconut milk (or water for a lighter sauce)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

For Serving:

• Fresh cilantro leaves
• Lime wedges

Equipment Needed

• Skewers (wooden or metal)
• Grilling surface (grill, grill pan, or oven)
• Mixing bowls
• Spoon or whisk for sauce mixing
• Knife and cutting board

Prep Time

The preparation time for Thai Chicken Satay is approximately 20-30 minutes. This includes marinating the chicken and preparing the peanut dipping sauce. The chicken should ideally marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for best results, marinating overnight is recommended to allow the flavors to develop fully.

Active Time

The active cooking time is around 15-20 minutes. This time is spent grilling or cooking the marinated chicken skewers. Once cooked, you’ll also need an additional 5 minutes to plate the chicken with the peanut sauce and garnish.

Resting Time

Once the chicken is done grilling, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the juices settle in the chicken and ensures it remains tender.

Total Time

• Prep Time: 20-30 minutes
• Active Time: 15-20 minutes
• Resting Time: 5-10 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 45-60 minutes

Cuisine and Course

• Cuisine: Thai
• Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Snack

Servings

This recipe serves approximately 4 people, depending on the portion size. If serving as an appetizer, you can easily serve 6 people with 1 skewer per person. For a fuller meal, serve with rice or a side salad to complete the dish.

Calories per Serving

Each serving (2 skewers with sauce) has approximately 220 calories. This is a rough estimate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Begin by cutting the chicken breasts or thighs into thin, bite-sized strips, about 1-inch wide. This allows the marinade to penetrate the chicken better and ensures quick, even cooking.

2. Marinate the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, minced garlic, ground turmeric, ground cumin, paprika, and vegetable oil. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined. Place the chicken pieces into the bowl and toss them thoroughly in the marinade. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. For more intense flavor, marinate it overnight in the fridge.

3. Prepare the Peanut Sauce: In another bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, ground ginger, and chili flakes (if using). Gradually add coconut milk or water to thin the sauce to your desired consistency. The sauce should be smooth and slightly runny for easy dipping. Adjust sweetness and saltiness by adding more sugar or soy sauce, as needed.

4. Preheat the Grill or Grill Pan: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent them from burning while grilling.

5. Skewer the Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken strips onto the skewers, ensuring they are spaced evenly. You can fit about 4-5 pieces of chicken per skewer. If you’re using metal skewers, there’s no need to soak them.

6. Grill the Chicken: Place the skewers on the grill or grill pan. Grill the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and golden brown, with slight char marks. You can brush the chicken with a little extra marinade for added flavor, but be sure not to use the raw marinade directly on the cooked chicken to avoid contamination.

7. Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Serve the chicken skewers on a platter with a small bowl of the peanut dipping sauce on the side. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and lime wedges for added flavor and decoration.

Tips for the Perfect Thai Chicken Satay:

• Marinate Longer for Maximum Flavor: The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but overnight marination is ideal.
• Adjust Heat Level: If you like your peanut sauce spicier, you can increase the amount of chili flakes or add a small amount of Sriracha to the sauce.
• Grilling Alternatives: If you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, you can use a grill pan on the stove or bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes.
• Vegetarian Option: You can easily make this recipe vegetarian by substituting the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Be sure to press the tofu to remove excess moisture before marinating.

Conclusion

This Thai Chicken Satay Recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that captures the essence of Thai cuisine. With its smoky, tender chicken and creamy, tangy peanut sauce, it’s the perfect appetizer or main course for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just craving something unique and delicious, Thai Chicken Satay will undoubtedly satisfy your taste buds and leave everyone asking for more.