Juicy grilled chicken skewers meet a creamy, flavorful Thai peanut sauce in this Chicken Satay with Easy Thai Peanut Sauce recipe. This Southeast Asian favorite delivers everything you want in a single bite: smoky charred chicken, a hint of spice, a rich nutty sauce, and fresh herbs or cucumber on the side to balance it all out.

This version is designed to be weeknight-friendly, without sacrificing depth of flavor. The marinade works magic in under an hour, and the peanut sauce whips up in minutes using ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Whether you’re looking for an appetizer to impress or a satisfying main dish, this satay brings restaurant-quality taste to your home kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Satay with Easy Thai Peanut Sauce

You’ll fall for this dish because it delivers big, bold flavor without needing a ton of time or effort. The chicken turns out incredibly tender thanks to a marinade rich in coconut milk, lime juice, garlic, and curry powder. Paired with the creamy Thai peanut sauce that’s a balance of savory, sweet, and spicy, it’s irresistible.

What makes this recipe extra lovable is its versatility. You can grill, broil, or even cook the chicken on a stovetop griddle. It’s naturally gluten-free, easily made dairy-free, and perfect for parties, meal prep, or quick dinners.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use for Satay?

Chicken thighs are the gold standard for satay because they stay juicy and soak up the marinade like a dream. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs offer the best flavor and tenderness. However, if you’re a fan of leaner meat or it’s what you have on hand, chicken breasts will also work. Just be sure not to overcook them, as they dry out quicker.

Cut your chicken into thin, uniform strips so they cook evenly and can thread easily onto skewers. And if you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to avoid burning.

Ingredients for the Chicken Satay with Easy Thai Peanut Sauce

The beauty of this recipe is how it turns everyday ingredients into a globally inspired favorite. Each component plays an important role in building flavor, so even though the list looks a bit long, it’s mostly pantry staples working together in harmony.

Chicken thighs are ideal for juicy, flavorful skewers. They hold up well to grilling and absorb the marinade beautifully.

Coconut milk tenderizes the chicken and adds a subtle creamy richness to the marinade.

Lime juice gives the marinade brightness and a slight tang to balance the richness of the sauce.

Garlic adds pungency and aromatic depth.

Curry powder provides warm, earthy spice that infuses the chicken with traditional satay flavor.

Soy sauce contributes umami saltiness that enhances the chicken’s savory character.

Brown sugar adds just a hint of sweetness to round out the marinade.

Peanut butter is the star of the sauce, giving it that thick, creamy base full of nutty flavor.

Soy sauce in the sauce balances the peanut butter’s richness with salt.

Rice vinegar adds tang to brighten the sauce and cut through its richness.

Sriracha brings that gentle heat that makes Thai peanut sauce addictive.

Honey balances the heat and tang with a touch of natural sweetness.

Water thins the sauce to your desired consistency while keeping the flavor concentrated.

Chicken Satay with Easy Thai Peanut Sauce 2

How To Make the Chicken Satay with Easy Thai Peanut Sauce

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Whisk together coconut milk, lime juice, garlic, curry powder, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Toss in your sliced chicken thighs, coating evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours).

Step 2: Make the Peanut Sauce

In a small saucepan over low heat, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, honey, and water. Stir until smooth and heated through. Adjust thickness by adding more water if needed.

Step 3: Skewer the Chicken

Thread the marinated chicken onto soaked wooden or metal skewers, pressing the pieces together slightly for even cooking.

Step 4: Cook the Satay

Grill on medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and charred at the edges. You can also broil or pan-sear them if you don’t have a grill.

Step 5: Serve

Serve hot with the peanut sauce on the side or drizzled over the top. Garnish with fresh cilantro, chopped peanuts, or sliced cucumber if desired.

Serving and Storing Chicken Satay with Easy Thai Peanut Sauce

This dish is designed to impress, whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, a party platter, or a complete meal. Chicken Satay makes a vibrant centerpiece with skewers arranged over a bed of jasmine rice or nestled next to a fresh cucumber salad. A drizzle or side of the peanut sauce takes it over the top. Garnishing with crushed peanuts and fresh cilantro adds color and texture that makes the whole plate pop.

This recipe generously feeds 4 people, especially when paired with rice or sides. You can easily double the batch for parties or meal prepping.

To store, place any leftover chicken and sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken will keep well for 3-4 days, and the peanut sauce can last up to a week. Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave, and stir a splash of water into the sauce if it thickens in the fridge.

What to Serve With Chicken Satay?

Jasmine Rice

This lightly fragrant rice is a natural companion to soak up all that extra peanut sauce. A must-have for making it a filling meal.

Cucumber Salad

Thinly sliced cucumbers with vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt provide a crisp, cooling contrast to the warm, savory satay.

Garlic Naan or Roti

A soft, warm bread option that’s perfect for scooping up chicken and sauce in one bite.

Thai Mango Salad

Bright and zesty with lime, chili, and fresh herbs, this adds fruity acidity that cuts through the richness.

Grilled Pineapple

Sweet and smoky, grilled pineapple adds a tropical twist and enhances the caramelized flavors of the chicken.

Peanut Noodles

Cold or warm noodles tossed in a bit of leftover peanut sauce make a comforting and flavorful side.

Steamed Veggies

Broccoli, snow peas, or bok choy bring color, crunch, and nutrition to balance the dish.

Pickled Carrots and Daikon

Their tangy bite offers a satisfying crunch and balances the creamy sauce with acidity.

Want More Chicken Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this Chicken Satay with Easy Thai Peanut Sauce, you’ll probably enjoy these other flavor-packed favorites from the site:

Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl if you’re into wholesome bowls with big flavor.
No Peek Chicken Casserole for a hands-off, ultra-comforting dinner.
Creamy Smothered Chicken with Spinach, Potatoes and Mushrooms when you crave creamy, cozy perfection.
White Chicken Enchilada Casserole for a creamy, baked Tex-Mex spin.
Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice if you’re in the mood for a skillet classic with bold flavor.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you grill or broil the chicken? Add extra heat to the sauce? Swap thighs for breasts?

I love seeing how you put your spin on recipes. Share your tweaks, tips, or any questions—we’re all learning in the kitchen together.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

Chicken Satay with Easy Thai Peanut Sauce is the kind of recipe that checks every box: fast, flavorful, flexible, and crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re new to Thai cooking or already a fan, this dish lets you enjoy a classic takeout favorite made from scratch in your own kitchen. It’s one of those meals that feels special without being complicated, and it’s sure to become a go-to in your dinner rotation.