Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce Recipe

Name: chicken satay with peanut sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken breast (cut into strips); 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium); 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon ginger powder; 1 cup peanut butter (smooth); 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium); 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed); 1 clove garlic (minced); 1 water as needed (to thin sauce); 2 tablespoons chopped peanuts (for topping); 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (for garnish)

Published: March 24, 2026

by Carol

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This chicken satay with peanut sauce is a breeze to whip up, making weeknight dinners fun and stress-free
The flavor explosion from the marinade and peanut sauce will have your taste buds dancing like no one’s watching
With its gorgeous golden-brown skewers and vibrant toppings, it’s a showstopper that impresses without the fuss
Not just for grilling, this recipe can adapt to any cooking method you prefer, making it a versatile gem in your kitchen arsenal

One summer evening, I served chicken satay with peanut sauce at a barbecue, and everyone couldn’t get enough!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious chicken satay with peanut sauce:

1 pound chicken breast (cut into strips): Choose fresh, high-quality chicken for the best results. Cut them evenly for uniform cooking.

2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium): Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to maintain flavor while controlling salt levels in your dish.

1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Use a neutral oil to avoid overpowering the marinade’s flavors and to help with grilling.

1 tablespoon brown sugar: This adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory elements of the marinade perfectly.

1 teaspoon ground coriander: Ground coriander lends a warm, citrusy flavor that enhances the overall taste of the chicken.

1 teaspoon ground cumin: The earthy notes from cumin will deepen the flavor profile of your chicken satay.

1 teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic powder is a convenient way to add depth without the hassle of fresh garlic preparation.

1 teaspoon ginger powder: Ginger powder complements the spices and adds a hint of warmth to your marinade.

For the Peanut Sauce:

1 cup peanut butter (smooth): Smooth peanut butter creates a creamy texture that makes this sauce irresistible; opt for natural varieties if possible.

1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium): Again, low-sodium soy sauce helps balance flavors without overwhelming the dish with saltiness.

2 tablespoons honey: Honey adds natural sweetness and helps achieve that perfect glaze on your chicken skewers.

1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed): Fresh lime juice brightens up the sauce and adds a zesty kick that pairs well with peanuts.

1 clove garlic (minced): Fresh minced garlic will impart a robust flavor; be sure to chop it finely for even distribution in the sauce.

warm water as needed (to thin sauce): Adding warm water gradually helps achieve your desired consistency without compromising flavor.

For Garnish:

2 tablespoons chopped peanuts (for topping): Chopped peanuts provide added crunch and elevate both presentation and texture of the dish.

2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (for garnish): Fresh cilantro not only adds color but also brings a refreshing herbaceous note to each bite.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Marinate the Chicken: Start by gathering a large mixing bowl and measuring out 2 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. Add in 1 teaspoon each of ground coriander, ground cumin, garlic powder, and ginger powder. As you stir these ingredients together, notice how the rich aromas of the spices begin to mingle, creating a fragrant marinade that will infuse your chicken with incredible flavor. Cut your pound of chicken breast into strips and add them to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes; this step is crucial as it allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, making it tender and delicious.

Prepare the Peanut Sauce: While your chicken is soaking up those flavors, grab another bowl for the peanut sauce. Combine 1 cup of smooth peanut butter with an additional tablespoon of low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of honey for sweetness, 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lime juice for brightness, and a minced clove of garlic for depth. Using a whisk, blend these ingredients until they form a luscious mixture. As you whisk, you’ll notice the inviting scent of peanut butter and lime wafting through your kitchen. If the sauce is too thick for your taste, gradually add in water until you reach your desired consistency—smooth enough to drizzle but thick enough to cling to those chicken skewers.

Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat—this is where the magic happens! Once hot, thread those marinated chicken strips onto skewers; make sure not to overcrowd them so they can cook evenly. Place them on the grill and let them sizzle away for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn golden brown and develop those beautiful char marks that signal perfect grilling. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking; you want juicy chicken bursting with flavor.

Serve: After grilling, it’s time to plate your masterpiece! Arrange the chicken skewers on a serving platter and drizzle that creamy peanut sauce generously over them or serve it on the side for dipping. For an extra touch of color and crunch, sprinkle chopped peanuts on top along with fresh cilantro. The vibrant greens against the golden-brown chicken create an enticing visual feast that’s hard to resist! Enjoy this delightful dish with friends or family—it’s perfect for sharing!

Chef's Helpful Tips

For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight if possible
When grilling, ensure the grill is properly preheated to achieve those perfect char marks
Adjust the peanut sauce’s consistency gradually with water; it should be creamy yet pourable for easy drizzling

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To maximize efficiency and achieve perfect results with chicken satay with peanut sauce, start by marinating the chicken for at least 15 minutes. While the chicken is marinating, prepare the peanut sauce. Once done, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the skewers for about 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked.

Marinating the Chicken

Begin your journey to a delightful chicken satay with peanut sauce by preparing the marinade. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground coriander, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of ginger powder. Add 1 pound of chicken breast cut into strips and ensure each piece is well-coated in the marinade. Let this sit for at least 15 minutes to infuse those flavors into the chicken.

Preparing the Peanut Sauce

While your chicken marinates, it’s time to whip up a delicious peanut sauce. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of smooth peanut butter, 1 tablespoon of low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of honey, and juice from 1 freshly squeezed lime. Add in 1 minced clove of garlic for an extra kick. Gradually incorporate water until you reach your desired consistency—aim for a creamy yet pourable texture that will complement your grilled chicken perfectly.

Grilling the Chicken

Once your chicken has marinated and your peanut sauce is ready, it’s time to hit the grill! Preheat it to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken strips onto skewers, ensuring they are spaced appropriately for even cooking. Grill each skewer for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked through—this will give you a smoky flavor while keeping the chicken juicy and tender.

Serving Your Chicken Satay

After grilling, serve your delicious chicken satay with peanut sauce drizzled over the top or on the side for dipping. To elevate your presentation, garnish with 2 tablespoons of chopped peanuts and a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro. This not only adds color but enhances the overall flavor profile of this delightful dish!

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your chicken satay with peanut sauce by swapping chicken for shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option. You can also experiment with different spices like paprika or chili powder for a kick. For the peanut sauce, try adding a dash of sesame oil or sriracha for extra flavor.

Storing & Reheating

To store chicken satay with peanut sauce, place the grilled chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Keep the peanut sauce in a separate container. To reheat, warm the chicken in a microwave for 1-2 minutes at medium power until heated through.

FAQ

What is chicken satay with peanut sauce?

Chicken satay with peanut sauce features marinated grilled chicken served with a rich, creamy peanut sauce.

How long does it take to prepare chicken satay with peanut sauce?

The total time for chicken satay with peanut sauce is 35 minutes, including prep and cooking.

Can I customize the ingredients for chicken satay with peanut sauce?

While you can adjust spices, using the exact ingredients ensures the best flavor for chicken satay with peanut sauce.