Grilled Thai Chicken Satay Skewers with Zesty Peanut Sauce
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Thailand with these Grilled Thai Chicken Satay Skewers. Marinated in a savory blend of soy sauce, honey, and spices, tender chicken thighs are threaded onto bamboo skewers and grilled to perfection. Served with a creamy, zesty peanut sauce made from crunchy peanut butter, coconut milk, and sweet chili sauce, this dish is perfect for gatherings or as a delicious dinner option. Easy to prepare and sure to impress, these satay skewers are a fantastic way to experience authentic Thai cuisine from the comfort of your home.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bamboo skewers
12 (Soaked in cold water for at least 30 minutes)
Boneless skinless chicken thighs
2 lbs (Trimmed and sliced into 3/4 inch strips)
Soy sauce
1/4 cup (For marinating)
Honey
1 tablespoon (For marinating)
Oil
3 tablespoons (2 for marinating, 1 for cooking sauce)
Dried onion flakes
2 teaspoons (For the peanut sauce)
Crunchy peanut butter
3/4 cup (For peanut sauce)
Coconut milk
1/2 cup (For peanut sauce)
Soy sauce
1 tablespoon (For peanut sauce)
Sweet chili sauce
2 tablespoons (For peanut sauce)
Water
1/2 cup (For thinning the sauce if necessary)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (For peanut sauce)
Instructions
1
Soak bamboo skewers in cold water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
2
Trim any excess fat or tendons from the chicken and slice the thighs into strips about 3/4 inch wide.
3
Thread the chicken strips onto the soaked skewers and place them in a shallow glass dish.
4
In a separate bowl, mix together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 tablespoon honey, and 2 tablespoons of oil. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
5
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
6
To prepare the peanut sauce, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a small pan over low heat.
7
Add 2 teaspoons of dried onion flakes and sauté for 15 to 30 seconds until fragrant.
8
Stir in 3/4 cup crunchy peanut butter, 1/2 cup coconut milk, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix well and cook until heated throughout. Set aside.
9
After marinating, drain the chicken (reserving the marinade) and preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
10
Grill the chicken skewers for about 8 minutes, turning frequently and brushing with the reserved marinade to keep them moist and flavorful.
11
Once cooked through and caramelized, remove the skewers from the grill and serve hot with the zesty peanut sauce.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
7.5g
Carbs
22.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Grilled Thai Chicken Satay?
It is a popular Thai dish consisting of marinated chicken strips threaded onto skewers, grilled to perfection, and served with a zesty peanut dipping sauce.
What cut of chicken is best for satay skewers?
Boneless skinless chicken thighs are best because they remain tender and juicy during the high-heat grilling process.
How long should I soak the bamboo skewers?
You should soak bamboo skewers in cold water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
What is in the marinade for the chicken?
The marinade consists of a savory blend of 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 tablespoon honey, and 2 tablespoons of oil.
How long does the chicken need to marinate?
For the best flavor, the chicken should be refrigerated and marinated for at least 2 hours.
What are the ingredients for the zesty peanut sauce?
The sauce includes oil, dried onion flakes, crunchy peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, and salt.
How do I make the peanut sauce?
Sauté dried onion flakes in oil, then stir in peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, and salt until heated through.
Can I use smooth peanut butter instead of crunchy?
Yes, you can use smooth peanut butter, though crunchy provides a more traditional texture for Thai satay sauce.
How thick should the chicken strips be cut?
Chicken thighs should be sliced into strips approximately 3/4 inch wide for even cooking.
How long do the chicken skewers take to grill?
The skewers typically take about 8 minutes to grill over medium-high heat, turning frequently.
Should I keep the marinade after removing the chicken?
Yes, you can reserve the marinade to brush onto the chicken while grilling to keep it moist and enhance the flavor.
What is the calorie count for this recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
Is this recipe high in protein?
Yes, it provides about 22.5g of protein per serving.
How much fat is in this chicken satay?
This recipe contains 20g of fat per serving, largely from the peanut butter and coconut milk.
What if the peanut sauce is too thick?
You can use up to 1/2 cup of water to thin the sauce to your desired consistency.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breast can be used, but be careful not to overcook it as it dries out faster than thighs.
What temperature should the grill be?
The grill should be preheated to medium-high heat.
Are there any carbs in this dish?
Yes, there are approximately 7.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
The chicken can be marinated and the sauce can be prepared in advance, but the skewers are best served hot immediately after grilling.
What makes the peanut sauce 'zesty'?
The combination of sweet chili sauce and dried onion flakes adds a flavorful zing to the creamy peanut base.
How many skewers does this recipe make?
The recipe suggests using 12 bamboo skewers for 2 lbs of chicken.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild warmth from the sweet chili sauce, but it is generally considered mild rather than hot.
Can I cook this indoors?
Yes, you can use a grill pan on the stove or a broiler if an outdoor grill is not available.
What are the common tags for this recipe?
Tags include thai, chicken, satay, grilled, peanut sauce, appetizer, barbecue, and skewers.
What is the purpose of the coconut milk?
Coconut milk adds a creamy texture and a subtle sweetness that balances the saltiness of the peanut butter and soy sauce.
Should the chicken be covered while marinating?
Yes, cover the dish with plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken is done when it is cooked through, caramelized on the outside, and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Can I substitute honey in the marinade?
You can substitute honey with brown sugar or maple syrup for a similar sweet component.
Is this a good appetizer for parties?
Absolutely, skewers are perfect finger food for gatherings and are always a crowd favorite.
What should I do with the dried onion flakes?
Sauté them in a little oil for 15 to 30 seconds until fragrant before adding the other sauce ingredients.