Peanut Chicken Satay skewers served with creamy peanut sauce

Peanut Chicken Satay

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Peanut Chicken Satay is a delicious dish that brings a taste of Southeast Asia right to your kitchen. It’s easy to make and packed with flavors that everyone loves, especially if you enjoy the rich taste of peanuts. This recipe is not only quick to prepare but also great for a family meal or a gathering with friends. Plus, it includes a mix of ingredients that are easy to find and adds a nice twist to your usual chicken dishes.

How to Make Peanut Chicken Satay

Ingredients:

  • 500 g (1 lb 2 oz) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces (or chicken breast)
  • 1 tsp mild curry powder
  • 1 tsp sea salt flakes
  • ⅓ cup (90 g) natural smooth peanut butter
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml) sweet chilli sauce (or substitute with ¼ cup sugar or honey)
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose soy sauce (or tamari)
  • 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar (or white vinegar)
  • 1 tsp freshly minced garlic
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely diced
  • Rice, cucumber, coriander (cilantro), fresh chilli, crushed peanuts, and lime wedges, to serve

Directions:

  1. Sprinkle the chicken with curry powder and salt, toss to coat, and set aside.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the peanut butter, sweet chilli sauce, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and 2–3 tablespoons of water. Mix well.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over high heat. Add the onion and cook for 1–2 minutes until softened.
  4. Add the chicken to the pan and cook for 5–6 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  5. Once cooked, turn off the heat and stir through the peanut sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add 2–3 more tablespoons of water to loosen it.
  6. Serve hot with rice, cucumbers, coriander, fresh chilli, crushed peanuts, and lime wedges.

How to Serve Peanut Chicken Satay

Peanut Chicken Satay is best served warm over a bed of fluffy rice. Add fresh cucumber slices for a refreshing crunch and a sprinkle of coriander to enhance the flavors. Providing lime wedges and crushed peanuts on the side lets everyone customize their dish to suit their taste. This not only looks appealing but makes the meal feel more interactive and fun!

How to Store Peanut Chicken Satay

If you have leftovers, let the Peanut Chicken Satay cool down completely before placing it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it in a pan on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Tips to Make Peanut Chicken Satay

  • If you want more heat, add some chopped fresh chilli to the chicken while cooking.
  • For a nut-free version, you can substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.
  • Make sure not to overcook the chicken; this keeps it tender and juicy.

Variation

You can customize this recipe by adding various vegetables. Bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas can be tossed in with the chicken and onion for extra nutrition and color. Alternatively, you could thread the marinated chicken onto skewers and grill them for a fun kebab-style dish!

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They will work well, but may require slightly less cooking time.

2. What should I do if I don’t have sweet chilli sauce?
You can use honey or sugar as a substitute. Just mix it with the peanut butter and soy sauce for a sweet flavor.

3. Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Just cook them when you’re ready to eat, or heat the prepared dish for a quick meal.