Thai Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce Recipe

Heavenly Thai Chicken Satay Recipe with Spicy Peanut Dip

Mouthwatering thai chicken satay dances between vibrant street food memories and quick weeknight dinner magic.

Skewers of marinated meat promise a delicious adventure straight from southeast asian kitchens.

Fragrant lemongrass and coconut milk infuse each tender bite with incredible depth.

Tangy peanut sauce adds a creamy counterpoint that sparks serious flavor excitement.

Marinades work their delicate charm, transforming simple chicken into something extraordinary.

Friends will wonder about your secret culinary skills after one taste.

You cannot resist this irresistible dish that brings bangkok street flavors right to your plate.

Tasty Swaps For Thai Chicken Satay With Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce

  • Tofu Satay Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu, marinate in the same sauce for a vegetarian-friendly version that maintains the authentic Thai flavors.
  • Beef Satay Alternative: Substitute chicken with thinly sliced beef sirloin, keeping the marinade ingredients identical for a rich, hearty protein option.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari instead of soy sauce, ensure red curry paste is gluten-free, and swap palm sugar with coconut sugar to create a celiac-friendly recipe.
  • Low-Carb Version: Skip the sugar entirely, use monk fruit sweetener, and serve with cucumber salad instead of traditional accompaniments for a keto-compatible meal.

Pairings That Match Thai Chicken Satay With Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce

  • Crisp Riesling Refresh: Bright, slightly sweet German Riesling cuts through the spicy peanut sauce's heat, balancing the chicken's rich marinade with its zesty acidity and fruity undertones.
  • Craft Beer Companion: Choose a hoppy pale ale or wheat beer with citrus notes that complement the lemongrass and lime flavors, creating a refreshing contrast to the satay's bold spices.
  • Tropical Mocktail Match: Blend fresh pineapple juice with coconut water and a splash of ginger, mirroring the Thai-inspired ingredients and providing a cooling counterpoint to the grilled chicken's warmth.

How To Store Thai Chicken Satay With Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce

  • Store leftover chicken satay in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Separate skewers and sauce into different containers to maintain freshness.
  • Wrap cooled chicken satay tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
  • Heat chicken in 30-second intervals, checking to avoid overcooking. Add a splash of water to keep meat moist and prevent rubbery texture.

FAQs For Thai Chicken Satay With Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce

  • What's the purpose of the marinade ingredients?

The marinade infuses the chicken with complex Thai flavors like lemongrass, turmeric, and fish sauce, tenderizing the meat and adding depth of taste.

  • Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with pork or shrimp while keeping the same marinade ingredients for similar flavor profiles.

  • How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and shows nice brown grill marks, typically taking about 3 minutes per side.

  • Do I need any special equipment to make this dish?

You’ll need a grill or grill pan, bamboo skewers, blender or food processor, and a marinating container to prepare this Thai chicken satay recipe.

Why Thai Chicken Satay With Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce Is A Favorite

  • Quickly Master Exotic Flavors: Dive into a Thai-inspired culinary adventure that transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-quality dish with bold, vibrant tastes.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Party Starter: Perfect for gatherings, these skewers offer interactive dining where guests can dip and enjoy a communal eating experience that sparks conversation.
  • Flexible Cooking Options: Whether you prefer grilling outdoors or using an indoor grill pan, this recipe adapts to your kitchen setup without compromising delicious results.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Marinades and sauces can be prepared ahead of time, making this recipe a smart choice for busy home cooks wanting maximum flavor with minimal last-minute effort.

What You’ll Need For Thai Chicken Satay With Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Strips: Tender meat that serves as the primary protein for the Thai chicken satay dish.
Marinade Ingredients:
  • Lemongrass: Provides a citrusy and herbal flavor profile to the chicken.
  • Vegetable Oil: Helps to bind the marinade and keep the chicken moist.
  • Fish Sauce: Adds depth and authentic Thai umami flavor to the marinade.
  • Palm Sugar: Brings a subtle sweetness and caramel-like undertone to the dish.
  • Lime Juice: Adds brightness and helps tenderize the chicken.
  • Soy Sauce: Contributes savory and salty notes to the marinade.
  • Turmeric: Offers a warm, earthy color and subtle spice to the chicken.
  • Garlic: Provides a pungent and aromatic base flavor.
  • Coriander: Introduces a gentle, citrusy spice element.
  • Sriracha: Adds a spicy kick to the marinade.
Dipping Sauce Ingredients:
  • Peanut Butter, Hot Water: Creates a creamy base for the spicy peanut sauce.
  • Red Curry Paste: Brings complex Thai-style heat and flavor to the sauce.
  • Sriracha: Enhances the spiciness of the dipping sauce.
  • Soy Sauce: Adds depth and saltiness to the sauce.
  • Rice Vinegar: Provides a tangy balance to the rich sauce.
  • Lime Juice: Introduces a bright, citrusy note.
  • Garlic: Adds aromatic depth to the sauce.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Contributes additional heat and texture.
  • Scallions: Offers a fresh, mild onion flavor.
  • Salt: Helps to balance and enhance the overall taste.

Simple Steps For Thai Chicken Satay With Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce

Step 1: Whip Up the Spicy Peanut Sauce

Blend peanut butter and hot water in a medium bowl until silky smooth. Mix in these flavor-packed ingredients:
  • Red curry paste
  • Palm sugar
  • Sriracha
  • Soy sauce
  • Rice vinegar
  • Lime juice
  • Minced garlic
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Chopped scallions

Season with salt to perfect the taste. This sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Step 2: Create the Marinade Magic

Combine these ingredients in a blender or food processor:
  • Lemongrass
  • Vegetable oil
  • Fish sauce
  • Palm sugar
  • Lime juice
  • Soy sauce
  • Turmeric
  • Garlic
  • Coriander
  • Sriracha

Blend on high speed for 30 seconds until completely smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Pour the marinade over chicken strips in a large resealable bag or bowl. Refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours, occasionally turning to ensure even flavor absorption.

Step 4: Prepare the Grill

For charcoal grill:
  • Light one chimney of charcoal
  • Wait until charcoal is covered with gray ash
  • Spread evenly over the coal grate
  • Set cooking grate in place
  • Preheat for 5 minutes
  • Clean and oil the grilling grate

Step 5: Skewer and Grill the Chicken

Thread marinated chicken onto pre-soaked bamboo skewers. Grill for approximately 3 minutes per side until beautifully browned and fully cooked through. Transfer to a platter and let rest for 5 minutes.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Present the sizzling chicken satay skewers with the spicy peanut sauce for dipping. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will transport your taste buds to the streets of Thailand!

Helpful Cooking Tips For Thai Chicken Satay With Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce

  • Marinate Smartly: Let chicken soak in the lemongrass-infused marinade for 1-2 hours to maximize flavor depth and tenderness.
  • Soak Skewers Safely: Prevent bamboo skewers from burning by soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
  • Grill with Precision: Cook chicken for exactly 3 minutes per side to achieve perfect char marks and juicy, fully-cooked meat.
  • Sauce Storage Hack: Refrigerate leftover peanut sauce in an airtight container for up to two weeks, making meal prep easier.
  • Spice Level Control: Adjust Sriracha and red pepper flakes to personalize the heat intensity according to your taste preferences.
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Thai Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce Recipe

Thai Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce Recipe


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4.7 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 16 minutes to 2 hours 16 minutes (including marinating)
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent Thai Chicken Satay dances with exotic flavors, bringing Southeast Asian street food magic to your kitchen. Marinated tender chicken skewers paired with a zesty peanut sauce promise a delightful culinary journey you’ll savor with every delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 pound skinless boneless chicken breasts (sliced into 1/2-inch strips lengthwise)
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce

Marinade Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons palm sugar or light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice (from 1 lime)
  • 2 teaspoons freshly minced garlic (about 2 medium cloves)
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon Sriracha
  • 1 stalk lemongrass (roughly chopped)

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup hot water
  • 2 tablespoons Thai red curry paste
  • 2 tablespoons palm sugar or light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Sriracha
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice (from 1 lime)
  • 1 teaspoon finely minced garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 scallions (thinly sliced)
  • Kosher salt (to taste)
  • Bamboo skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)

Instructions

  1. Craft the spicy peanut dipping sauce by whisking peanut butter with hot water until silky. Incorporate red curry paste, palm sugar, Sriracha, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and chopped scallions. Adjust seasoning with salt. Refrigerate for up to two weeks.
  2. Create marinade by blending lemongrass, vegetable oil, fish sauce, palm sugar, lime juice, soy sauce, turmeric, garlic, coriander, and Sriracha in a blender for 30 seconds until smooth.
  3. Submerge chicken strips in marinade within a sealed container. Refrigerate 1-2 hours, rotating periodically to ensure uniform flavor absorption.
  4. Prepare charcoal grill by igniting chimney of coals. Distribute heated coals evenly across grate. Preheat grill for 5 minutes, then clean and oil cooking surface.
  5. Carefully skewer marinated chicken onto pre-soaked bamboo sticks. Grill approximately 3 minutes per side until golden brown and thoroughly cooked, reaching internal temperature of 165°F.
  6. Allow grilled skewers to rest for 5 minutes. Plate alongside prepared spicy peanut sauce for dipping. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

  • Marinate chicken for maximum flavor by letting it sit in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, preferably 2 hours, to allow the spices to deeply penetrate the meat.
  • Soak bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning and potential charring during cooking.
  • Create a gluten-free version by substituting soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, ensuring the dish remains safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing Sriracha and red pepper flakes to suit individual heat preferences, making the dish versatile for different palates.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes (including blending, whisking, and threading)
  • Cook Time: 6 minutes (grilling)
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 297 kcal
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Sodium: 555 mg
  • Fat: 17 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 62 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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