Chicken Satay Skewers
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These chicken satay skewers are so satisfying. Inspired by Asian flavors, succulent marinated chicken is grilled to perfection and served with charred peppers and a delicious, rich peanut satay dipping sauce. This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser – the whole family will love them!
Fact: Food is better when it’s served on sticks. Also a fact: It’s even better when those sticks of goodness are served next to a rich, Thai-inspired peanut satay dipping sauce! These chicken satay skewers are sure to be a family favorite. The chicken is marinated in Asian-inspired flavors before hitting the grill to develop a smoky flavor.
This recipe is also super simple to whip up, making it a great go-to recipe for busy weeknights. Just put all the marinade ingredients in a bowl with the chicken, mix all the sauce ingredients together, then grill! You can serve them warm, but they also taste great straight out of the fridge.
Ingredients needed
Chicken Skewers for the chicken skewers:
- Chicken: Boneless chicken breasts are the protein source and flavor vessel.
- Rice vinegar: Adds a tang to the marinade.
- Soy sauce: For a savory umami flavor.
- Brown sugar: Brings a touch of sweetness.
- Fish sauce: Adds a slightly salty element.
- Aromatics: Garlic and ginger infuse the marinade with savory, Asian-inspired flavors.
- Spices: Ground turmeric and coriander for warmth.
- Red peppers: Cut them into squares to bring a bite of freshness to the skewers.
What to serve with chicken satay skewers
These skewers can also work as an appetizer – serve ahead of creamy dishes like a crockpot Thai chicken curry, vegan Thai curry, or a comforting coconut curried cauliflower soup.
Serve these chicken satay skewers over a bed of fragrant coconut rice, ginger rice, or cauliflower rice accompanied by Thai cucumber salad, sauteed bok choy, or crispy eggplant fries. Side dishes with Asian influence complement these skewers, like this vibrant Asian coleslaw, Asian noodle salad, or roasted okra.
Recipe FAQs
If a guest has a peanut allergy, can I substitute peanut butter for something else in the peanut dipping sauce?
Almond butter works great, too! The flavor is still nutty, but slightly milder taste.
Can I make this if I don’t have a grill?
Sure! Our preferred method of cooking is the grill, but you could use a grill pan, skillet, air fryer, or broil it in the oven. Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit before serving.
Where can I find skewers?
Many supermarkets sell bamboo skewers, or you can find some stainless steel skewers online. If using bamboo skewers, we suggest soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes before adding the chicken to prevent them from burning on the grill.
How do I store leftover chicken satay skewers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. You can also store for up to three months in the freezer – the dipping sauce freezes well, too. Thaw overnight in the fridge before eating.
Chicken Satay Skewers Recipe
Ingredients
Chicken Satay
- ¼ cup EACH: rice vinegar and soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon EACH: brown sugar, fish sauce, and minced ginger
- 1 teaspoon EACH: ground turmeric and coriander
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 ½ lb boneless chicken breasts (cut into long, thin strips)
- 2 large red peppers (cut into 1-inch squares)
- Chopped peanuts, cilantro, and minced red pepper or chili pepper (to serve)
Peanut Satay Dipping Sauce
- ¼ cup natural peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons EACH: water and soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon EACH: lime juice and brown sugar
- 1 clove garlic (finely minced)
- Sea salt (to taste)
Instructions
- Mix the rice vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, fish sauce, ginger, turmeric, coriander, and garlic in a medium-sized bowl. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Place the bowl into your fridge and let the chicken marinate for 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.¼ cup EACH: rice vinegar and soy sauce, 1 tablespoon EACH: brown sugar, fish sauce, and minced ginger, 2 cloves garlic, 1 ½ lb boneless chicken breasts, 1 teaspoon EACH: ground turmeric and coriander
- In a small bowl, mix the peanut butter, lime juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic. Taste and add salt if desired.¼ cup natural peanut butter, 1 tablespoon EACH: lime juice and brown sugar , 1 clove garlic, Sea salt
- Preheat your grill to medium-high. Skewer a red pepper square and a piece of chicken on a metal skewer. Repeat until all remaining chicken has been used. Discard the marinade.2 large red peppers
- Grill the chicken skewers for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the meat is fully cooked.
- Serve the chicken satay skewers brushed with some of the peanut dipping sauce and the rest on the side.
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
More Thai chicken recipes
For more inspiration, check out all of my chicken recipes!
What’s a good side dish to go with this recipe? Just curious to make it a meal. Thanks!
What I usually make with these is a cucumber salad (our Thai cucumber salad has similar flavors) and some rice or coconut rice if I want to get a little fancier.
Can these be made a few hours ahead or made snd frozen ahead of time?
Thank you!
They can definitely be made ahead of time. I think they would even be good served chilled. I’m not a fan of eating reheated meat so I wouldn’t recommend freezing them. But you could definitely assemble them ahead of time then cook them right before serving. 🙂
Hi can these be served cold?
I think they would be tasty cold, too. 🙂
Thank you! Let me know how you like them. They are a favorite of mine. 🙂
How fabulous are these tasty bites, Kristen! I love the festive colours too and peanut satay sauce is popular with everyone. Great video!
Thank you so much! They really are delicious. 🙂