Chicken Satay with Thai Peanut Sauce

If there’s one dish that delivers big flavor with minimal fuss, it’s Chicken Satay with Thai Peanut Sauce. Whether you’re trying to shake up your weeknight routine or looking for something to wow your weekend crowd, this recipe is the answer to that “what’s for dinner?” dilemma we all face. Trust me—this one’s a game-changer.

Tender grilled chicken with hints of warm spices, served alongside a creamy, tangy peanut sauce with just a touch of heat? Yes, please! It’s quick, it’s satisfying, and it’s kid-approved (because skewers make everything more fun, right?).

So grab your apron, and let’s add a little Thai magic to your dinner tonight.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Satay with Thai Peanut Sauce

There are a few reasons this dish earns its repeat-spot on my weekly menu:

  • It’s fast: Minimal prep and quick grill time. Dinner in under 40 minutes? Sold.
  • It’s flavorful: The spice blend is warm and savory, and that creamy peanut sauce? Out of this world.
  • It’s flexible: Serve it with rice, tuck it into lettuce wraps, or throw it over a salad for lunch the next day.

And did I mention it’s picky-eater approved in my house? My youngest calls it “chicken on a stick,” and suddenly dinner disappears.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Satay:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts if you prefer leaner)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Skewers (wooden or metal)

For the Easy Thai Peanut Sauce:

  • ½ cup creamy peanut butter
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional but adds a nice kick)
  • Warm water (to thin the sauce)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oil, oyster sauce, brown sugar, coriander, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Slice your chicken into long strips and toss them into the marinade. Cover and let it sit for at least 30 minutes—the longer, the better (up to overnight if you’re feeling fancy).

Pro tip: This is the perfect time to throw on your favorite podcast or fold that load of laundry you’ve been ignoring.

2. Make the Thai Peanut Sauce

While the chicken’s soaking up all that delicious flavor, whip up your sauce.
In a bowl, mix peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, lime juice, and chili flakes. Gradually stir in warm water until the sauce is smooth and dippable.

Don’t worry if it looks too thick at first—it loosens up beautifully once the water goes in.

3. Heat Up That Grill

Preheat your grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat.
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to keep them from turning into kindling on the grill.

4. Skewer the Chicken

Thread your marinated chicken strips onto the skewers. Leave a little space between each piece so they cook evenly. Bonus: they look super cute lined up like that!

5. Grill to Perfection

Grill each skewer for about 15 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is fully cooked and has those dreamy grill marks. (You know the ones that make your food look like it came from a restaurant? Yeah, those.)

Serve warm with a generous drizzle—or dunk—of peanut sauce.

Aneta’s Kitchen Tip 💡

If your peanut sauce thickens up while sitting, just whisk in a splash of warm water before serving.
Also—if you’re out of oyster sauce, a little hoisin sauce can do the trick in a pinch. I’ve done it, and no one noticed (except my dog, but he’s suspicious of everything).

A Personal Bite

This dish holds a special place in my kitchen. I first made Chicken Satay with Thai Peanut Sauce on a chaotic weeknight when I was low on groceries but high on cravings. The ingredients were already in my pantry (score!), and the flavor? It was like a mini-vacation to Bangkok right at my dinner table. Now it’s a staple for family cookouts, weeknight meals, and even potlucks—because these skewers travel really well.

Grilled Chicken Satay with Thai Peanut Sauce skewers glistening with caramelized marinade and garnished with fresh herbs.
Savor the smoky-charred perfection of Chicken Satay with Thai Peanut Sauce—grilled to golden glory and bursting with flavor.

FAQs About Chicken Satay with Thai Peanut Sauce

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast is leaner, but still tastes amazing with this marinade. Just watch your grill time so it doesn’t dry out.

How spicy is the peanut sauce?

Mild, unless you add the chili flakes. Want it spicier? Add sriracha or a bit of chili paste to heat things up.

What should I serve with this?

Jasmine rice, cucumber salad, or even naan bread all work beautifully. I also love serving it with a side of steamed veggies for a balanced plate.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead, and the peanut sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Any tips for leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container. The satay makes a killer wrap filling or salad topper the next day.

Conclusion

This Chicken Satay with Thai Peanut Sauce is your ticket to big flavor with zero stress. It’s warm, savory, and just a little bit exotic—without requiring a passport or a culinary degree. Whether you’re cooking for your family, a small gathering, or just treating yourself (yes, you deserve it), this recipe delivers every time.

So go ahead, fire up that grill and dip into something magical.

More Flavorful Ideas to Pair with Your Chicken Satay

Now that your Chicken Satay with Thai Peanut Sauce has officially earned a gold star in your recipe book, why stop there? If you’re loving bold, vibrant flavors and easy prep, here are a few delicious dishes from the Chicken Magic collection that will pair beautifully or add variety to your weeknight rotation:

  1. Grilled Curry Chicken with Smashed Cucumber Salad – For another Southeast Asian-inspired favorite, this grilled curry chicken is a fresh, spicy option with a cool cucumber crunch.
  2. Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken – Craving something with a sweet-and-spicy twist? This Korean-style sticky chicken hits the spot with its crave-worthy glaze.
  3. Thai Peanut Chicken Stir Fry – Love the peanut sauce from today’s recipe? This stir-fry delivers that same nutty goodness with a veggie-packed punch.
  4. Bang Bang Chicken Skewers – Obsessed with food on a stick (because same)? These skewers are crispy, spicy, and the perfect party-ready bite.

These recipes share a similar flavor profile or cooking method with your satay, making them ideal for rotating into your meal plan or creating a themed dinner night. Dive in and discover new ways to bring the magic of chicken to your table!

Print
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Grilled Chicken Satay with Thai Peanut Sauce skewers glistening with caramelized marinade and garnished with fresh herbs.

Chicken Satay with Thai Peanut Sauce


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  • Author: Aneta
  • Total Time: 30 mins
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This Chicken Satay with Thai Peanut Sauce is a quick, flavorful meal that’s perfect for weeknights or entertaining. Juicy grilled chicken skewers are paired with a creamy, savory peanut sauce that’s packed with bold Thai-inspired flavors. It’s family-friendly, easy to prep, and totally crave-worthy!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Satay:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar

  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • Skewers (wooden or metal)

For the Thai Peanut Sauce:

  • ½ cup creamy peanut butter

  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce

  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar

  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

  • 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)

  • Warm water (to thin the sauce)


Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken:
    In a bowl, mix soy sauce, vegetable oil, oyster sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, coriander, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Slice the chicken into strips and add to the marinade. Mix well and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

  2. Make the Peanut Sauce:
    In a separate bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, lime juice, and red chili flakes. Add warm water gradually to reach a smooth, pourable consistency. Set aside.

  3. Preheat Grill:
    Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.

  4. Skewer the Chicken:
    Thread marinated chicken onto skewers, spacing slightly for even cooking.

  5. Grill:
    Grill chicken for 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until fully cooked and slightly charred. Serve hot with the peanut sauce for dipping or drizzling.

Notes

If using chicken breasts, be careful not to overcook as they dry out faster than thighs.
The peanut sauce thickens as it sits—just add a splash of warm water and stir to revive.
This recipe is great for meal prep and the skewers can be cooked on an indoor grill pan.
Pair with jasmine rice, cucumber salad, or lettuce wraps for a complete meal.

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 390 kcal
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 740 mg
  • Fat: 23 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 33 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg

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