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Chicken Satay (The Best Recipe!) Recipe

4.2 from 88 reviews

This Chicken Satay recipe delivers tender, flavorful grilled chicken skewers marinated in a fragrant blend of lemongrass, turmeric, garlic, and spices, served with a classic peanut sauce, fresh cucumber, and onions. Perfectly charred and juicy, it’s an authentic Southeast Asian dish that’s ideal for grilling enthusiasts and anyone craving a savory, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Satay Marinade

  • 2 lbs (1kg) boneless and skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, or legs)
  • 2 stalks lemongrass (white parts only)
  • 2 cloves garlic (peeled)
  • 6 small shallots (or pearl onions, peeled)
  • 2 teaspoons turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 tablespoon salt (or more to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar (or honey)
  • 3 tablespoons cooking oil
  • Water (a little, to help blending if needed)

Other Ingredients

  • Oil (for basting during grilling)
  • 1 cucumber (cut into small pieces, for serving)
  • 1 small onion (quartered, for serving)
  • Bamboo skewers (for threading chicken)

Chicken Satay Sauce

  • Followed peanut sauce recipe (typically made with peanut butter, soy sauce, garlic, lime juice, sugar, chili, and coconut milk)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Chicken: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken into small cubes and set aside to prepare for marinating.
  2. Make Marinade: Blend the lemongrass (white parts), garlic cloves, shallots, turmeric powder, coriander powder, chili powder, salt, sugar, and cooking oil in a food processor until smooth. Add a little water if necessary to help blending.
  3. Prepare Peanut Sauce: Follow the peanut sauce recipe to make the classic chicken satay dipping sauce.
  4. Marinate Chicken: Combine the cubed chicken with the marinade mixture and stir well to ensure all pieces are coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to infuse.
  5. Thread Chicken on Skewers: When ready to cook, thread 3-4 pieces of marinated chicken onto each bamboo skewer, evenly distributing the meat.
  6. Grill Chicken Satay: Preheat grill. Grill the skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until the chicken is fully cooked and nicely charred on both sides. Baste with oil during grilling to keep the chicken moist and enhance crispness.
  7. Serve: Serve the grilled chicken satay hot, accompanied by peanut sauce, fresh cucumber pieces, and quartered onions for a refreshing balance.

Notes

  • For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight to allow the spices and lemongrass to penetrate deeply.
  • If bamboo skewers are used, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
  • The peanut sauce can be made from scratch or purchased pre-made for convenience.
  • Adjust chili powder and salt according to your preferred taste and spice tolerance.
  • Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful satay if desired.

Keywords: Chicken Satay, Grilled Chicken Skewers, Peanut Sauce, Southeast Asian Recipe, Lemongrass Chicken, Turmeric Chicken Satay