I love thai food - in fact I eat it almost every week. It is just so good and flavorful. I also 75% of the time order the chicken satay as either an appetizer or as my meal because who doesn't love it? Honestly though, I am just using the chicken as a delivery system for the peanut sauce because that is the real star here. I am also not going to claim this recipe is authentic chicken satay at all - I have no clue how to make the real deal, but I think this version is pretty close and again, the main star is the peanut sauce, which I definitely think my recipe is one of the best! Although this recipe is ~probably~ not super authentic, it is delicious! The chicken is tender with a subtle coconut taste and a little heat at the end. I use turmeric (which basically is flavorless) to imitate the bright yellow color that you typically see with chicken satay. These are great for a crowd as a snack or for dinner when you just want something easy, healthy and tasty to whip up. I prefer to make mine on the grill, but you can use the stovetop to yield the same results (just minus the grill marks) and they will be just as delightful.

  • 2 Lbs Chicken Breast Tenders
  • 1 Can Coconut Milk (full fat, lite will be too watery)
  • 4 Tbsp Turmeric
  • 1 Tbsp Crushed Red Pepper
  • 2 Tbsp Minced Garlic
  • 1 Tbsp Minced Ginger
  • Salt + Pepper, to taste

For the Peanut Sauce:

  • 4 Tbsp Peanut Butter
  • 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
  • 2 Tbsp Honey
  • 2 Tbsp Water
  • 1 Tbsp Rice Vinegar
  • 1 Clove Garlic, Minced
  • 1 Tsp Minced Ginger
  • Serves: 4-6
  • Prep Time: 60-120 Minutes (for marinating)
  • Cook Time: 20 Minutes
  • Total Time: 20 Minutes + Marinating Time

To Make:

  1. First we need to make the marinade so the chicken can set for a while. In a large bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, turmeric, crushed red pepper, garlic, ginger, and salt and pepper. Whisk until well combined and then add in the chicken and fully coat and cover the chicken. Set aside and allow to marinate for at least 60 minutes, but I highly recommend longer if you can!
  2. While the chicken is marinating, let's make the peanut sauce! In a bowl, add the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, water, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and set aside until ready to use.
  3. Now let's cook! Skewer the chicken - 1 to 2 tenders per skewer (depending on the length of your skewer).
  4. Heat the grill to 350 degrees fahrenheit. Once hot, add the skewers and cook on each side for 6-8 minutes until the chicken if cooked all the way through.
  5. Pull off the grill and serve with the peanut sauce made earlier!