Chicken satay is a beloved Southeast Asian dish that is perfect for any occasion. Juicy chicken pieces are marinated in a flavorful blend of spices, then skewered and grilled to perfection. They're served with a sweet and tangy peanut sauce that truly elevates the taste. It's an enjoyable meal that offers a mix of wonderful flavors and textures.
This dish is not only tasty, but also straightforward to make at home. Let's dive into the details of how you can create your own delicious chicken satay.
Why This Recipe Works
This Chicken Satay recipe is fantastic for many reasons. First, it's a versatile dish, fitting seamlessly into a casual dinner with family or a sophisticated gathering with friends. The blend of flavors - sweet, spicy, tangy, and salty - make it a crowd-pleaser, appealing to a wide range of palates. Plus, the skewered format makes it a handy, mess-free appetizer that can be easily picked up and enjoyed.
Moreover, this recipe's beauty lies in its simplicity. It doesn't require any exotic ingredients or complicated cooking techniques. All you need is some basic pantry staples and a little bit of patience for marinating the chicken. The savory peanut sauce is another highlight, offering a rich, creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender, grilled chicken. The combination of marinated, grilled chicken and smooth peanut sauce results in a dish that is as pleasing to the palate as it is to the eye. Making Chicken Satay at home can provide an exotic culinary adventure, perfect for breaking the monotony of regular meals.
Ingredients
Chicken- This is the main ingredient. Typically, you'd want to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, as they are lean and easy to grill. If you prefer, you could use chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful result.
Soy Sauce- This Asian sauce adds a deep umami flavor to the marinade. If you're gluten-free, use Tamari as a substitute, which is usually made without wheat.
Lemongrass- This adds a distinctive citrusy flavor to the dish. If it's hard to find, you could substitute it with lemon or lime zest.
Peanut Butter- This is used to make the satay sauce, which gives the dish its characteristic taste. If there are allergies to consider, almond butter can be a good alternative.
Coconut Milk- Used in both the marinade and the peanut sauce, it provides a creamy texture and subtle sweetness. In case you don't have it, substitute it with half-and-half or regular milk.
Tips
- Always marinade your chicken for at least a few hours, overnight if possible. The longer the chicken sits in the marinade, the more flavor it will absorb.
- If you are using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
- To ensure your chicken is cooked thoroughly, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it by adding a bit more coconut milk or water.
- You can prepare the peanut sauce ahead of time. It will keep well in the fridge for up to a week.
How to Serve
Chicken Satay is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Generally, it's served on skewers with peanut sauce on the side for dipping, often accompanied by a fresh cucumber salad and warm jasmine rice.
- Appetizer: Serve Chicken Satay skewers as an appetizer at parties. They are a great finger food and their unique flavor profile will impress your guests.
- Dinner: Serve them as a Dinner with steamed rice and a side of stir-fried veggies. It's a complete, satisfying meal.
- Wrap: You can also make a chicken satay wrap. Place a few pieces of chicken, some fresh lettuce, and cucumber slices on a tortilla, then drizzle the peanut sauce over the top before rolling it up.
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Chicken Satay
Ingredients
- 500 g boneless skinless chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 stalks lemongrass minced
- ¼ cup peanut butter
- ½ cup coconut milk
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into strips and place them in a large bowl.
- In the same bowl, mix soy sauce, minced lemongrass, and half of the coconut milk. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours.
- Thread the chicken strips onto skewers. 4
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the chicken skewers for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- For the peanut sauce, mix peanut butter with the remaining coconut milk over low heat until it's well combined.
- Serve the chicken skewers with the peanut sauce on the side.
Nutrition
Notes
- Always marinade your chicken for at least a few hours, overnight if possible. The longer the chicken sits in the marinade, the more flavor it will absorb.
- If you are using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
- To ensure your chicken is cooked thoroughly, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it by adding a bit more coconut milk or water.
- You can prepare the peanut sauce ahead of time. It will keep well in the fridge for up to a week.