Name: Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 400 g/14 oz coconut milk (1 can), full fat; 13-16 bamboo skewers, 16 cm / 6.5 inches long; 600 g / 1.2 lb chicken thighs, boneless skinless, cut into 2 cm / ¾ inch pieces; 1 tbsp curry powder; 1 tsp white sugar; 2 tsp red curry paste; 1 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt (or ½ tsp table salt); 2 tbsp red curry paste; ¾ cup natural peanut butter, smooth; ¼ cup white sugar; 2 tsp dark soy sauce; 1 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt (or ½ tsp table salt); 2 tbsp cider vinegar; ¾ cup water; 2 tbsp peanuts, finely chopped; Lime wedges (optional); Coriander / cilantro leaves (optional); Sliced red chili (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 4 reviews

If you have a craving for something vibrant, flavorful, and downright addictive, then you’re in for a treat with this Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce Recipe. Tender chicken thighs marinated in a fragrant blend of curry and red curry paste get grilled to perfection on bamboo skewers. What truly elevates this dish is the rich, creamy peanut sauce made from natural peanut butter and coconut milk, delivering a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy notes. Whether you’re serving it as a starter or the main event, each bite will transport you straight to the bustling streets of Thailand with every mouthwatering flavor burst.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up of a glass jar filled with smooth, creamy peanut butter that has a rich golden-brown color and shiny texture. A wooden spoon is lifted above the jar, holding a thick, flowing dollop of peanut butter that stretches down towards the jar, showing a silky and sticky consistency. The background has a white marbled texture, emphasizing the warm color of the peanut butter and the natural wood color of the spoon. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

With just a handful of ingredients that are easy to find and wonderfully complementary, this dish combines creamy coconut milk, bold curry powders, and fresh chicken to create an unforgettable taste profile. Each element plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture that come together beautifully.

400 g/14oz coconut milk (1 can), full fat: Adds luxurious creaminess and subtle sweetness.
13-16 bamboo skewers, 16cm / 6.5″ long: Perfect for grilling the chicken evenly and creating those irresistible grill marks.
600 g / 1.2lb chicken thighs, boneless skinless, cut into 2cm pieces: Juicy with just the right chew, thighs soak up marinade better than breasts.
1 tbsp curry powder: Brings warmth and a hint of earthiness that deepens the marinade’s flavor.
1 tsp white sugar: Balances the spicy and salty notes for that classic sweet-savory Thai taste.
2 tsp red curry paste: Packs vibrant heat and authentic Thai flavor into both marinade and peanut sauce.
1 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt: Essential to season and enhance all the flavors.
3/4 cup natural peanut butter, smooth: The star of the sauce, bringing nutty richness without added sweetness or oils.
1/4 cup white sugar (for sauce): Sweetens the peanut sauce gently without overpowering it.
2 tsp dark soy sauce: Adds depth and a touch of umami to the peanut sauce.
2 tbsp cider vinegar: Gives the peanut sauce a bright tang that cuts through the richness.
3/4 cup water: Adjusts sauce consistency to perfectly pourable yet thick enough for dipping.
2 tbsp peanuts finely chopped (for garnish): Adds delightful crunch and visual appeal.
Lime wedges (optional): Provide a fresh citrus pop that awakens the palate.
Coriander/cilantro leaves and sliced red chilli (optional): Enhance both flavor and color for that authentic Thai finish.

How to Make Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade and Chicken

Start by mixing the curry powder, white sugar, red curry paste, and salt into 1/4 cup of the full-fat coconut milk. Toss the chicken thigh pieces in this vibrant marinade, making sure each piece is well coated. Let them sit for at least 20 minutes so the flavors really sink in — or if you have time, an overnight soak in the fridge will make the meat even more tender and flavorful.

Step 2: Soak the Skewers

If you’re planning to grill on a BBQ or charcoal, soak your bamboo skewers in water for about 2 hours. This prevents them from burning and keeps them sturdy while you cook those tasty morsels of chicken.

Step 3: Thread and Grill the Chicken

Once marinated, thread 4 to 5 pieces of chicken onto each skewer. Heat 1.5 tablespoons of oil in a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Cook the skewers in batches for about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. The aroma at this stage will have you drooling before even tasting!

Step 4: Whip Up the Thai Peanut Sauce

In a saucepan, combine the remaining coconut milk with peanut butter, red curry paste, sugar, soy sauce, salt, cider vinegar, and water. Stir everything together over medium-low heat and let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep it smooth. Adjust the water quantity if you want a thinner or thicker sauce. Keep it warm until the chicken is ready.

How to Serve Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce Recipe

The image shows a white plate on a white marbled surface filled with a meal consisting of three grilled meat skewers with a golden-brown char, placed on a bed of white rice. To the left side of the plate is a small white bowl filled with a light brown peanut sauce garnished with crushed peanuts and a piece of cilantro. A woman's hand is holding one skewer dipping it into the sauce. Below the bowl, sliced green cucumbers with chili slices and crushed peanuts are arranged on the plate. The dish is decorated with cilantro leaves and a lime wedge on the right edge of the plate, adding fresh green color accents. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle finely chopped peanuts over the sauce and skewers to add irresistible crunch and texture contrast. Fresh coriander leaves and a few slices of red chili brighten the presentation and offer extra layers of flavor for those who like a little kick. Don’t forget a wedge of lime to squeeze over the top — it’s a small touch that elevates every bite.

Side Dishes

While these chicken satay skewers shine on their own or as appetizers, pairing them with fluffy Jasmine rice or fragrant Thai fried rice transforms the meal into a full and satisfying feast. The mild rice balances the rich peanut sauce perfectly, allowing you to savor each delicious flavor component fully.

Creative Ways to Present

Offer the skewers arranged artfully on a colorful platter with small bowls of peanut sauce for dipping. For fun, place the skewers on a bed of fresh greens or wrap warm rice paper around the chicken for light, hand-held bites. You could even turn this into a party favorite by serving it alongside a variety of Thai-inspired small plates for a shared dining experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, keep leftover chicken satay and peanut sauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The flavors deepen after a day or two, making them perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked satay skewers in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. Peanut sauce also freezes well in small containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Warm the chicken skewers in a hot skillet or oven to maintain their texture without drying out. Heat the peanut sauce slowly on the stovetop, stirring to restore its creamy smoothness. Avoid microwaving the sauce to prevent separation.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While thighs stay juicier, chicken breasts work fine too. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they dry out faster.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh cubes. Marinate and grill them similarly, keeping the delicious peanut sauce as is.

What if I don’t have red curry paste?

If you’re missing red curry paste, a mix of curry powder and a pinch of chili flakes can work in a pinch, though the authentic flavor won’t be quite the same.

How spicy is the Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce Recipe?

The dish carries a gentle to moderate heat level thanks to the red curry paste, but you can easily adjust it by reducing or increasing the amount according to your taste buds.

Can I grill these skewers outdoors?

Definitely! Grilling adds a wonderful smoky taste that pairs perfectly with the creamy peanut sauce. Just remember to soak your bamboo skewers beforehand to prevent burning.

Final Thoughts

Once you give this Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce Recipe a try, it’s likely to become a beloved staple in your cooking repertoire. It’s simple yet impressive, packing a punch of authentic flavors and textures guaranteed to wow anyone lucky enough to share your table. So fire up your stove, get those skewers ready, and dive into a taste adventure that feels like a warm hug from Thailand itself.