Chicken Satay - Grilled Skewers - Easy Recipe

Chicken satay is a popular Southeast Asian dish that has won hearts worldwide. Originating from Indonesia, this flavorful and aromatic dish consists of marinated, skewered, and grilled chicken served with a mouth-watering peanut sauce. It’s a perfect dish for home cooks and food enthusiasts looking to explore vibrant and exotic flavors.

Ingredients

To get started, gather the following ingredients:

For the Chicken and Marinade:

• 1 lb (450g) chicken thighs or breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon ground turmeric
• 1 tablespoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Peanut Sauce:

• 1 cup unsweetened peanut butter
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional for heat)
• Water as needed to adjust consistency

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken and Marinade

1. Cut the Chicken:

• Cut the chicken thighs or breasts into bite-sized pieces.

2. Make the Marinade:

• Mix minced garlic, soy sauce, fish sauce, ground turmeric, coriander powder, cumin powder, brown sugar, vegetable oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.

3. Marinate the Chicken:

• Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (preferably overnight) for maximum flavor.

Skewering

Step 2: Skewering the Marinated Chicken

1. Prepare the Skewers:

• If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.

2. Skewer the Chicken:

• Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.

Grilling

Step 3: Grilling the Chicken Satay

1. Preheat the Grill:

• Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

2. Grill the Satay:

• Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has a slight char.

Peanut Sauce

Step 4: Preparing the Classic Peanut Sauce

1. Mix the Ingredients:

• In a small saucepan, combine peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and red chili flakes.

2. Cook the Sauce:

• Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Add water as needed to achieve your desired consistency.

Serving

Step 5: Plating and Serving the Chicken Satay

1. Plate the Skewers:

• Arrange the grilled chicken satay on a serving platter.

2. Serve with Peanut Sauce:

• Serve the skewers with a side of peanut sauce for dipping. Garnish with chopped cilantro and lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor.

Variations

Step 6: Personalizing Your Chicken Satay

• Alternate Proteins:
• Try using beef, pork, or tofu for a different take on satay.
• Different Marinades:
• Experiment with adding lemongrass, ginger, or coconut milk to the marinade for a unique flavor profile.
• Cooking Methods:
• If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the satay in a broiler or on a stovetop grill pan.

Conclusion

Chicken satay is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of Southeast Asia right to your kitchen. With a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a flavorful and impressive meal that will wow your family and friends. Give it a try, and don’t be afraid to put your spin on this classic dish!