This Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce is a healthy, flavor-packed dinner that’s perfect for weeknights or summer grilling. Tender chicken is marinated in a tangy, nutty peanut-ginger sauce and grilled to juicy perfection. Served with a creamy homemade peanut dipping sauce, this dish is versatile enough to be enjoyed with rice, salad, or vegetables. It’s dairy-free, high-protein, and full of Southeast Asian flair.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Chicken & Marinade:

• 1½ lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

• ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce

• 2 tbsp natural peanut butter

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar

• 1 tbsp lime juice

• 2 tsp sesame oil

• 2 tsp honey

• 2 tsp grated fresh ginger

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Serving:

• Homemade peanut dipping sauce (separate recipe linked on original site)

• Chopped green onions

• Chopped cilantro

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   In a bowl or zip-top bag, whisk together all marinade ingredients. Reserve a few tablespoons to brush while grilling. Add chicken, coat well, and marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.

2. Prepare the Peanut Sauce:
   While chicken marinates, prepare the peanut sauce by whisking all its ingredients in a separate bowl (see original source for detailed recipe).

3. Soak Skewers (if using wood):
   Soak wooden skewers in warm water for 30–60 minutes to prevent burning.

4. Assemble Skewers:
   Thread 4–5 chicken cubes onto each skewer.

5. Grill the Chicken:
   Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high. Lightly oil grates. Grill chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, brushing with reserved marinade, until fully cooked (internal temp 165°F).

6. Serve:
   Garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro. Drizzle with peanut sauce and serve with rice, salad, or grilled vegetables.

Nutrients (per skewer, approx.)

• Calories: 188 kcal

• Protein: 27.8g

• Fat: 6.4g

• Carbohydrates: 3.4g

• Sugar: 1.8g

• Sodium: 379mg

• Fiber: 0.4g

A Marinade That Packs a Punch

At the heart of this dish is the satay marinade—a balanced blend of peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and a touch of honey. It’s equal parts tangy, nutty, salty, and sweet, with a gentle kick from red pepper flakes. These flavors come together to infuse the chicken with moisture and complexity during the marinating process, ensuring that each bite is tender and flavorful.

Using natural peanut butter gives the marinade a more authentic depth and avoids added sugars or oils, while fresh ginger and garlic bring warmth and aromatics. The marinade is not just for soaking—the reserved portion also doubles as a flavorful glaze brushed on the chicken during grilling to enhance caramelization and add extra flavor.

Lean Protein Meets Big Flavor

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the protein of choice here. They’re lean, high in protein, and perfect for marinating, as they absorb the bold satay flavors without being overwhelmed. Cutting them into 1-inch cubes allows for quick cooking and maximum surface area for the marinade to penetrate. The bite-sized pieces are ideal for skewers, making the dish easy to handle, serve, and enjoy.

Grilling brings out the best in this dish, adding a smoky char that contrasts perfectly with the tangy marinade and the creamy peanut dipping sauce. Whether you use an outdoor grill or a stovetop grill pan, the goal is a seared exterior and a juicy interior—cooked until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

The Essential Peanut Dipping Sauce

No satay is complete without a rich, creamy peanut sauce to dip, drizzle, or spoon generously over the chicken. While the marinade contains peanut butter, the sauce takes it further with ingredients like soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, garlic, honey, and sometimes coconut milk or chili paste for extra creaminess and spice.

The sauce brings balance—its velvety texture and sweet-savory flavor complement the grilled meat and add a satisfying richness to each bite. You can make the sauce as thick or as pourable as you like by adjusting with water or coconut milk, and it stores well in the fridge for several days.

If you’re looking for a quick shortcut, store-bought peanut sauces are available—but homemade is almost always better, and can be tailored to your taste.

Grill or No Grill: Cook It Your Way

While grilling delivers the most authentic flavor, this dish is extremely versatile and can be prepared using several methods:

• Grill pan or outdoor grill: Best for that smoky char and golden crust.

• Broiler: A great indoor option—just place skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil for 5–6 minutes per side.

• Stovetop skillet: Pan-sear the chicken cubes for a juicy interior and crisp exterior without skewers.

• Oven-baked: Arrange chicken on skewers or baking tray and bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes until cooked through.

This flexibility makes the recipe a year-round favorite, no matter your kitchen setup.

What to Serve with Chicken Satay

The flavor profile of chicken satay makes it easy to pair with a variety of sides. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Jasmine or coconut rice: Classic and perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.

• Rice noodles or vermicelli: Toss with fresh veggies and drizzle with extra peanut sauce for a noodle bowl.

• Grilled vegetables: Bell peppers, eggplant, or asparagus pair beautifully.

• Fresh cucumber salad: Adds a cooling, crunchy contrast to the warm, savory chicken.

• Lettuce wraps: For a low-carb option, serve in butter lettuce cups with extra herbs.

Garnishing with chopped cilantro, green onions, or crushed peanuts adds visual appeal and extra bursts of flavor and crunch.

Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Friendly

One of the most appealing features of this recipe is how well it suits meal prepping and entertaining. You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and prepare the peanut sauce ahead of time as well. Cooked skewers can be reheated easily or served cold in salads and wraps, making them excellent for lunchboxes or weekday dinners.

You can also freeze uncooked, marinated chicken in an airtight bag for up to two months—simply thaw in the fridge overnight and cook as usual.

Flavor Variations and Customizations

Customize your satay to match your preferences:

• Spicy: Add sriracha, chili garlic sauce, or Thai red curry paste to the marinade or sauce.

• Sweeter: Increase the honey or add a splash of pineapple juice.

• Nut-free: Use sunflower seed butter or tahini instead of peanut butter.

• Low-sodium: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and reduce salt to taste.

This adaptability ensures the recipe can fit into a variety of dietary needs and personal flavor profiles.

Nutritional Highlights and Health Benefits

Each skewer of chicken satay contains approximately 188 calories, 28g of protein, and just 6.4g of fat—a high-protein, low-carb option that keeps you full and energized. It’s naturally gluten-free when using tamari instead of soy sauce, and dairy-free, making it accessible for many diets.

The use of fresh ginger, garlic, and lime juice adds not only flavor but also anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. The peanut sauce provides healthy fats and plant-based protein, while the lean chicken breast delivers essential amino acids.

For those tracking macros, it’s easy to adjust portion sizes and side dishes to meet your specific goals.

Conclusion

This Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce is more than just a delicious dish—it’s a wholesome, crowd-pleasing recipe full of bold Southeast Asian flavor that fits perfectly into modern, busy lifestyles. With its juicy grilled chicken, rich and creamy dipping sauce, and customizable sides, it’s a meal that satisfies every craving while staying healthy and accessible.

Whether you’re firing up the grill on a summer evening, prepping a flavorful weekday lunch, or serving appetizers to guests, this satay recipe will quickly become a go-to. It’s vibrant, nourishing, and above all, absolutely delicious—proof that healthy eating never has to be boring.