Thai Chicken Sate with Peanut Sauce
Thai Chicken Sate with Peanut Sauce is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of Thailand right to your kitchen. This recipe combines tender chicken marinated in aromatic spices and served with a rich, creamy peanut sauce. Perfect for parties, family dinners, or even a cozy night in, this dish offers versatility and satisfaction. The best part? Making Thai chicken sate with peanut sauce at home is not only cost-effective but also allows you to enjoy an unlimited number of skewers!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of spices and the creamy peanut sauce creates an unforgettable taste that will impress your guests.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as an appetizer, main dish, or even for meal prep throughout the week.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and healthy fats, this dish provides a nutritious option without compromising on flavor.
- Customizable: Feel free to tweak the spices and sauces according to your preferences for a personalized touch.

Tools and Preparation
To make Thai Chicken Sate with Peanut Sauce successfully, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment can make cooking more efficient and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Wooden skewers
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Grill or grill pan
- Saucepan
Importance of Each Tool
- Wooden skewers: These are crucial for threading the marinated chicken, allowing even cooking on the grill.
- Mixing bowls: Handy for marinating chicken and combining ingredients for the peanut sauce without mess.
- Whisk: Essential for ensuring all peanut sauce ingredients blend smoothly, preventing lumps.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Sate
- 2 pounds (1kg) skinless and boneless chicken breast (sliced 1 inch wide x 4-5 inches length)
- 1/2 cucumber (sliced)
- 2 teaspoons Masaman curry paste (or red curry paste)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 1.5 tablespoons minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2.5 teaspoons sweet soy sauce
- 2.5 teaspoons sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/3 cup coconut milk
For the Peanut Sauce
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3/4 cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons Thai red curry paste or Massaman curry paste
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar or to taste
- 2 tablespoons ground peanut
- Salt to taste
How to Make Thai Chicken Sate with Peanut Sauce
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Slice the chicken breast against the grain into pieces that are at least 1 inch wide. Mix in the marinade in a bowl, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare Peanut Sauce
Add all the ingredients for the peanut sauce into a saucepan. Using a whisk, quickly combine everything before placing it on low heat. Continue whisking until well combined.
Step 3: Simmer Peanut Sauce
As soon as the peanut sauce starts to simmer and bubble, turn off the heat. If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a little water during cooking. Remove from heat and top with ground peanuts. Your Thai peanut sauce is now ready! Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to a week.
Step 4: Grill Chicken Sate
Remove marinated chicken from refrigeration. Thread each piece onto wooden skewers lengthwise. Grill them for about 4 minutes on each side or until they reach your desired tenderness.
Step 5: Serve
Serve your delicious Thai Chicken Sate hot with creamy peanut sauce and sliced cucumber on the side. Enjoy!
How to Serve Thai Chicken Sate with Peanut Sauce
Serving Thai chicken sate with peanut sauce is a delightful experience that can be tailored to suit any occasion. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, these tasty skewers are sure to please.
Pair with Cucumber Salad
- A refreshing cucumber salad balances the richness of the peanut sauce. Simply toss sliced cucumbers with rice vinegar and a pinch of salt for added flavor.
Accompany with Jasmine Rice
- Fluffy jasmine rice makes an excellent base for your chicken sate. The subtle aroma complements the dish beautifully and absorbs the delicious peanut sauce.
Serve with Thai Spring Rolls
- Crispy Thai spring rolls add texture and variety to your meal. They can be filled with vegetables, shrimp, or chicken for a delightful appetizer.
Enjoy on a Skewer Platter
- Arrange individual skewers on a platter for easy serving. You can garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for an appealing presentation.
Add Fresh Herbs
- Garnishing your chicken sate with fresh herbs like cilantro or basil enhances flavor and adds color. Just sprinkle some over the top before serving.
How to Perfect Thai Chicken Sate with Peanut Sauce
Perfecting your Thai chicken sate requires attention to detail and some helpful tips. Follow these suggestions to elevate your dish.
- Marinate Well: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes for deeper flavor absorption.
- Soak Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes prior to grilling. This prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Control Heat: Grill the chicken over medium heat to ensure it cooks evenly without burning or drying out.
- Taste as You Go: Adjust seasoning in both the marinade and peanut sauce according to your preference, ensuring a balanced flavor.
- Serve Warm: Enjoy your chicken sate immediately after grilling for the best taste and texture.
- Experiment with Spices: Don’t hesitate to tweak spices based on your taste; adding more chili can give it an extra kick!
Best Side Dishes for Thai Chicken Sate with Peanut Sauce
Pairing side dishes with Thai chicken sate can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options:
- Thai Fried Rice: A flavorful dish made with day-old rice stir-fried alongside vegetables and eggs, offering a hearty companion.
- Green Papaya Salad: A refreshing salad packed with crunch and acidity, balancing out the richness of the peanut sauce.
- Steamed Broccoli: Simple yet nutritious, steamed broccoli adds color and health benefits while being easy to prepare.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn complements the savory flavors of chicken sate; grill it lightly for added smokiness.
- Mango Sticky Rice: A popular dessert that provides a sweet contrast after enjoying savory chicken sate.
- Spicy Noodle Salad: Cold noodles tossed in spicy dressings bring a delightful zing that pairs well with the satay’s flavors.
- Egg Rolls: Crispy egg rolls filled with vegetables or meat make for a great finger food option alongside your meal.
- Coconut Soup: Lightly spiced coconut soup offers warmth and creaminess that works beautifully as an appetizer or side dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the most seasoned cooks can make mistakes when preparing Thai Chicken Sate with Peanut Sauce. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid.
- Marinating Too Short: Not allowing the chicken to marinate long enough can lead to bland flavors. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but longer is even better for deeper taste.
- Skipping the Skewering Step: Forgetting to thread the chicken onto skewers can lead to uneven cooking. Always ensure your chicken is securely skewered before grilling.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Cold chicken and peanut sauce may not blend well, causing uneven cooking and flavor. Let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking.
- Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can dry it out. Grill until just cooked through, checking for tenderness and juiciness.
- Neglecting Peanut Sauce Consistency: Not adjusting the sauce thickness can affect the dish’s overall quality. Add water gradually if you prefer a thinner sauce.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Freezing Thai Chicken Sate with Peanut Sauce
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Best consumed within 2-3 months for optimal flavor.
Reheating Thai Chicken Sate with Peanut Sauce
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in a microwave-safe dish for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra peanut sauce if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about Thai Chicken Sate with Peanut Sauce.
How do I make Thai Chicken Sate with Peanut Sauce spicy?
You can add more cayenne pepper or incorporate fresh chili peppers into your marinade and peanut sauce for an extra kick of heat.
Can I use other meats instead of chicken?
Yes! You can substitute chicken with pork, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option while keeping the same marinade and cooking method.
What can I serve with Thai Chicken Sate with Peanut Sauce?
This dish pairs beautifully with jasmine rice, simple salads, or fresh veggies like cucumber slices and bell peppers.
How do I store leftover peanut sauce?
Store leftover peanut sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week or freeze it for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
Thai Chicken Sate with Peanut Sauce is not just delicious but also versatile. This recipe allows you to customize flavors based on your preferences while offering a delightful dining experience. Whether enjoyed as an appetizer or main dish, it’s sure to impress!
Thai Chicken Sate with Peanut Sauce
Thai Chicken Sate with Peanut Sauce is a mouthwatering dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Thailand to your table. This easy-to-follow recipe features tender chicken marinated in aromatic spices, grilled to perfection, and served alongside a rich, creamy peanut sauce. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this dish is versatile and satisfying. Best of all, making Thai chicken sate at home is budget-friendly and allows you to enjoy an endless supply of delicious skewers.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients
- 2 pounds skinless boneless chicken breast
- 1/2 cucumber (sliced)
- Masaman curry paste
- Turmeric powder
- Ground coriander
- Ground cayenne pepper
- Minced garlic
- Fish sauce
- Sweet soy sauce
- Sugar
- Coconut milk
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3/4 cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons Thai red curry paste or Massaman curry paste
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar or to taste
- 2 tablespoons ground peanut
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the sliced chicken in a mix of spices and coconut milk for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the peanut sauce by whisking peanut butter, coconut milk, curry paste, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and salt in a saucepan over low heat until smooth.
- Grill the marinated chicken skewers on medium heat for about 4 minutes per side or until fully cooked.
- Serve hot with the creamy peanut sauce and sliced cucumber.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer (approximately 130g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 630mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
