Thai Chicken Sate with Peanut Sauce

Thai Chicken Sate with Peanut Sauce is a delightful dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Thailand right to your home. This recipe allows you to enjoy tender, marinated chicken skewers paired with a creamy peanut sauce. Perfect for gatherings, BBQs, or as a tasty weeknight dinner, this dish is not only delicious but also easy to make. You’ll love how you can customize the spice levels and serve it with fresh vegetables like cucumber for a refreshing crunch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this dish in no time.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of spices and creamy peanut sauce packs a punch that will delight your taste buds.
• Versatile Serving: Serve it as an appetizer, main course, or even as part of a buffet spread at parties.
• Healthy Ingredients: Made with lean chicken breast and nutritious spices, this recipe offers a healthier alternative to takeout.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice levels in the peanut sauce to suit your personal preference.

Tools and Preparation

To make Thai Chicken Sate with Peanut Sauce, you’ll need a few essential tools in your kitchen. These will help ensure that your cooking experience is smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skewers
• Whisk
• Saucepan
• Grill or grill pan
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Skewers: Essential for threading the marinated chicken pieces, allowing them to cook evenly on the grill.
• Whisk: Helps combine the ingredients for the peanut sauce smoothly, ensuring no lumps remain.
• Grill or grill pan: Provides the perfect method for achieving that delicious charred flavor on the chicken satay.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Satay

• 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 all marinade ingredients until well combined:
1. Add Masaman curry paste, turmeric powder, ground coriander, cayenne pepper, minced garlic, fish sauce, sweet soy sauce, sugar, white pepper, and coconut milk.
2. Ensure all pieces are coated well.
3. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Peanut Sauce

In a saucepan over low heat:
1. Add all ingredients for the peanut sauce including creamy peanut butter and coconut milk.
2. Use a whisk to combine until smooth.
3. Cook while whisking until it simmers; then turn off heat.
4. If desired, add water to thin out consistency.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken Satay

Remove marinated chicken from the fridge:
1. Thread pieces onto wooden skewers lengthwise.
2. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat.
3. Grill skewers for about 4 minutes on each side until cooked through.

Step 4: Serve

Serve hot satay sticks with peanut sauce drizzled on top or on the side along with sliced cucumber for freshness.

Enjoy your homemade Thai Chicken Sate with Peanut Sauce!

How to Serve Thai Chicken Sate with Peanut Sauce

Thai Chicken Sate with Peanut Sauce is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet dinner, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

With Fresh Vegetables

• Cucumber Slices: The cool crunch of cucumber balances the rich flavors of the chicken and peanut sauce.
• Carrot Sticks: Fresh carrot sticks add a sweet crunch and vibrant color to your plate.

As Part of a Platter

• Appetizer Platter: Arrange the chicken sate with a selection of dips like sweet chili sauce and hoisin sauce for variety.
• Skewer Display: Serve the chicken on decorative skewers for an appealing presentation at parties.

Accompanied by Rice

• Jasmine Rice: Fluffy jasmine rice absorbs the peanut sauce, making each bite delightful.
• Coconut Rice: The sweetness of coconut rice complements the savory chicken sate beautifully.

With Salads

• Thai Salad: A fresh Thai salad with lime dressing adds brightness and tanginess to your meal.
• Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw can provide a refreshing contrast to the warm chicken sate.

How to Perfect Thai Chicken Sate with Peanut Sauce

For the best results when making Thai Chicken Sate with Peanut Sauce, consider these helpful tips.

• Marinate Longer: Allowing the chicken to marinate for several hours enhances its flavor and tenderness.
• Use Skewers Wisely: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning on the grill.
• Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in your marinade.
• Cook Evenly: Turn the skewers frequently while grilling to ensure even cooking on all sides.
• Serve Warm: For optimal taste, serve the chicken sate immediately after grilling while it’s still warm.

Best Side Dishes for Thai Chicken Sate with Peanut Sauce

Pairing side dishes with your Thai Chicken Sate can enhance your dining experience. Here are some perfect options to consider.

1. Steamed Bok Choy: Lightly steamed bok choy adds a nutritious and mild-green element to your meal.
2. Fried Rice: A flavorful fried rice complements the dish well; consider adding vegetables for extra texture.
3. Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls filled with veggies or shrimp offer a delightful crunch alongside your sate.
4. Mango Salad: A refreshing mango salad provides sweetness and acidity that pairs nicely with savory flavors.
5. Lemongrass Soup: This fragrant soup serves as a light starter before enjoying your main dish.
6. Noodle Salad: A cold noodle salad tossed with herbs and sesame dressing adds another dimension of flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Thai Chicken Sate with Peanut Sauce, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:

• Incorrect Chicken Sizing: Cutting chicken pieces too large can lead to uneven cooking. Ensure each piece is about 1 inch wide and 4-5 inches long for consistent grilling.

• Insufficient Marination Time: Skipping or shortening the marination time can result in bland chicken. Allow at least 30 minutes for the flavors to penetrate.

• Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking the satay too long can dry it out. Grill for about 4 minutes on each side, checking for tenderness.

• Neglecting the Peanut Sauce: Not whisking the peanut sauce properly can leave lumps. Whisk continuously over low heat until smooth and combined.

• Skipping Ground Peanuts: Forgetting to add ground peanuts on top of the sauce may miss out on flavor and texture. Always sprinkle them before serving for an added crunch.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
• Make sure the chicken and peanut sauce are cooled before sealing.

Freezing Thai Chicken Sate with Peanut Sauce

• Freeze the cooked chicken sate and peanut sauce separately.
• Use freezer-safe bags or containers.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Thai Chicken Sate with Peanut Sauce

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken on a baking sheet and reheat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

• Microwave: Place chicken and sauce in a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals until hot, stirring occasionally.

• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and peanut sauce, stirring until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Thai Chicken Sate with Peanut Sauce:

What is Thai Chicken Sate with Peanut Sauce?

Thai Chicken Sate with Peanut Sauce is a popular Thai dish featuring marinated grilled chicken skewers served with a rich, creamy peanut sauce.

How do I make the peanut sauce?

Combine coconut milk, peanut butter, curry paste, sugar, vinegar, and ground peanuts in a saucepan. Whisk until smooth and simmer gently.

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes! You can substitute beef, pork, or tofu for a different flavor profile while keeping the marinade and cooking methods similar.

How spicy is this recipe?

The spice level mainly depends on the type of curry paste used. For mild flavors, choose Massaman curry paste; for more heat, opt for red curry paste.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken a day in advance and prepare the peanut sauce ahead of time as well.

Final Thoughts

Thai Chicken Sate with Peanut Sauce is not only delicious but also offers versatility in flavors and ingredients. You can customize it by adding different meats or adjusting spice levels. Try this recipe today for a delightful meal that brings warmth and satisfaction!