Thai Peanut Satay Chicken is one of the most loved Thai street food dishes, famous for its smoky grilled chicken skewers and rich, creamy peanut sauce. Originating from Southeast Asian influences, satay has become a global favorite thanks to its bold marinade, tender meat, and addictive nutty dipping sauce.

The chicken is marinated in fragrant spices, coconut milk, and aromatics, then grilled until beautifully charred and juicy. What truly makes this dish unforgettable is the silky Thai peanut sauce—sweet, salty, tangy, and slightly spicy all at once.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love Thai Peanut Satay Chicken because it combines everything I adore in one dish—juicy grilled chicken, warm spices, and a rich, creamy peanut sauce that’s completely irresistible. The balance of sweet, savory, smoky, and slightly spicy flavors is perfect.

I also love how versatile it is: it works as a party appetizer, a light dinner, or even a protein side for salads and rice bowls. Plus, watching the chicken sizzle on the grill while the peanut sauce simmers is incredibly satisfying.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

One of the most iconic Thai street food recipes
Perfect balance of smoky, nutty, sweet, and savory flavors
Great for parties, barbecues, and meal prep
Easy to customize with different proteins
Kid-friendly and adult-approved
Restaurant-quality flavor at home

If you’ve never tried homemade Thai satay, this recipe will absolutely win you over.

Recipe Overview

Dish Name: Thai Peanut Satay Chicken
Course: Appetizer / Main Course
Cuisine: Thai
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Marinating Time: 2–4 hours (recommended)
Cooking Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: About 3 hours
Servings: 4 (about 12–14 skewers)
Calories (Approx): 380–420 calories per serving (with sauce)

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

500 g boneless chicken thighs or breast, cut into strips
1 cup coconut milk
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp fish sauce
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp curry powder
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp garlic paste
1 tsp ginger paste
1 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Thai Peanut Sauce

½ cup roasted peanut butter (smooth or chunky)
1 cup coconut milk
1 tbsp red curry paste
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp fish sauce
1½ tbsp brown sugar or palm sugar
1 tsp tamarind paste or lime juice
½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
½ cup water (adjust for consistency)

For Serving (Optional)

Cucumber slices
Crushed peanuts
Fresh cilantro
Lime wedges

Cooking Directions (Quick Overview)

Marinate chicken for at least 2 hours.
Soak skewers and thread chicken pieces.
Prepare creamy peanut sauce.
Grill or pan-fry chicken skewers.
Serve hot with peanut sauce.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare and Marinate the Chicken

Cut chicken into long strips. In a bowl, mix coconut milk, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, curry powder, turmeric, garlic paste, ginger paste, and oil. Add chicken and mix well. Cover and marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.

Step 2: Soak the Skewers

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

Step 3: Thread the Chicken

Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, folding slightly to form neat bundles.

Step 4: Prepare the Peanut Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine peanut butter, coconut milk, red curry paste, soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, tamarind paste, and chili flakes. Stir until smooth. Add water gradually and simmer for 5–7 minutes until thick and creamy. Adjust sweetness and salt.

Step 5: Grill the Chicken

Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill on medium-high. Brush lightly with oil. Grill skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally until fully cooked and lightly charred.

Step 6: Final Touch

Remove from heat and rest for 2 minutes. Sprinkle with crushed peanuts and cilantro if desired.

How to Serve Thai Peanut Satay Chicken

Serve hot with creamy peanut sauce on the side
Pair with jasmine rice or coconut rice
Add a side of Thai cucumber salad
Serve as a party appetizer platter
Drizzle sauce over skewers for a glossy finish
Add lime wedges for extra freshness

Recipe Tips

Chicken thighs give juicier results than breast
Longer marination = better flavor
Do not overcook; satay should stay juicy
Brush skewers with extra marinade while grilling
Adjust chili level according to your spice tolerance

Variations (In Detail)

1. Beef Satay

Use thinly sliced beef instead of chicken. Marinate for at least 4 hours for tenderness.

2. Shrimp Satay

Marinate shrimp for only 20 minutes and grill quickly for 4–5 minutes.

3. Vegetarian Satay

Use tofu, tempeh, or mushrooms. Marinate and grill the same way.

4. Extra Spicy Satay

Add extra red curry paste and chili flakes to the marinade and sauce.

5. Oven-Baked Satay

Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.

Freezing and Storage

Storage:

Store cooked chicken in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Store peanut sauce separately for up to 5 days

Freezing:

Freeze marinated raw chicken for up to 2 months
Freeze cooked skewers for up to 1 month
Thaw overnight and reheat on a pan or grill

Note: Peanut sauce freezes well but may need stirring after reheating.

Special Equipment Needed

Wooden or metal skewers
Grill, grill pan, or frying pan
Mixing bowls
Saucepan
Tongs
Measuring cups and spoons

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Is Thai satay very spicy?
No, it’s mildly spiced. Heat can be adjusted easily.

Q2. Can I use store-bought peanut sauce?
Yes, but homemade gives much better flavor.

Q3. Can I air-fry satay chicken?
Yes! Air-fry at 180°C (360°F) for 10–12 minutes.

Q4. What if I don’t have red curry paste?
Use chili paste and a little paprika as a substitute.

Q5. Is satay healthy?
It’s high in protein but moderate in fats due to coconut milk and peanuts—enjoy in balance.

Conclusion

Thai Peanut Satay Chicken is a perfect combination of smoky grilled flavor, juicy tender chicken, and rich, creamy peanut sauce. It captures everything that makes Thai street food so special—bold flavors, irresistible aroma, and comforting satisfaction. Whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining guests, or simply craving something flavorful and exciting, this dish never disappoints. With its easy preparation, customizable variations, and crowd-pleasing taste, Thai Peanut Satay Chicken deserves a permanent place in your recipe collection.