Spicy Peanut Satay Chicken

Featured in: Everyday Joyful Meals

This dish features tender chicken pieces soaked in a rich, spicy peanut marinade, blending soy, lime, and aromatic spices. Marinated for an hour, the skewers are grilled until slightly charred and juicy. Finished with chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges, it offers a perfect balance of heat and tang. Ideal for summer gatherings or light meals, it complements jasmine rice or fresh salads beautifully.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 12:22:00 GMT
Juicy, grilled Spicy Peanut Satay Chicken Skewers, boasting a vibrant peanut sauce and perfect char marks. Pin It
Juicy, grilled Spicy Peanut Satay Chicken Skewers, boasting a vibrant peanut sauce and perfect char marks. | platefullyjoy.com

Tender chicken skewers marinated in a flavorful, spicy peanut sauce and grilled to perfection. Perfect for summer barbecues or as a delicious appetizer.

Ingredients

  • For the Chicken Skewers: 600 g boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 2.5 cm (1 inch) cubes
  • For the Chicken Skewers: 8 wooden or metal skewers
  • For the Spicy Peanut Marinade: 4 tbsp creamy peanut butter
  • For the Spicy Peanut Marinade: 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • For the Spicy Peanut Marinade: 2 tbsp lime juice (about 1 lime)
  • For the Spicy Peanut Marinade: 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • For the Spicy Peanut Marinade: 1 tbsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
  • For the Spicy Peanut Marinade: 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • For the Spicy Peanut Marinade: 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • For the Spicy Peanut Marinade: 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • For the Spicy Peanut Marinade: 1 tsp ground coriander
  • For the Spicy Peanut Marinade: 1 tsp ground cumin
  • For the Spicy Peanut Marinade: 2 tbsp water
  • For Garnish: 2 tbsp chopped roasted peanuts
  • For Garnish: 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
  • For Garnish: Lime wedges

Instructions

Step 1:
Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes if using, to prevent burning.
Step 2:
In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, sriracha, garlic, ginger, vegetable oil, coriander, cumin, and water until smooth.
Step 3:
Reserve 3 tablespoons of marinade for serving.
Step 4:
Add chicken cubes to the remaining marinade, toss well, and cover. Marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
Step 5:
Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers.
Step 6:
Preheat grill or grill pan to medium high heat. Oil the grates lightly.
Step 7:
Grill skewers for 12 15 minutes, turning every few minutes, until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
Step 8:
Brush with reserved marinade during the last minute of grilling.
Step 9:
Remove from grill, garnish with chopped peanuts, cilantro, and serve with lime wedges.
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Notes

For extra heat, increase the amount of sriracha or add crushed red pepper flakes. Can be served with jasmine rice, cucumber salad, or flatbread. Substitute almond butter for peanut butter if preferred. Pairs well with a light lager or Riesling.

Required Tools

Mixing bowls Whisk Knife and cutting board Grill or grill pan Skewers Tongs

Nutritional Information

Calories: 385 Total Fat: 21 g Carbohydrates: 13 g Protein: 37 g

Vibrant close-up of delicious Spicy Peanut Satay Chicken Skewers garnished with fresh cilantro and crushed peanuts. Pin It
Vibrant close-up of delicious Spicy Peanut Satay Chicken Skewers garnished with fresh cilantro and crushed peanuts. | platefullyjoy.com

These skewers bring the perfect balance of spice and creaminess to your barbecue spread.

Recipe FAQs

How long should chicken be marinated for best flavor?

Marinating the chicken for at least one hour allows the spicy peanut mixture to deeply infuse, enhancing tenderness and taste.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well when cut into evenly sized cubes to ensure uniform grilling.

What can be used to prevent wooden skewers from burning?

Soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling reduces the risk of burning during cooking.

How spicy is the marinade and can it be adjusted?

The marinade offers a medium heat level from sriracha, which can be increased or decreased to suit personal taste preferences.

What side dishes pair well with these chicken skewers?

The skewers complement jasmine rice, crisp cucumber salads, or flatbread, balancing the rich peanut flavors.

Are there any common allergens to be aware of?

This dish contains peanuts and soy; substituting tamari can help avoid gluten for sensitive individuals.

Spicy Peanut Satay Chicken

Juicy chicken skewers infused with a spicy peanut marinade, grilled and garnished for vibrant flavors.

Time to Prep
20 minutes
Time to Cook
15 minutes
Overall Time
35 minutes
Recipe by Olivia Reed


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Southeast Asian

Makes 4 Number of Servings

Diet Info No Dairy

What You'll Need

Chicken Skewers

01 1.32 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
02 8 wooden or metal skewers

Spicy Peanut Marinade

01 4 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
02 2 tablespoons soy sauce
03 2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 lime)
04 1 tablespoon brown sugar
05 1 tablespoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
06 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
08 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
09 1 teaspoon ground coriander
10 1 teaspoon ground cumin
11 2 tablespoons water

Garnish

01 2 tablespoons chopped roasted peanuts
02 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
03 Lime wedges

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Prepare Skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.

Step 02

Make Marinade: Whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, sriracha, garlic, ginger, vegetable oil, coriander, cumin, and water until smooth.

Step 03

Reserve Marinade: Set aside 3 tablespoons of the marinade for basting during grilling.

Step 04

Marinate Chicken: Toss chicken cubes in the remaining marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Step 05

Assemble Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers.

Step 06

Preheat Grill: Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high and lightly oil the grates.

Step 07

Grill Chicken: Cook skewers for 12 to 15 minutes, turning frequently until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.

Step 08

Baste Skewers: Brush skewers with reserved marinade during the last minute of grilling.

Step 09

Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped peanuts, cilantro, and serve with lime wedges.

Tools You'll Need

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Grill or grill pan
  • Skewers
  • Tongs

Allergy Notice

Be sure to review ingredients for allergens. When unsure, talk with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains peanuts and soy; may contain gluten due to soy sauce. Use tamari for gluten-free option.

Nutrition (For Each Serving)

Nutritional details are meant for general guidance. Don't rely on them for medical reasons.
  • Calorie Count: 385
  • Fats: 21 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Proteins: 37 g