Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce Recipe (baked or grilled!)

Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce is one of my absolute favorite recipes with the most addicting Peanut Sauce ever! Chicken Satay should be a staple in your kitchen with its juicy, marinated skewered chicken layered with flavor all dunked in creamy, intoxicating peanut sauce. It is a popular restaurant appetizer or dish - but NOW it can be favorite dish made in your kitchen! I've included recipe instructions for baking Chicken Satay or indoor/outdoor grilling so you can make this Thai Chicken Satay recipe year-round - because you will want to devour it year-round! I am specifically posting this recipe RIGHT NOW, because these delectable chicken skewers make a showstopping Christmas or New Year's Eve holiday appetizer!

Ingredients:

2 pounds chicken breasts or thighs sliced into 1 1/2" wide strips by 3-5" long

3 tablespoons olive oil

1/4 cup coconut milk plus more as needed (may sub water)

1/3-1/2 cup smooth peanut butter

12-15 skewers

Marinade/Sauce

1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

1 tablespoon chili paste (like Sambal Oelek)

1 1/2 tablespoons lime juice

1 1/2 tablespoons fish sauce

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon coriander powder

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

Instructions:

Whisk together the Marinade/Sauce ingredients in a medium bowl. Remove 1/3 cup to a freezer size bag and whisk in 3 tablespoons olive oil. Add chicken and toss to evenly coat. Marinate in the refrigerator 6 hours up to overnight. Refrigerate remaining marinade/sauce separately - this will become the base of your Peanut Sauce.

When ready to cook, soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes. Meanwhile, remove chicken from refrigerator to bring to room temperature. Thread chicken onto skewers and lightly dab excess marinade off with paper towels.

OVEN: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with foil and lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray. Evenly divide chicken between baking sheets. Bake 15-20 minutes OR until chicken is cooked through being careful not to overcook or chicken will not be as tender (internal temp of 165 degrees F).

GRILL: Grease an indoor or outdoor grill and heat to high heat. Once hot, add chicken, reduce heat to medium, cover and grill chicken 3-4 minutes per side, or until chicken is cooked through (internal temp of 165 degrees F).

SKILLET: Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium high heat. Working in batches, add skewers and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until cooked through (internal temp of 165 degrees F).

Add reserved Sauce to a small saucepan along with 1/4 cup coconut milk OR 3 tablespoons water. Bring to a boil then simmer for 1 minute. Remove from heat then stir in 1/3 cup peanut butter until completely combined then add additional peanut butter if desired for a thicker/more nutty sauce OR water or coconut milk 1 tablespoon at a time for a thinner sauce. Taste and add additional chili sauce if desired for a spicier sauce.

Serve chicken warm with Peanut Sauce for an appetizer or also serve with rice/veggies for a main course.