If you’ve never made chicken satay with cream peanut sauce before, you’re in for a treat. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but is actually really easy to make. Juicy, marinated chicken grilled on skewers and served with the most addictive peanut sauce, it’s a combination that never disappoints. I first had it at a street food stall, and I still remember that smoky aroma mixed with the creamy, nutty sauce. The best part? You can make this right at home with simple ingredients and no special equipment needed.

Recipe Details

Prep time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook time: 10–15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Around 320 per serving (without extra sauce)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Juicy, tender chicken every single time.
• The peanut sauce is rich, creamy, and full of flavor.
• Perfect for meal prep, entertaining, or weeknight dinners.
• Works great on a grill, grill pan, or even your oven broiler.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Marinade

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into thin strips)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon oil (vegetable or sesame)
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

For the Peanut Sauce

• 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice or rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
• 2–4 tablespoons warm water, to thin
• Optional: a small splash of sriracha or chili flakes for heat

How to Make Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce

1. Marinate the Chicken
   In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, oil, curry powder, garlic, and ginger. Add the chicken strips and toss to coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or even better, up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
2. Prepare the Peanut Sauce
   While the chicken marinates, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, garlic, and ginger. Add warm water one tablespoon at a time until smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasoning, add more lime for tang, or honey for sweetness.
3. Assemble and Cook
   Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers (if using wooden ones, soak them in water for 20 minutes first so they don’t burn).
   Grill over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
4. Serve and Enjoy
   Serve the satay skewers hot with peanut sauce on the side for dipping or drizzle it right over the top. It’s delicious with rice, noodles, or even a simple cucumber salad.

Tips for Success

• If you’re using chicken breasts, slice them thinly so they cook evenly.
• Make extra peanut sauce, you’ll want to put it on everything.
• You can also bake the satay at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes if you don’t have a grill.