Chicken Satay is a popular Southeast Asian dish that combines the rich flavors of marinated, grilled chicken with a creamy, peanut-based sauce. Originating in Indonesia, this dish has gained worldwide popularity and is a favorite at many restaurants and street food stalls. In this article, we’ll show you how to make a seriously tasty chicken satay right in your own kitchen. Paired with rice and a green salad, this dish makes for a delightful meal that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons smooth peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1/2 cup (125 ml) coconut milk
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Prepare the chicken: Start by selecting boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are fresh and of good quality. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Cut the chicken breasts into thin strips, about 1 inch wide and 3 inches long. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors of the marinade.
- Make the marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, peanut butter, honey, vegetable oil, lemon juice, tomato ketchup, crushed garlic, and curry powder. Mix well to create a smooth marinade that will coat the chicken strips evenly. Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your personal taste.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken strips to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for a deeper flavor. The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful and tender it will become.
- Prepare your grill or barbecue: Before cooking, preheat your grill or barbecue to medium-high heat, ensuring it’s ready for cooking the chicken skewers. If using a grill, brush the grates with oil to prevent the chicken from sticking.
- Skewer the chicken: Thread the marinated chicken strips onto wooden or metal skewers, leaving a little space between each piece. If using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken to prevent them from burning. This will also help keep the chicken moist while grilling.
- Grill the chicken: Place the chicken skewers on the preheated grill or barbecue and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and have a nice charred appearance. Use tongs to turn the skewers and prevent the chicken from falling apart.
- Make the satay sauce: While the chicken is grilling, prepare the satay sauce by combining the remaining marinade with the coconut milk in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook for 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Once the chicken skewers are cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve the chicken skewers with the warm satay sauce on the side for dipping. Accompany the dish with steamed rice and a fresh green salad for a complete, satisfying meal.
With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can now enjoy the delightful flavors of chicken satay right in the comfort of your own home. The combination of tender, marinated chicken and creamy, peanut-based sauce is a culinary delight that will transport your taste buds to Southeast Asia. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to savor the flavor of this seriously tasty chicken satay!
