Thai Chicken Sate with Peanut Sauce is a delightful dish that combines tender grilled chicken with a rich, creamy peanut sauce. Perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners, this recipe is not only affordable but also allows you to customize the number of skewers you want. You’ll love the balance of flavors and the ease of preparation, making it an instant favorite for any occasion.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Chicken Marinade
- For the Peanut Sauce
- For Serving
- How to Make Thai Chicken Sate with Peanut Sauce
- Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Step 2: Prepare the Peanut Sauce
- Step 3: Grill the Chicken Skewers
- Step 4: Serve
- How to Serve Thai Chicken Sate with Peanut Sauce
- For a Traditional Experience
- For a Casual Gathering
- For a Quick Snack
- How to Perfect Thai Chicken Sate with Peanut Sauce
- Best Side Dishes for Thai Chicken Sate with Peanut Sauce
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Thai Chicken Sate with Peanut Sauce
- Reheating Thai Chicken Sate with Peanut Sauce
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Thai Chicken Sate with Peanut Sauce?
- How do I make my peanut sauce thicker?
- Can I use other meats for this recipe?
- How do I customize my Thai Chicken Sate?
- What should I serve with Thai Chicken Sate?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: This recipe requires minimal effort and can be made in under an hour.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of spices and peanut sauce creates a savory taste experience.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as an appetizer, main course, or even in wraps or salads.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from chicken and healthy fats from peanuts, it’s both nutritious and satisfying.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Marinate the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead of time for convenience.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking process. Having the right equipment on hand makes all the difference.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Wooden skewers
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Grill or grill pan
- Saucepan
Importance of Each Tool
- Wooden skewers: Perfect for threading the chicken pieces, allowing them to cook evenly on the grill.
- Mixing bowl: Essential for marinating the chicken thoroughly in the flavorful spices.
- Whisk: Helps to blend the peanut sauce ingredients smoothly without lumps.

Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 2 pounds (1kg) skinless and boneless chicken breast (sliced 1 inch wide x 4-5 inches length)
- 2 teaspoons Masaman curry paste (or red curry paste)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 1.5 tablespoons minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2.5 teaspoons sweet soy sauce
- 2.5 teaspoons sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/3 cup coconut milk
For the Peanut Sauce
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3/4 cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons Thai red curry paste or Massaman curry paste
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar or to taste
- 2 tablespoons ground peanut
- salt to taste
For Serving
- 1/2 cucumber (sliced)
How to Make Thai Chicken Sate with Peanut Sauce
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Slice the chicken breast against the grain into pieces that are at least 1 inch wide. In a mixing bowl, combine all marinade ingredients thoroughly. Ensure every piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to develop.
Step 2: Prepare the Peanut Sauce
In a saucepan, add all ingredients for the peanut sauce:
– Creamy peanut butter
– Coconut milk
– Thai red curry paste or Massaman curry paste
– Apple cider vinegar
– Sugar
– Salt
Using a whisk, combine until smooth. Place over low heat and continue whisking until it simmers gently. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add a bit of water. Once heated through, remove from heat and top with ground peanuts.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken Skewers
Remove marinated chicken from the refrigerator. Thread each piece onto wooden skewers lengthwise. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat. Grill each skewer for about 4 minutes on each side until cooked through and slightly charred.
Step 4: Serve
Serve your grilled Thai Chicken Sate immediately with generous amounts of peanut sauce drizzled on top or served alongside in a bowl for dipping. Add sliced cucumbers for a refreshing crunch!
Enjoy creating this delicious Thai Chicken Sate with Peanut Sauce at home!
How to Serve Thai Chicken Sate with Peanut Sauce
Serving Thai Chicken Sate with Peanut Sauce is an exciting experience that combines flavors and textures. Here are some creative ways to present this delicious dish.
For a Traditional Experience
- Cucumber Salad: Serve sliced cucumbers alongside the sate for a refreshing crunch that complements the rich peanut sauce.
- Thai Sticky Rice: Pair with sticky rice to absorb the flavors of the peanut sauce, adding a lovely texture to your meal.
For a Casual Gathering
- Skewers on a Platter: Arrange the chicken sate skewers on a large platter, garnished with fresh herbs for an inviting presentation.
- Dipping Station: Set up a dipping station with small bowls of peanut sauce, sliced cucumbers, and lime wedges for guests to customize their plates.
For a Quick Snack
- Mini Skewers: Cut the chicken into smaller pieces and serve as bite-sized snacks ideal for parties or gatherings.
- Wraps: Use lettuce leaves as wraps filled with chicken sate and cucumber slices for a fresh, low-carb option.
How to Perfect Thai Chicken Sate with Peanut Sauce
Perfecting your Thai Chicken Sate with Peanut Sauce can elevate your dish to restaurant quality. Here are some helpful tips.
- Marinate Longer: Allowing the chicken to marinate for several hours or overnight intensifies the flavors and makes it juicier.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and spices will enhance the overall taste of your dish, making it more aromatic and flavorful.
- Control Heat: Adjust the grilling temperature; cooking over medium heat ensures the chicken cooks evenly without burning.
- Experiment with Sauces: Try adding different spices or ingredients to your peanut sauce for unique flavor profiles that suit your taste.
Best Side Dishes for Thai Chicken Sate with Peanut Sauce
Complementing your Thai Chicken Sate with delicious side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options.
- Thai Fried Rice: A flavorful blend of jasmine rice stir-fried with vegetables and aromatic spices that pairs well with chicken sate.
- Mango Salad: A vibrant salad made from fresh mango, cilantro, and lime juice adds sweetness and acidity to balance the richness of the peanut sauce.
- Spring Rolls: Crisp vegetable spring rolls served with sweet chili sauce offer a crunchy texture that enhances your meal.
- Tom Yum Soup: This spicy and sour soup brings warmth and complexity, making it an excellent starter before enjoying chicken sate.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn grilled until smoky adds delightful sweetness to contrast with savory flavors.
- Thai Noodle Salad: Cold noodles tossed in sesame oil, vegetables, and peanuts provide a refreshing side that complements your main dish.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables drizzled in soy sauce or sesame oil offer earthy notes that pair beautifully.
- Coconut Rice: Fluffy rice cooked in coconut milk brings a creamy texture that works harmoniously with the spicy peanut sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Thai Chicken Sate with Peanut Sauce, avoid these common pitfalls for the best results.
- Skipping the Marinade: Not marinating the chicken can lead to bland flavors. Let it sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes to enhance taste and tenderness.
- Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can make it dry. Grill just until cooked through—about 4 minutes per side for perfect tenderness.
- Neglecting the Peanut Sauce Consistency: A too-thick peanut sauce can be unappealing. Adjust thickness by adding a little water if needed during cooking.
- Using Old Ingredients: Fresh ingredients are key to vibrant flavors. Check your spices and sauces for freshness before using them in your recipe.
- Inadequate Skewering Technique: Not threading the chicken properly can cause it to fall apart on the grill. Ensure pieces are secure and evenly spaced on skewers.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Thai Chicken Sate with Peanut Sauce
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Freeze for up to 2 months; label with date for reference.
Reheating Thai Chicken Sate with Peanut Sauce
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm throughout.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Thai Chicken Sate with Peanut Sauce?
Thai Chicken Sate with Peanut Sauce is a flavorful dish featuring marinated chicken grilled on skewers served with a creamy peanut sauce.
How do I make my peanut sauce thicker?
To thicken your peanut sauce, add more peanut butter or reduce it by simmering on low heat until desired consistency is achieved.
Can I use other meats for this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute chicken with beef, lamb, or turkey while following the same marinating and grilling instructions.
How do I customize my Thai Chicken Sate?
Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or onions onto skewers or adjust spice levels by modifying cayenne pepper amounts.
What should I serve with Thai Chicken Sate?
Serve with sliced cucumbers, rice, or fresh herbs like cilantro for a complete meal experience that complements the dish’s flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Thai Chicken Sate with Peanut Sauce recipe offers delicious flavors and great versatility. Customize it by swapping proteins or adjusting spice levels to suit your taste. Try making this dish at home for a delightful experience that everyone will love!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
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Thai Chicken Sate with Peanut Sauce
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Thai Chicken Sate with Peanut Sauce is a delightful dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine right to your kitchen. Tender skewers of marinated chicken are grilled to perfection and paired with a creamy, savory peanut sauce that elevates each bite. This easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or as a flavorful appetizer. With customizable serving options, you can enjoy it in wraps, salads, or on its own. Whip up this crowd-pleaser in under an hour, and you’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds skinless boneless chicken breast
- 2 teaspoons Masaman curry paste
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 1.5 tablespoons minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2.5 teaspoons sweet soy sauce
- 2.5 teaspoons sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/3 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3/4 cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons Thai red curry paste or Massaman curry paste
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar or to taste
- 2 tablespoons ground peanut
- salt to taste
- 1/2 cucumber (sliced)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken by mixing all marinade ingredients in a bowl and refrigerating for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the peanut sauce by combining all sauce ingredients in a saucepan over low heat, whisking until smooth.
- Grill the marinated chicken skewers over medium heat for about 4 minutes on each side until cooked through.
- Serve immediately with the peanut sauce and sliced cucumbers for added freshness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 90mg