Authentic Chicken Satay Recipe
Chicken satay; the mere mention of the two words conjures up a mental picture of perfectly grilled and nicely charred chicken skewers with mouthwatering peanut sauce.
Chicken satay is one of the most popular Asian appetizers and everyone loves them. Now, how to make chicken satay at home? It’s very easy and I have an authentic and the best chicken satay recipe for you.
Other Recipes You Might Like
Malaysian Chicken Satay is the Best!
There are many versions of recipes from Asia, but let me assure you that the best satay in the world comes from Malaysia, my home country. Ask any foodies who have been to the entire Southeast Asia region and they will agree with me!
While Thai chicken sate are tasty, they are inferior to the scrumptious and rich flavors of Malaysian chicken satay.
The Ingredients for Chicken Satay Marinade
The marinade is the most important part of the recipe. The best satays are marinated with lots of spices and ingredients, such as the following:
- Lemongrass
- Garlic
- Shallots
- Turmeric powder
- Coriander powder
- Chili powder
- Salt and sugar
Traditionally, home cooks pound all the ingredients above with a mortar and pestle until it becomes a fine paste. Mix the meat (either beef, chicken or mutton) with the marinade overnight; this will ensure that every piece of the meat is bursting with robust flavors.
Cook’s Tips
- You can use a combination of chicken breasts, chicken thighs and legs. Just remove the skin and cut each piece of the chicken meat into uniform pieces.
- For the best results, marinate the chicken overnight
- Soak the bamboo skewers in water for at least two hours. This will prevent the bamboo skewers from burning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Calories?
This recipe serves six people and the calories are 263 per serving.
Is it Healthy?
Yes, satay is very healthy as the spices used in the marinade have a lot of nutrients and health benefits, for example: turmeric.
Can You Bake in the Oven?
You can certainly bake satay in the oven, or pan-fried on a skillet. They will still taste delicious.
What Dishes to Serve with this Recipe?
Chicken satay is best served with Peanut sauce, sliced cucumber and onions. In Malaysia and Indonesia, rice cakes cut into cubes (“ketupat”) are common, too. If you are having a BBQ, I recommend the following recipes.
Pairs well with:
Click here for the satay sauce recipe.
This chicken satay recipe has been tried and tested by many readers. They are absolutely mouthwatering and delightful. Enjoy!
Chicken Satay Recipe
Chicken satay - grilled chicken skewers marinated with spices and served with peanut sauce. This is the easiest, most authentic and best chicken satay recipe you'll find online!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs. boneless and skinless chicken thigh and leg meat
- bamboo skewers, soaked in cold water for 2 hours
- 1 cucumber, cut into small pieces
- 1 small onion, quartered
- oil, for basting
Marinade:
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 2 stalks lemongrass, white parts only
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- 6 shallots, peeled
- 2 teaspoons turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 tablespoon salt or more to taste
- 2 tablespoons sugar
Instructions
- Cut the chicken meat into small cubes. Set aside.
- Blend all the he Marinade ingredients in a food processor. Add a little water if needed.
- For the chicken satay dipping sauce, please click here: satay peanut sauce recipe.
- Combine the chicken and the Marinade together, stir to mix well. Marinate the chicken for 6 hours in the fridge, or best overnight. When ready, thread 3-4 pieces of the chicken meat onto the bamboo skewers.
- Grill the chicken satay skewers for 2-3 minutes on each side until the meat is fully cooked and the surface is nicely charred, on both sides. Baste and brush with some oil while grilling. Serve hot with the fresh cucumber pieces and onions.
Notes
Watch the cooking video on this page for step-by-step guide.
If you prefer white meat, you can use 2 lbs. or 4 boneless and skinless chicken breasts for this recipe.
Nutrition Information
Serving Size
6 peopleAmount Per Serving Calories 263Total Fat 14gSaturated Fat 7gCholesterol 144mgSodium 727mgCarbohydrates 13gFiber 2gSugar 7gProtein 31g
Latest Recipes:
Ad
Omg, another superb recipe from Bee. This recipe is so much much better than some of the premix sauce packet that I have bought from the Asian market. I will surely try this again with a little more honey coating. ??
Rasa Malaysia
Hi Ad, thanks for trying my chicken satay recipe. Yes, more honey is always better. :)
Yenny
Delicious and easy! Taste just like home! I did make a few changes and additions:
– Added 1 tsp fennel, 1 tablespoon fish sauce and 1 tbsp kicap manis and it really lifted the flavors.
– Used boneless skinless thighs and left it whole for a faster simpler meal
– Broiled it for about 7 mins on each side.
Cooled and sliced and it was absolutely delicious! The whole family inhaled it! Thanks for this recipe and will definitely be making it again!
Rasa Malaysia
Thanks Yenny. If you added fish sauce and kicap manis, everything will be better.
Dan
Made this tonight (marinated on Sunday night) and cooked in a grill pan on the stove and it was fantastic! I have not had satay this good since my trip to Ipoh two years ago.
I will definitely have to make this again to cook on the charcoal grill.
Thanks for sharing the recipe :)
Rasa Malaysia
Thanks Dan!
Beth Springer
Best Chicken Satay and peanut sauce. Took a while to prepare everything but well worth the time!
Rasa Malaysia
Hi Beth, thanks for trying my chicken satay recipe.