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The starter, From around the world

Chicken satay with peanut sauce

Chicken satay is a starter of marinated chicken skewers in coconut milk and spices, served with a peanut sauce, for 6 people. It takes 35 minutes of active work, with the marinade and sauce made in the morning for the evening. Easy to make, about €2.00 per person, and success comes down to a long enough marinade and a quick grill that keeps the chicken juicy.

Fragrant chicken skewers, grilled just right, with a creamy peanut sauce made for dipping without restraint.

Chicken satay with peanut sauce
For
6 people
Work
35 min
Total time
2 h
Prep
Prepared the same day
Difficulty
Easy
Cost per person
€2.00
Calories per person
380 kcalcalculated by Kiloach, your weight coach

Chicken satay plays on the contrast between grilled strips, lightly caramelized on the surface, and a thick peanut sauce that's salty, sweet, and given a kick by chili. Lime juice adds a touch of acidity so the sauce never feels heavy. It's a finger food starter, easygoing and full of flavor.

This recipe works well for a casual dinner with friends, a finger food style aperitif, or a family meal with kids, who usually love dipping the skewers in the sauce. It fits naturally into an Asian inspired menu, as a starter before a braised dish or a fish course, and suits warm weather, from spring through summer.

The schedule

What happens when, so you can be with your guests instead of in the kitchen.

  1. The day before Nothing to do
  2. The same day 2 steps, 1 h 35
  3. Before the guests arrive 2 steps, 8 min
  4. When it's time to serve 1 step

Make the marinade and peanut sauce in the morning, which frees up the rest of your day. Just before guests arrive, thread the chicken onto the skewers and grill them. At serving time, reheat the sauce and serve right away, the skewers stay juicy under foil if you need to wait a few minutes.

The ingredients

6 people

Butcher

  • Chicken breasts 750 g

Pantry

  • Coconut milk 20 cl
  • Turmericoften in the pantry 1 tsp
  • Ground corianderoften in the pantry 1 tsp
  • Cuminoften in the pantry 1 tsp
  • Soy sauceoften in the pantry 3 tbsp
  • Peanut butter 4 tbsp
  • Sugaroften in the pantry 1 tbsp
  • Chili powderoften in the pantry 1 tsp
  • Wooden skewers 18
  • Sunflower oiloften in the pantry 2 tbsp

Fruits and vegetables

  • Garlic 2 cloves
  • Lime 1

Allergens Peanuts, Soy

The recipe, moment by moment

The same dayDuring the day, whenever you get a moment.

  1. Cut the chicken into strips and marinate it with half the coconut milk, the spices, the garlic, and 2 tablespoons of soy sauce. 1 h 30

    The longer the marinade, the more tender the chicken.

  2. Heat the rest of the coconut milk with the peanut butter, sugar, chili powder, and soy sauce, then stir in the lime juice. 5 min

    If the sauce gets too thick, thin it with a bit of hot water.

Before the guests arriveThe last hour, right before the doorbell rings.

  1. Thread the chicken strips onto the pre-soaked skewers.

    Fold the strip into a zigzag shape, it cooks more evenly.

  2. Grill the skewers under the broiler or in a pan, turning them as they cook. 8 min

    Don't overcook them, the chicken should stay juicy.

When it's time to serveThe final touches, right in front of your guests.

  1. Reheat the sauce and serve it alongside the still warm skewers.

    Keep the skewers under foil, they stay warm without drying out.

Our tips to get it right

  • Cut the chicken into strips of even thickness so every skewer cooks at the same rate.
  • If you're broiling in the oven, place the skewers close to the heat element so they color without overcooking inside.
  • Make a few extra skewers if kids are coming, they often ask for seconds before the main course even arrives.

The variations

  • Swap the chicken for peeled shrimp, the marinade stays the same but the cooking time shortens.
  • For a vegetarian version, use firm tofu cut into strips and marinate it twice as long so it picks up the flavor.
  • To save time, skip the long marinade and let it sit for just 20 minutes, the result is still good, just slightly less fragrant.

What to serve it with

  • Fragrant rice or rice vermicelli
  • Cucumber and shredded carrot salad
  • Iced tea or homemade lemonade

Storage

Raw marinated chicken keeps up to 24 hours in the refrigerator in a sealed container. Once cooked, the skewers keep for 2 days in the refrigerator and reheat gently in a pan or oven. The peanut sauce freezes well, reheat it over low heat while stirring.

Questions about this recipe

Can you cook the skewers on the grill?

Yes, and it's actually a great option in summer. Use the same cooking time as under the broiler, watching closely since the sugar in the marinade can burn.

What kind of peanut butter works best for the sauce?

A smooth, lightly sweetened peanut butter gives the best result. Avoid very sweet versions, which throw off the balance of the sauce.

How should you plate the skewers for a dinner with friends?

Arrange them on a large platter with the sauce in a small bowl at the center so everyone can dip easily. A few lime wedges on the side are enough decoration.

Can you make this without soy sauce?

You can use a gluten free soy sauce or slightly reduce the amount, but don't skip it entirely since it provides most of the marinade's saltiness.

Can a chicken satay with peanut sauce be made ahead?

Yes, during the day. The recipe needs 35 min of work in total, split up like this, the same day, 2 steps, before the guests arrive, 2 steps, when it's time to serve, 1 step.

How long does it take to make a chicken satay with peanut sauce?

Allow 2 h in total, including resting and cooking time, of which 35 min is actual work. The recipe is rated "easy".

How many calories are in a chicken satay with peanut sauce?

About 380 kcal per person, for a recipe meant for 6 people. The calories are calculated by Kiloach, your kilo coach, the app that partners with Mon Chou.

How much does a chicken satay with peanut sauce cost?

About €2.00 per person, that's €12.00 for 6 people, based on average supermarket prices.

What allergens does this recipe contain?

This recipe contains peanuts, soy. Remember to ask your guests about their allergies before putting your menu together.

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