There’s nothing better than a good fakeaway, and these Chicken Satay Skewers are a personal favorite! Every time we order from a Chinese takeaway, this is our go-to dish, so I had to recreate it at home. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The combination of tender, flavorful chicken with a creamy peanut satay sauce is just the chef’s kiss of perfection.
Method
Marinate the Chicken
To start, take your diced chicken breast and place it in a mixing bowl. Sprinkle the curry powder evenly over the pieces, ensuring each one is well coated. Using clean hands or a spoon, toss the chicken to distribute the spice thoroughly. Let the chicken sit for a few minutes while you prepare the satay sauce. This short marination time allows the curry powder to infuse the chicken with its deep, aromatic flavors, enhancing the final taste of your skewers.
Make the Satay Sauce
Next, it’s time to prepare the rich and creamy satay sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the smooth peanut butter, sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and Alpro coconut drink. Set the saucepan over low heat and stir continuously to ensure all the ingredients blend into a smooth, thick sauce. Be patient here—keeping the heat low prevents the peanut butter from burning or sticking to the pan. Stir gently until you achieve a silky consistency. Once the sauce is ready, separate about one-third of it into a small bowl and set it aside for dipping later. The remaining sauce will be used to coat the skewers while they cook, infusing them with extra flavor.
Assemble & Sear the Skewers
Now, take your wooden or metal skewers and begin threading the marinated chicken pieces onto them, ensuring they are evenly distributed. If you are using wooden skewers, make sure they have been soaked in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning in the oven or on the grill. Once the skewers are assembled, heat a frying pan over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil if needed. Place the skewers in the pan and sear them on all sides until they develop a golden-brown crust. This step is crucial for locking in the flavors and creating a delicious texture before they go into the oven or under the grill. The goal here is not to fully cook the chicken but to give it a nice seared exterior.
Bake or Grill to Perfection
After searing, transfer the skewers to an oven tray and drizzle a bit of the prepared satay sauce over them. This extra layer of sauce helps keep the chicken moist while adding depth to the flavor. Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F) or set your grill to medium-high heat. Place the tray in the oven or under the grill, making sure to turn the skewers occasionally to ensure even cooking. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking, as chicken breast can dry out quickly. The skewers should be cooked through in about 10-15 minutes, depending on your oven or grill. To check if they are done, slice into a piece of chicken—there should be no pink in the center, and the juices should run clear.
Serve & Enjoy
Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, remove the skewers from the oven or grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Drizzle the remaining satay sauce over the skewers or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce. For a complete meal, plate the skewers with steamed jasmine rice and a side of stir-fried vegetables. If you’re looking for a refreshing contrast, add a cucumber salad to balance out the richness of the satay sauce. Now, all that’s left to do is dig in and enjoy your homemade Chicken Satay Skewers!
Chicken Satay Skewers
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring spoons & cups
- Frying pan
- Oven tray
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Stove & oven
Ingredients
- 450 g diced chicken breast
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 70 g smooth peanut butter
- 60 g sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 75 ml Alpro coconut drink
Instructions
- Step 1: Marinate the ChickenSprinkle the curry powder over the diced chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Set it aside to let those flavors develop while you prepare the sauce.
- Step 2: Make the Satay SauceIn a saucepan over low heat, mix together the peanut butter, sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and coconut drink. Stir continuously until it becomes smooth and slightly thick. Once ready, set aside 1/3 of the sauce for dipping later.
- Step 3: Assemble & Sear the SkewersThread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers. Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat and quickly sear the chicken on all sides until lightly golden.
- Step 4: Bake or Grill to PerfectionTransfer the skewers to an oven tray and drizzle a bit of the satay sauce over them. Cook in a preheated oven or under the grill until the chicken is fully cooked. Keep an eye on them so they don’t dry out!
- Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!Drizzle the remaining sauce over the skewers, or use it as a dipping sauce. Serve with steamed rice and your favorite veggies for a complete meal.
Notes
- Don’t rush the marinade – letting the curry powder sit on the chicken for a while enhances the flavor.
- Low heat for the sauce – peanut butter can burn quickly, so stir constantly.
- Soak wooden skewers in water before using to prevent burning in the oven or on the grill.
- Don’t overcook – chicken can dry out if left too long. Keep an eye on it while grilling or baking!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with fluffy jasmine rice and stir-fried veggies.
- Add a side of cucumber salad for a fresh contrast.
- Swap rice for noodles if you’re in the mood for something different!
Fun Fact
Did you know that satay originated in Indonesia? It’s now a popular dish across many Asian countries, each adding its twist to the sauce and marinade!
Conclusion
This Chicken Satay Skewers recipe is a must-try if you love takeaway-style meals but want a homemade touch. It’s quick, easy, and packed with bold flavors. The creamy peanut satay sauce, combined with tender grilled chicken, makes every bite delicious. Next time you’re craving something fun, flavorful, and satisfying, whip up these skewers – they’re sure to impress!