How to Make Delicious Chicken Satay

Satay is a popular dish in many Southeast Asian countries that has gained immense popularity worldwide for its delicious flavors and versatility. The keyword for this article is chicken satay recipe. This traditional Indonesian dish consists of marinated, skewered chicken meat grilled on a stick and served with peanut sauce. Chicken satay can be enjoyed as an appetizer or main course, depending on the portion size.

Chicken satay is perfect for parties or casual gatherings because it’s easy to prepare in advance and requires minimal effort during serving time. The cooking time for this dish is approximately 20 minutes, including the time needed for marinating. You can serve four servings of chicken satay with the recipe provided below.

Ingredients

The main ingredients required to make delicious chicken satay are:

• 400g boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 shallots, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1/4 cup coconut milk
• 1/2 tsp red chili paste (optional)
• Fresh coriander, chopped for garnishing

For the skewers, you will need bamboo or wooden sticks that can hold four pieces of chicken each. Alternatively, metal skewers can be used.

Instructions

1. Mix the marinade ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients: peanut butter, minced garlic, shallots, ginger, ground coriander, cumin, salt, black pepper, soy sauce, lime juice, coconut milk, and red chili paste if you are using it. Stir everything together until well blended.
2. Prepare chicken skewers: Slice the chicken into small pieces about 1 inch long. Thread four pieces of chicken onto each skewer. Make sure to press down on the chicken so that the marinade sticks to them better, which will help in cooking evenly and flavorful chicken satay.
3. Marinate the chicken: Once all the skewers are prepared, pour over the marinade mixture. Toss gently until each piece of chicken is covered in the marinade. Cover with plastic wrap and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or up to overnight.
4. Grill the chicken: Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill. Grill the skewered chicken over medium heat, turning occasionally until fully cooked (about 15 minutes total). Make sure that each side gets some contact with the grilling surface for an even cooking process.

Peanut Sauce Preparation

While the chicken is marinating and grilling, you can prepare the peanut sauce. This sauce adds a rich, nutty flavor to the dish, complementing the grilled chicken beautifully. In a medium-sized saucepan over low heat, combine the following ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of the leftover peanut butter from the marinade
• 1 shallot, finely chopped (optional)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1-2 tsp lime juice, depending on your taste preference
• 1/4 cup coconut milk
• Salt to taste

Stir the mixture gently until it thickens and reaches a desired consistency. Taste it for seasoning and add more salt or lime juice as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Once your chicken is fully cooked, you can serve it with the peanut sauce in small bowls on each side of the plate. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves to enhance the presentation. This dish is also delightful served with steamed jasmine rice or a fresh salad.

Why Chicken Satay?

The versatility of chicken satay lies not only in its delicious flavor but also in how well it pairs with various side dishes and drinks. It can be enjoyed as a light meal or snack, making it perfect for casual meals at home or when entertaining friends.

For those who are looking to increase their protein intake without sacrificing taste, chicken satay is the ideal choice. The recipe provided here not only satisfies your taste buds but also offers a nutritious balance of lean proteins and healthy fats.

Tips for Perfecting Your Chicken Satay

• Marinate overnight: If possible, marinate the chicken overnight to allow all flavors to meld together. This step will greatly enhance the flavor profile of your dish.
• Grill slowly: Ensure that you grill the chicken slowly and turn it frequently so that each piece gets an even golden color while remaining juicy inside.
• Taste as you go: Adjust seasoning based on personal preference. A little extra lime or soy can make a big difference in flavor!

In conclusion, chicken satay is a dish that everyone should try at least once because of its simple yet impressive taste and versatility. Whether you're having friends over for dinner or simply looking for something tasty to eat on your own, this recipe will not disappoint.