How to Make Delicious Chicken Satay: A Perfect Summer Picnic Dish

Chicken satay is a popular street food that has become a household favorite in many countries around the world. It’s quick, easy to prepare and can be enjoyed as a snack or main course meal. The secret behind this dish lies in its tasty peanut sauce, which complements the sweet and savory taste of the grilled chicken perfectly.

For those looking for an alternative cooking method to traditional grilling, you may prefer baking your satay. It’s healthier with less fat than frying and can be prepared with minimal effort using just a few ingredients. With this recipe, we will guide you through how to make Chicken Satay that is juicy, flavorful, and perfect for any summer picnic or casual dinner.

Ingredients Required:

• 1 lb of chicken thighs - cut into small pieces
• 1 cup of peanut butter (smooth or chunky)
• 4 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons of honey
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
• Salt to taste
• 1/4 cup of water (optional for adjusting consistency)
• Canola oil or peanut oil for brushing on skewers and for cooking
• Skewers, ideally bamboo sticks, soaked in water for 30 minutes before using

Preparation Time:

The total preparation time to make chicken satay is approximately 25 minutes. It includes marinating the chicken and skewering it on the prepared sticks.

Cooking Time:

The chicken will take about 15-20 minutes in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C).

Number of Servings:

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings. Each serving consists of two pieces of grilled chicken on skewers, with the peanut sauce as a dip or dressing.

Instructions for Making Chicken Satay:

Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Sauce

In a bowl, combine the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, ground coriander, and salt. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed in the mixture.

For those who prefer a smoother texture, you can add water gradually until you reach the desired consistency. This will also help in ensuring that the sauce sticks better to the chicken once it's grilled or baked.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Sprinkle salt and pepper over your prepared chicken pieces, then place them into a resealable plastic bag. Pour half of the peanut sauce mixture over the chicken and seal the bag. Shake it gently to ensure that all sides of each piece are coated with the marinade.

Let the chicken sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours, depending on how much time you have available before cooking.

Step 3: Skewer and Bake

Once your chicken is properly marinated, thread the pieces onto skewers. Ensure each skewer has at least two to three pieces of chicken for optimal flavor distribution. Brush both sides of the skewered chicken lightly with canola or peanut oil.

Lay out a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place your skewered chicken on this tray, ensuring not too many pieces overlap as this will prevent even cooking.

<p>Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the chicken satay for about 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature of the meat reaches 165°F (74°C). You can check it by inserting a thermometer into one of the pieces.</p><p>While the chicken is baking, you may prepare your peanut sauce if you didn't do so earlier. If you used water to adjust its consistency during preparation, this should now be ready for serving. Keep it at room temperature until the chicken is fully cooked and ready to serve.</p>    <h2>Serving Suggestions:</h2><p>Once the chicken has finished baking, let it rest for a few minutes before serving so that the juices can redistribute throughout the meat. Serve each piece of satay with a generous portion of the peanut sauce either as a dip or drizzled over the top.</p><ul><li><strong>Optional Toppings:</strong> Fresh cucumber slices, green onions, and cilantro add freshness to this dish but aren't essential for enjoying it.</li><li><strong>Beverages:</strong> A cold glass of iced tea pairs perfectly with chicken satay.</li></ul><p>Enjoy your homemade Chicken Satay! It's a satisfying treat that can be served hot, warm, or at room temperature. Whether you're having picnics in the park or hosting a casual dinner party, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy your guests' taste buds.</p><h2>Health Tips:</h2><p>Chicken satay can be an excellent choice for those seeking healthy alternatives to greasy barbecues and deep-fried foods. By baking instead of frying, you significantly reduce the fat content. However, do consider the ingredients used in your peanut sauce, as certain brands or types may contain hidden sugars.</p><p>Experiment with different herbs like fresh ginger root, chili peppers for heat lovers, or even adding a bit more soy sauce to enhance the savory taste without compromising on health benefits.</p><p>In conclusion, Chicken Satay is not only delicious but also versatile enough to cater to various dietary preferences and cooking methods. Try this easy recipe today and enjoy its rich flavors during your next summer get-together!</p>