When it comes to tantalizing street food that captures the heart and soul of Southeast Asian cuisine, Thai chicken satay stands out as one of the top things to taste when visiting Thailand. It’s one of our favorites! With tender chicken marinated in a delicious blend of spices, skewered and grilled to caramelized perfection, it’s a street food we crave so much we even cook it at home. Whether you’re strolling through a bustling night market in Bangkok or hosting a barbecue in your backyard, this Thai chicken satay recipe is a surefire way to bring vibrant flavors and delightful aromas to the table.
If you’re ready to get started, simply hit the “jump to” recipe button. Or scroll through below for some tips and tricks. A printable recipe is at the bottom of the post.
Origins Of Chicken Satay
The origins of satay are as diverse as the regions that claim it. While I thought it was originally Thai, it is actually Indonesia that is credited as the birthplace of this iconic dish. But variations of satay can be found throughout Southeast Asia, including Malaysia and Singapore too. Each country adds its unique twist, but the fundamental concept remains the same: marinated meat, skewered and grilled to perfection. This recipe below is inspired by our trips to Thailand, devouring skewers of chicken satay as we walk the night markets. It’s one of my husband, Pete’s, favorite Thai foods!
Rachelle and Pete enjoying fresh coconut water at a market in Phitsanulok, Thailand.
A Street Food Sensation
In Thailand, chicken satay, or “satay gai,” is a staple of the vibrant street food scene, where the aroma of grilled chicken wafts through bustling markets and busy streets. Thai chicken satay stands out with its unique marinade, which often includes a blend of turmeric, coriander, cumin, and fresh herbs like lemongrass, giving the chicken a distinct and aromatic flavor.
Accompanied by a creamy peanut sauce that is often spiced with red curry paste and coconut milk, and a side of tangy cucumber salad known as “ajat,” Thai chicken satay offers a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Whether enjoyed as a quick snack from a street vendor or as part of a larger meal at a local restaurant, chicken satay in Thailand is a must-try experience that showcases the country’s rich culinary heritage and love for bold, vibrant flavors.
The Secret To Thai Chicken Satay – The Marinade
The magic of chicken satay lies in its marinade. This blend of spices and seasonings is what sets it apart from other grilled chicken dishes. A typical chicken satay marinade includes ingredients like turmeric, coriander, cumin, garlic, and ginger. These spices not only infuse the chicken with rich flavors but also give it a vibrant golden hue. Most curry spice blends you’ll find at the local grocer will contain all of these spices, saving you some money.
The Irresistible Peanut Sauce
No chicken satay is complete without its iconic peanut sauce. This creamy, nutty dip is the perfect complement to the savory, spiced chicken. (Plus a little added protein too!) Making peanut sauce at home is surprisingly simple and well worth the effort. But you can also typically find Thai peanut sauce at your local grocery store if want to save some time.
Serve the peanut sauce alongside the chicken satay, either drizzling it over the skewers or providing it as a dipping sauce. The combination of the spiced chicken with the rich, nutty sauce is nothing short of “chef’s kiss” perfection. It’s also addictively delicious, so you may want to lick the spoon.
Ingredients For Thai Chicken Satay
Here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need to gather to make this Thai chicken satay recipe.
For the chicken satay skewers:
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Chicken thighs stay tender and juicy in the air fryer without needing a long marinade before cooking. Chicken breasts may be used instead, though they will dry out quicker than thighs.
- Curry powder. Feel free to use whatever curry powder you have in the house. If you are shopping for a new bottle, choose one according to your spice preference, whether that be mild or spicy.
- Fish sauce. Fish sauce is a staple ingredient in many South Asian cuisines and can be found at any well-stocked grocery store. Fish sauce is what salts the chicken and gives it some umami. (You’ll need a little fish sauce for the peanut sauce too)
- Vegetable Oil. Since you’ll either be grilling or air frying, you’ll need an oil that stands up to high heat, like canola or avocado. I don’t recommend olive oil for this recipe.
For the peanut sauce:
- Peanut Butter. You can use either smooth or crunchy peanut butter in the recipe, whichever you have on hand. If you are using a natural-style peanut butter, you may wish to add a bit of honey to sweeten up the sauce.
- Ginger. Fresh ginger adds a spicy kick and is a main component of the flavor profile for the peanut dipping sauce.
- Sambal oelek. You can find this spicy chili sauce at any major grocery store. If needed, you can use sriracha instead.
- Garlic. Freshly grated garlic makes all the difference in this recipe. Use a microplane zester to finely grate the garlic and the flavor will disperse evenly in the sauce. If a zester is unavailable to you, mince the garlic as finely as possible with a knife and cutting board. In a pinch, bottled minced garlic may be used, though the final product will be missing a bit of kick from the fresh garlic.
- Lime juice. Freshly squeezed lime juice adds acidity, sweetness, and freshness to the peanut sauce. The pre-bottled variety has a very different flavor and does not work as a substitute ingredient. If you can’t find lime, swap out the lime juice for half rice vinegar and half honey.
How To Make Thai Chicken Satay – On The Grill
Once the chicken has soaked up all the delicious flavors of the marinade, it’s time to grill. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes beforehand to prevent them from burning on the grill.
The goal is to achieve a perfect balance of charred, caramelized edges and juicy, tender meat. To do this, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the skewers for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Keep a close eye on them to avoid overcooking, as chicken can dry out quickly. The result should be beautifully charred skewers of chicken.
How To Make Thai Chicken Satay – In The Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer for five minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. If using bamboo skewers, make sure they fit inside your air fryer basket. If they don’t, just use scissors to cut them down to the right size, then soak them in water for 20-30 minutes to keep them from burning.
Place the sliced chicken thighs, vegetable oil, curry powder, and fish sauce into a mixing bowl. Toss well to coat. Thread the strips of chicken onto metal or wooden skewers.
Once the air fryer is preheated, place the chicken skewers in a single layer inside the basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer you may need to work in multiple batches to avoid crowding the basket.
Air fry the chicken satay skewers at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 7 minutes, then carefully flip the skewers and cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the outside is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If chicken is not done, return the basket to the air fryer and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Repeat the cooking process with the remaining batches of skewers, if needed.
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the peanut sauce. Boil 1 cup of water using either a kettle, a microwave, or a saucepan on the stove. In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, fish sauce, chili-garlic sauce, lime juice, ginger, and garlic. Working one tablespoon at a time, add boiling water to thin the sauce to your desired consistency. Taste and add salt if needed.
Serve peanut sauce alongside the Thai chicken satay skewers and enjoy!
What To Serve With Thai Chicken Satay
Chicken satay is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Traditionally, it is served with a side of cucumber salad, which provides a refreshing contrast to the rich spices in the chicken marinade. A Thai cucumber salad typically includes sliced cucumbers, red onions, and chili peppers, tossed in a tangy vinegar dressing.
Another popular accompaniment is simply a side of rice. The mild, starchy rice balances the bold flavors of the chicken and peanut sauce, making for a satisfying and well-rounded meal.
If you’re hosting a gathering, consider serving chicken satay as an appetizer or part of a larger spread of Southeast Asian dishes. It pairs beautifully with other grilled meats, fresh salads, and a variety of dipping sauces. And don’t forget to have plenty of cold beverages on hand to cool down the palate, as the spices can pack a bit of a punch!
A Dish for All Occasions
Thai chicken satay can be enjoyed as a quick and easy weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleasing party appetizer, or even as a gourmet dish at a fancy dinner party. Its bold flavors and aromatic spices make it a standout dish that is sure to impress.
For those who love to experiment in the kitchen, this Thai chicken satay recipe also offers endless opportunities for customization. Try adding different spices to the marinade, such as galangal or kaffir lime leaves, to give the chicken a unique twist. Or, experiment with different dipping sauces, like a tangy tamarind sauce or a spicy chili sauce, to add new dimensions of flavor.
Thai Chicken Satay
An easy recipe for a beloved Thai streetfood.
Ingredients
For The Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, sliced into 1/2" strips
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
For The Peanut Sauce
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (crunchy or smooth)
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon sambar oelek
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 large garlic clove, grated
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer for five minutes at 400 degrees fahrenheit.
- Place the sliced chicken thighs, vegetable oil, curry powder, and fish sauce into a mixing bowl. Toss well to coat. Thread the strips of chicken onto metal or wooden skewers.
- Once the air fryer is preheated, place the chicken skewers in a single layer inside.
Depending on the size of your air fryer you may need to work in multiple batches to avoid crowding the basket. - Air fry the chicken satay skewers at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 7 minutes, then carefully flip the skewers and cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the outside is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees fahrenheit. If they’re not done, return the basket to the air fryer and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Repeat the cooking process with the remaining batches of skewers, if needed.
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the peanut sauce. Boil 1 cup of water using either a kettle, a microwave, or a saucepan on the stove.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, fish sauce, chili-garlic sauce, lime juice, ginger, and garlic. Working one tablespoon at a time, add boiling water to thin the sauce to your desired consistency. Taste and add salt if needed.
- Serve peanut sauce alongside the Thai chicken satay skewers and enjoy!
Notes
To Grill:
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, making sure to leave a little space between each piece to ensure even cooking. If you're using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes beforehand to prevent them from burning on the grill.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the skewers for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Keep a close eye on them to avoid overcooking, as chicken can dry out quickly.
Tips:
Make sure to use skewers that will fit inside the basket of your air fryer. If using wooden skewers, it is recommended to soak them in water for 30 minutes before using in order to prevent them from burning.
A knob of ginger is easier to grate when it is frozen. Ginger stored in the freezer also lasts longer!
Preheating the air fryer helps prevent the chicken from sticking to the basket.
Small crowd or appetite? This recipe can easily be halved!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 639Total Fat: 41gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 29gCholesterol: 277mgSodium: 1267mgCarbohydrates: 11gFiber: 4gSugar: 3gProtein: 63g
Nutrition information provided is only an estimate.
Bringing the World to Your Table
Chicken satay remains a timeless favorite that bridges cultures and brings people together. Its rich history, vibrant flavors, and universal appeal make it a dish that transcends borders and unites food lovers from all over the world.
So, the next time you’re looking to spice up your meal routine or impress your guests with a taste of Southeast Asia, consider making Thai chicken satay. With its irresistible combination of marinated, grilled chicken and creamy peanut sauce, it’s a dish that promises to delight the senses and leave you craving more.
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