Easy Thai Chicken Satay in a thick and creamy peanut sauce! A special ingredient makes this satay taste incredible. KETO and LOW CARB RECIPE!
The one ingredient I add into it covers over 10 ingredients so YOU don’t have to worry about forgetting anything in the supermarket! This is a quick and easy Chicken Satay recipe using bone-in chicken thighs.
CHICKEN SATAY
The thing about this Satay Chicken recipe is that it may not be the authentic real deal directly from Thailand, BUT it IS incredible. TASTES like take-out Thai, which to me is a crucial part of eating. This recipe is my answer to those moments you want a Thai Satay Chicken, but either:
- Don’t have time to cube chicken or soak skewers. Or thread chicken onto those skewers while trying to avoid stabbing fingers and palms with said skewers.
- Sometimes we just want an easy route. This is for us.
SATAY PEANUT SAUCE
Serve with this incredible peanut sauce on the side OR drown the chicken in the satay sauce before it hits the table. I love both ways and can never decide which one is better, because in the end it’s going to end up in sauce.
Serving the sauce on the side would suit most people for easier control of exactly how much sauce goes over the chicken.
HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN SATAY
MARINADE: The chicken is first marinated in a beautiful sauce FULL of satay flavours, and seared in that sauce for extra flavours. Don’t even try to skip this step. You’d be loco to rush ahead. What makes this marinade extra special is using Thai red Curry Paste!
Forget about buying a basket full of spices and ingredients and grinding them into a paste, which is essentially what most Thai sauces are made from. There’s no need when you can get a good Thai Paste at any supermarket.
Once you’ve seared your chicken, it then finishes cooking in the oven while you prepare the satay sauce.
THE SAUCE. God help me. NOT just peanut butter and coconut milk. The peanut sauce ALSO has Thai paste for an extra hit of flavour, plus other flavours and spices to get that WOW factor.
From here, once the chicken is cooked through, you can pour the sauce straight into the pan and reserve maybe 1/4 cup for serving.
Or just drown your chicken satay in sauce.
MORE CHICKEN RECIPES!
Thai Chicken Meatball Salad Sticky Thai Chicken Wings Thai Chicken with Noodles!
Chicken Satay ON VIDEO
Easy Thai Satay Chicken
Ingredients
For The Chicken Marinade:
- 4 tablespoons coconut milk (from a 400ml tin)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- 1 1/4 tablespoon packed light brown sugar (omit for KETO)
- 1 1/4 tablespoon Thai red curry paste
- 1 tablespoon Kecap Manis (sweet soy sauce)
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce**
- Pinch of salt
- 4 skinless chicken thighs, bone-in or out*
- 2 teaspoons Peanut oil for frying
For the Peanut Sauce:
- 1 1/3 cup coconut milk (all remaining milk from the tin)
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter (all natural preferable)
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon sweet soy sauce (Kecap manis)
- 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar (omit for KETO)
- 1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste
- 1/2 tablespoon Tamarind puree (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1-2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- Cilantro leaves to garnish
- Lime wedges to garnish
- Red chillies, sliced to garnish
Instructions
- For the chicken marinade, mix together the coconut milk, peanut butter, brown sugar, curry paste, sauces and salt in a large, shallow bowl until well combined and creamy. Add in the chicken, turning to coat completely with the marinade. Allow to marinade for at least 10 minutes to half an hour in the refrigerator (if time allows).
- Preheat oven to 400°F | 200°C.
- Heat oil in an oven-proof pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until browned on each side and fragrant (about 8-10 minutes each side). Transfer to the oven and continue cooking for a further 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (juices run clear and no longer pink inside).
- While the chicken is in the oven, combine all Peanut Sauce ingredients into a saucepan EXCEPT for the lime juice. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and allow to simmer until combined and thickened (about 5-6 minutes). Once thick, take off heat and stir in the lime juice (start with 1 tablespoon and adjust accordingly to suit your tastes).
- Serve the chicken with the peanut sauce: either pour it all into the pan with the chicken OR serve separately.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, lime wedges and red chillies.
Notes
**Replace Fish Sauce with Soy Sauce
Dad says
I’ve been hooked on satay most of my life. I just cooked this tonight (with broccoli, bok choy and coconut rice) for the wife and two teenage boys and now they love it as well. Mum’s bagged the leftovers for lunch tomorrow. I’m impressed. Many thanks for this fine recipe.
Kelsey says
I used to work at a Thai restaurant and they used to let us chose something for dinner every night, I always used to get the satay chicken cause it’s my favourite ! And this is the absolute best recipe I’ve found, it taste exactly like what we used to make in the restaurant. Wouldn’t change a thing, and definitely in the top 10 favourite meals now
Hannah says
Absolutely delicious! I have made this about 3-4 times and it has been a hit in our house. Stick to the recipe for the best results.
Thank you 😊
Rick V says
Just tried this tonight.
Soo amazing & delicious !!!
Easy and inexpensive.
Give it a try today.
Nikki says
I made this tonight exactly as written— it was so delicious!! I’m not even a dark meat fan- but this recipe may convert me! This will be a keeper. Thanks for sharing and can’t wait to try another recipe.
Lisa says
Can the suce be frozen
Mallori says
I’ve made this meal a zillion times. Making it again tonight!
Sam Pilviö says
I made this with my mom today and it turned out amazing! We both loved it. Definitely going to make it again.
Aaron says
Wow! I made this dish tonight. It was soooo flavourful and tasted like it was from the local Thai restaurant!! It was delicious!
Keary says
I don’t think I’ve commented on this recipe yet. Unbelievable!!!! I’ve made the peanut sauce on the side for other things, like pork dumplings 🥟. Absolutely the best peanut sauce, and chicken thighs. I LOVE your website! Thank you for having a gift and the energy to tell the rest of us about it! ❤️
Brooke says
if making with diced chicken breast would you still marinade the diced chicken or just cover with the peanut sauce? Thanks 🙂
Dana says
I’ve made this so many times and it’s restaurant quality!! Love it so much I’ll do it with chicken, shrimp, whatever I’ve got and the leftovers are still as amazing!! Thank you for this recipe! Definitely a family favorite! My kids devour it!!
Terri says
May I ask what brand Thai Paste you use? Thanks!
Crystal Lou says
Sooooo good!! I added a splash of sriracha to it and OMG AMAZING!!! 🤤🤤
Linnea says
your recipes never disappoint… and this was no exception. delicious!!! i’m curious what peanut butter you use. i had skippy on hand and it’s a bit salty. i realize now i forgot to add the lime juice, so maybe that helps? i’m thinking it’s just a salty peanut butter. still lick the plate good, but i know my feet are going to swell up like little pork chops. if you have suggestions of a good one to use, i’d love to hear it. thanks!
Fran says
I made this tonight, using rabbit instead of chicken, as I raise meat rabbits. A girl is staying here, recently arrived from Thailand. She said it is the best Satay she has ever had! Better than what she has had in her country!!! Very high compliment , and it was easy to make! Oh, I also used crunch peanut butter. The extra texture was very good in it. Over all, GREAT recipe!
Julie says
My husband is allergic to coconut- what else can I use? Evaporated milk? Thanks!
Tamera says
Happened on the recipe while looking for the satay you skewer and such. What a gift!! Doubled the recipe, served with coconut rice and green beans. Could DRINK the sauce. Will definitely make again. All three of my middle school boys kept hugging me telling me it was so good!
Kelly says
I can’t wait to make this BUT one piece of chicken thigh per person won’t work in my house. My son has eat 4. I’ll have to triple the recipe. What is a good side dish??? I’ve nevrt made Thai food.
Karina says
Rice is always a great go-to or noodles. Totally understand boys eating a little more! Enjoy! Hope you all love it! Let me know how it turns out! XO
Keary says
I recently discovered zucchini noodles. I sautéed them in olive oil and a little sesame oil, then added a splash of soy sauce part way through. DIVINE. Amazing side dish, and low carb!!
Grace says
The taste is amazing. Will definitely be adding to my favourite meals to make. So easy and quick. I made it with chicken strips and udon noodles….YUM! The whole family loved it!
Julie Brock says
Really loved this. I see you can freeze the sauce. Can I freeze the cooked chicken too and serve the whole dish at a later time.I’m looking for meals to freeze for our son. Any other suggestions appreciated.
Karina says
Yes, that is a great idea! Most my meals can be frozen for a later time especially the casseroles and meats. Thanks so much for following along with me! XO
Michelle M Perrine says
Holy Moly! I made this last night, but had to zip out to a meeting before it was finished. Well my husband texted “Wow!! This is fantastic!” “It’s a keeper!” “Sorry babe I ate it all!!!” LOL. This was easy to make, and it smelled heavenly. Next time, I’ll double the recipe!
Anna says
Holy moly… I’ve always loathed satays, but this is utterly amazing!!! It’s so fresh and light and a very welcome change from the claggy, cloying, gross satays that have been my experience to date.
I only tried this because my husband enjoys satays, so I thought I’d give this one a try
So glad I did. This is a total game-changer and one of my new favourite dishes. Absolutely worth 5 stars!
JOY says
Might be a silly question, but is the Thai red curry paste very spicy? My husband can’t handle spicy food so I want to make sure before I try it .
Karina says
It has a little spice in it but curry is an unusual taste and sometimes an acquired taste. It is very delicious and in most Asian meals. Hope that helps!
Judith Eckart says
Totally blown away by this recipe. I would even say it is restaurant quality. Loved by all, next time I’ll have to double the recipe from everyone wanting seconds. Yummy.
Karina says
YAY! That is exciting! I am so glad that this was a huge hit for all of you! Thanks so much for sharing!
Lauren says
I loved this recipe. Was quick and easy to make and totally delish. My only negative was I found it a little too salty. Maybe it was just my ingredients (I used normal soy) so the blame is on me… but I’ll definetely be using this recipe again. Thank you!
Natalie says
Hi I can’t wait to make this! I was actually wondering if you think this would be good in a crockpot? I was thinking about trying it with the marinade and having the peanut sauce on the side, or do you think it would be good if I just dumped the peanut sauce in the crockpot too? I’m just curious because my crockpot would be more convenient at the time.
Tymeron Smith says
I haven’t made it in the crockpot yet but you are welcome to try! I am not sure if the sauce would separate in the crockpot or if the chicken would absorb it. You will have to let me know if you make it and how well it turns out! I am excited to hear from you soon!
Adam says
Hi Karina, I’m making your Easy Thai Satay Chicken recipe and was wondering how to tweak it for chicken breasts (instead of chicken thighs). I’m guessing it requires less time on the stove and in the oven, correct? If so, how much of each? Thanks!
Tymeron Smith says
It may actually be about the same time. You will want to keep your eye on it while cooking and baking but it will be similar to times. I can’t wait to hear how it turns out! YUM!
Taylor says
Oh my goodness! This was delicious! 5 star reviews from everyone in my house. The sauce was super tasty.
Tymeron Smith says
YAY!! That is awesome to hear! Thanks so much for sharing!
kate says
delish!
Regan Adams says
Wow is right! This recipe is incredible. I’ve been looking for a good, easy way to make chicken satay and this is it. I always think it’s funny when people comment “what a great recipe” and then proceed to list all of things they changed. I’m ashamed to say I did change a few things based on what I had available. I used chicken tenders, which I cooked in a skillet on the stove for 4-5 minutes on each side (no oven required), and instead of the sweet soy, I had to use low sodium soy and I just added two tablespoons of sweet chili sauce to add the sweetness. Thanks for a great recipe.
JBC says
Great recipe! Even my picky kids love it. Next time I want to spice it up a bit with Sriracha or crushed red pepper.
Imogen says
This is so delicious! I made it with thighs the first time and it was great but I will be using breasts next time as my husband prefers them. Thank you so much for this easy and yummy recipe! 🙂
Dania Bilal says
Do you think I can make this with fish?
Cassie says
I made this for dinner tonight and had to come comment that it was AMAZING!! My son absolutely inhaled it! Only change was that I added a squeeze of sriracha into the sauce. Will absolutely make again. Only bummer is I wish I would have made more as there’s no leftovers!
For people wondering about sides, I made coconut jasmine rice and a nice Asian slaw salad.
Shari Ali says
What do you feel is a great vegetable to pair it with and would rice noodles also work with this dish?
Karina says
Shari we usually serve this with broccoli or green beans on the side or in the sauce, over steamed rice or rice noodles as you have suggested!
Terri says
Do you think this would work well with drumsticks also?
Karina says
Hi Terri. Yes, absolutely!
Sheri says
Yummy combination of flavors. The peanut sauce is the best. The chicken thighs were so moist. An excellent meal, and was easy to make. Will definitely be making this again.
Karina says
That’s so great to read Sheri! Thank you for sharing your feedback!
Barry says
made this tonight and seriously I would have paid for this at any Thai restaurant . It brilliant, it tasty and I’ll make it again.
Hena says
Hi, can i cook this a day in advance? If so how do i reheat it? Have a dinner party tomorrow and want to get my mains ready a day before. Thanks
Karina says
Hi Hena. Yes you can cook this in advance and simply reheat on low in the same skillet its cooked in!
Tania says
I made this two times this week, lol. We love it and it is super easy! Thank you ☺
Karina says
Thank you for your feedback Tania!
Craig says
Just made this for my girlfriend’s family, they all loved it and her parents even did the washing up! Will definitely cook it again!
Svenja says
I’ve never left a comment in a food blog but this was absolutely fantastic. And without any fancy ingredients. Will do it again soon. Thanks for sharing!
Dawn says
My family loved this! I served it with basmati rice and cucumber salad.
Any ideas for other side dishes that go well with this recipe?
Karina says
Hi Dawn! Rice is my favourite side, but you could also serve this with roasted or smashed potatoes, or cauliflower rice. Even mashed potatoes would be good too, or steamed veg!
Erin says
Wow, I never ever post a comment on food blogs, but I just had to with this recipe. It was amazing. My boyfriend thought it was one of the best dishes as well. I will definitely be making it again. I made it as stated in the recipe (all except for the tamarind puree, couldn’t find it and I used low sodium soy sauce). Again, just wow. Thanks so much!
Janie says
Hi, can you please tell me do you just discard the marinade sauce or can it be added to the peanut sauce and heated through to make more sauce. Thank you
Karina says
Hi Janie. Yes you can add the marinade sauce but you must simmer it for a good 5 minutes over high heat to make sure there is no bacteria left from the raw chicken 🙂
Laura says
My friends made this the other night and they can’t stop raving about it. They say it is the best chicken they have ever had.
Seamus says
Hi Karina,
Just made this and it was beautiful. One question though. Can I freeze the sauce prior to heating as I made too much.
Cheers.
Seamus
Karina says
Hi Seamus. Yes absolutely! It freezes perfectly 🙂
Jenny says
Your recipe looks delish! Quick question is the soy sauce you use regular soy sauce or is it special? Thanks so much can’t wait to make it once I know what to use 🙂
Karina says
Hi Jenny! For this recipe I use a sweet soy called Kecap Manis (as noted in the recipe). You can find it in the Asian section of any supermarket 🙂 I hope you like it!
Lee says
I make my own ketcap manis and red curry paste for this recipe. I use chicken breast pieces so no need for the oven. It’s sooo tasty!
Tahira says
I loved this! So many Satay recipes call for so many ingredients it’s off putting. You’ve certainly made it so much easier to enjoy something we normally buy weekly. Thanks for this. It’s on a weekly rotation!
Karina says
Thank you Tahira! I’m so glad to hear you liked it! So many people are hung up about authentic and what not, but I know from friends of different cultures, there are so many different ways to make one recipe. From what I understand, there’s no one way to make anything, so I like to put my own spin on something to make it easier for those of us that enjoy easy cooking full of flavour! I’m so happy it works for you!
Kate says
I made this using cashew butter (my husband is allergic to peanuts) and it was amazing! I forgot to add the lime juice at the end because I was so keen to start eating but it was still delicious 🙂 I’ll definitely be making this one again!
Kate says
I made this using cashew butter (my husband is allergic to peanuts) and it was amazing! I forgot to add the lime juice at the end because I was so keen to start eating but it was still delicious 🙂 Il definitely be making this one again!
Beverley says
I love how you use ready made Tai sauce not only is it time saving it’s so delicious. Great recipe and thank you xoxo
Karina says
Thanks Beverly! I’m so glad you agree!
Kathy says
Where do you get “Thai red curry paste)?
Karina says
Hi Kathy. You can find it in a supermarket in the Asian section, or any Asian food store 🙂
Karina says
From the Asian section in any supermarket ?