If you’ve ever watched a plate of party food vanish before you even grabbed a napkin, then you already know the power of good Chicken Satay Skewers. They’re smoky, a little sticky, and usually the first thing to disappear. No one stands around politely with these, people get serious. Forget forks and formalities—these are made for fingers and second helpings. Bring them once, and you’ll be the “skewer person” forever.
Ingredients in Satay Skewers
1.5 lbs boneless chicken breast, cubed (680 g), 1 large red bell pepper, cubed (150 g), ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce (60 ml), 1 tablespoon smooth peanut butter (16 g), 1 teaspoon sesame oil (5 ml), 3 tablespoons rice vinegar (45 ml), 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon salt, and 8–10 wooden skewers soaked in water for 10 minutes.
Get The Recipe Here: Chicken Satay Skewers
Make the Marinade
Whisk together soy sauce, peanut butter, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic powder, cumin, and salt until smooth and fully combined.
Marinate the Chicken
Add cubed chicken to the marinade, coat well, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, soak wooden skewers in water to prevent burning.
Assemble the Skewers
Thread marinated chicken and bell pepper cubes alternately onto skewers, aiming for 4–5 chicken pieces and 2–3 peppers each.
Grill or Roast
Preheat a grill, grill pan, or oven to 400°F (200°C). Grill skewers for 4–5 minutes per side or bake on a parchment-lined tray for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
Serve with Sauce
Serve warm with optional peanut sauce, lime wedges, or cucumber salad on the side.
Substitutions and Variations section for making Satay Skewers
You can use chicken thighs, chicken breast, beef, shrimp, or even tofu depending on your protein preference—just adjust the cooking time accordingly. For a nut-free version, swap the traditional peanut sauce with sunflower seed butter or tahini. If you don’t have coconut milk, Greek yogurt or plain milk with a splash of lime can work in the marinade. Want more heat? Add extra chili flakes or a spoonful of sambal oelek. For extra flavor and texture, serve the skewers with a side of crushed peanuts, cucumber salad, or pickled vegetables.
Tips and Tricks for Making Satay Skewers
Satay Skewers come together quickly, but a few small steps make a big difference. To keep it low in points, use just one tablespoon of peanut butter thinned with vinegar—it’ll go further and coat the meat evenly. Please don’t skip the vinegar altogether; it not only boosts flavor but also tenderizes the chicken. Always soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 10 minutes beforehand so they don’t dry out or burn during cooking. While nothing beats grilling over charcoal, you can get great results using a hot grill pan or by roasting them in the oven on a tray.
Get The Recipe Here: Chicken Satay Skewers
