Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- ⅓ cup full-fat coconut milk
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon turmeric
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for serving
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken tenders
- 18 metal or bamboo skewers
- ¼ cup crushed peanuts, for serving
For the Peanut Sauce
- 1 (13.5-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
- 1 to 2 tablespoons Thai red curry paste (adjust to desired spiciness)
- ¾ cup unsweetened creamy peanut butter
- ½ tablespoon kosher salt
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider or white vinegar
- ½ cup water (plus extra if needed)
Instructions
- Make the marinade: In a small bowl, combine ⅓ cup coconut milk, minced garlic, turmeric, chopped cilantro, brown sugar, fish sauce, and kosher salt. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken tenders dry. Using a mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken until very thin for faster and more even cooking.
- Marinate the chicken: Arrange the flattened chicken in a single layer on a baking dish or rimmed sheet. Pour the marinade over the chicken, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
- Make the peanut sauce: In a small saucepan, whisk together the full can of coconut milk, Thai red curry paste, peanut butter, kosher salt, sugar, vinegar, and ½ cup water. Bring to a gentle simmer over low heat, whisking continuously until the sauce slightly thickens, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let it rest for 10 minutes. Reheat gently with a splash of water if it becomes too thick.
- Preheat the grill: Prepare your grill to medium heat for cooking the chicken skewers evenly with a nice char.
- Skewer the chicken: Thread the marinated chicken tenders tightly but evenly onto the skewers, dividing the meat among all skewers.
- Grill the chicken: Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook undisturbed for 3-5 minutes per side or until fully cooked and nicely charred, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Arrange the grilled chicken satay on a serving platter. Garnish with additional chopped cilantro and crushed peanuts. Serve with the warm peanut sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Pounding the chicken thin ensures quick cooking and tender texture.
- Adjust the amount of Thai red curry paste in the peanut sauce based on your preferred spice level.
- The peanut sauce thickens as it cools; add a small amount of water and reheat gently if needed.
- Marinating overnight boosts the flavor but 2 hours is adequate if short on time.
- Serve with jasmine rice or fresh cucumber salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Southeast Asian