Chicken satay is a popular appetizer or main dish that originated in Indonesia It features tender strips of chicken that are marinated in a blend of enticing spices and skewered. The appeal of chicken satay lies not only in the juicy, flavorful meat, but also in the delicious sauces and sides that accompany it Here are 10 mouthwatering ways to serve your chicken satay and take it to the next level
1. Peanut Sauce
A tangy peanut sauce is the classic pairing for chicken satay It provides a nutty depth and creaminess that complements the spices used to flavor the meat You can keep it simple with just peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, lime, ginger and cilantro. Or amp it up with chili garlic sauce or curry powder. Peanut sauce is so versatile – drizzle it over the chicken or serve it on the side for dipping.
2. Cucumber Salad
A light cucumber salad offers a refreshing contrast to the rich peanut sauce and savory chicken. Simply toss thinly sliced cucumbers with a dressing of rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger and a touch of sugar. The cool crispness balances out the other flavors perfectly.
3. Coconut Rice
Coconut rice is another traditional accompaniment for chicken satay. The sweet coconut flavor and fluffy rice texture pair wonderfully with the meat and sauce. Cook jasmine or basmati rice with coconut milk instead of water. You can toss in some chopped cilantro or pineapple chunks for extra flavor.
4. Spicy Noodles
For a more filling meal, chicken satay is fantastic served over spicy noodles. Rice noodles or ramen noodles work well. Create your own noodle dish with soy sauce, sesame oil, chili garlic sauce and vegetables like bok choy, broccoli and bell peppers. The noodles soak up that delicious peanut sauce nicely.
5. Grilled Pineapple
If you want to add something sweet to balance the other flavors, grilled pineapple is a great choice. The caramelized, smoky pineapple complements the char-grilled chicken perfectly. Simply brush pineapple slices with a little oil and grill them until they have nice grill marks.
6. Vegetable Skewers
Chicken isn’t the only thing that can be skewered and grilled! Make vegetable skewers with chunks of onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes or whatever you like. Brush them with oil and your favorite seasonings before grilling. The vegetable skewers add color to the plate and give guests more options.
7. Steamed Vegetables
For a lighter side, try simple steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, snap peas or bok choy. A spritz of lemon juice brightens up the veggies nicely. Steamed vegetables provide a wholesome, nutritious pairing for the chicken and sauce.
8. Fried Rice
If you want to use up leftover rice or grains, stir-fry them with veggies, eggs, soy sauce and sesame oil for an easy fried rice. The lightly charred rice will sop up that peanut sauce beautifully. Fried rice is satisfying but doesn’t overfill you before the chicken.
9. Fresh Spring Rolls
For a no-cook option, serve fresh spring rolls on the side. Filled with refreshing ingredients like cucumber, carrot, mint, vermicelli noodles and lettuce, they are packed with crunchy texture and brightness. The cool, crisp rolls offset the warm chicken satay perfectly.
10. Roti Canai
In Malaysia, chicken satay is often served with a flatbread called roti canai. Similar to an Indian paratha, it has a flakey layered texture that’s perfect for scooping up sauce. Roti canai is fantastic for wrapping up bits of chicken and rice too. Offer roti canai wedges alongside the skewers for a fun, interactive dining experience.
The beauty of chicken satay is that it can be paired with so many flavors, textures and dishes. Try out different combinations until you find your favorites! From classic peanut sauce to interesting additions like pineapple or roti, the possibilities are endless.
How to Make Baked Chicken Satay
Here are some tips for making chicken satay skewers without a grill.
Personally, I prefer the char the grill (or a grill pan on the stovetop) adds, but if you don’t have access, the oven will still produce good results.
- Marinate the chicken as directed, soak the skewers, and prepare the peanut sauce.
- When you’re ready to cook the chicken, lay the threaded chicken skewers on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Broil the skewers for 5 to 6 minutes, until the chicken is golden on the outside and cooked through.
- To Store. Leftover skewers can be stored in an airtight storage container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store the peanut sauce in a separate airtight storage container for up to 4 days.
- To Reheat. Remove the chicken from the skewers and place it on a baking sheet. Let come to room temperature, then reheat it in the oven at 350 degrees F. As soon as the satay is warm, serve it immediately; watch it carefully so that it doesn’t dry out. Reheat the sauce gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring every few minutes.
- To Freeze. Freeze chicken and peanut sauce separately in airtight, freezer-safe storage containers for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
If you have leftovers of these chicken skewers (which I doubt you will, but hey) they’re delicious over a bed of your favorite greens, with Homemade Fried Rice, or this Asian Noodle Salad.
How Long to Marinade Chicken
Chicken can be marinaded up to 1 day in advance. I don’t recommend marinating the chicken for longer than 24 hours, as the meat will begin to break down.
For more marinade tips, check out my all-purpose Chicken Marinade and Chicken Thigh Marinade.
- Chicken Breast. Between the marinade and the grill, the chicken becomes exceptionally tasty and tender. Chicken breasts are also easy to thread onto skewers, so much better than chicken thighs.
The Thai peanut dipping sauce might just be the best part of chicken satay!
- Peanut Butter. A delicious peanut sauce requires creamy, rich peanut butter for flavor and texture.
- Honey. Naturally sweetens our peanut sauce just enough to keep you coming back for more (like in my favorite Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken recipe); honey also tastes outstanding paired with the peanut butter in savory dishes like this one.
- Soy Sauce + Fish Sauce. Salty, umami flavor bombs.
- Sriracha. For a touch of heat. If you want spicy chicken satay skewers, you can add more for an extra kick.
- Ginger + Garlic. Two must-have ingredients that provide complex flavors.
- Lime Juice + Cilantro. Acidity and freshness. Could use shallot or red onion as well.
- Marinate the chicken, and soak the skewers.
- Prepare the peanut dipping sauce.
- Grill the satay skewers over medium-high heat for about 2 to 3 minutes per side.
- Serve with toppings and peanut dipping sauce. ENJOY!
How to Make Jet Tila’s Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce | Ready Jet Cook | Food Network
FAQ
What do you have with Chicken Satay?
For a hassle-free supper, just serve our Chicken Satay with some of our Plain Rice or on plain noodles, with a wedge of lime and some coriander. A great addition to a Thai meal to sit alongside all those colourful curries, and a convenient dairy free meal option if you’ve got guests with dietary requirements.
What is satay usually served with?
Satay may be served with a spicy peanut sauce dip, or peanut gravy, served with slices of lontong or ketupat (rice cakes), garnished with a sprinkle of bawang …
What is a way to serve satay?
You can serve satay hot off the grill, or enjoy it at room temperature. Satay sauce can be served hot or cold, though I find it’s best either warm or at room temperature.