Fire up the grill — this quick and easy Grilled Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce gets dinner on the table fast. While it’s not an authentic Thai satay, it captures the spirit: juicy, well-seasoned chicken skewers served with a creamy, tangy peanut dipping sauce. The recipe uses pantry-friendly spices, requires no long marinating time, and can be ready in about 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknights, casual gatherings, or whenever you want a flavorful grilled meal without a lot of fuss.
Quick Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce
Traditional Thai chicken satay typically requires a lengthy ingredient list and time to marinate. This version pares that down to essentials you likely already keep in the pantry. It’s designed to be fast without sacrificing flavor: tender chicken tenderloins tossed with oil and a few well-chosen seasonings, grilled until juicy, then paired with a simple homemade peanut sauce. If you prefer, a store-bought peanut sauce works well too.
Use a hot grill to give the skewers a good sear and smoky flavor. The seasoning blend here—Chinese five spice and a seasoned salt—gives savory depth and a hint of warmth; adjust to taste. Serve these skewers as an appetizer, alongside rice and a crisp salad, or as part of a larger spread for guests.
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Recipe Shopping List
Here’s a short list of items to check before you start. For exact measurements, see the ingredient list in the recipe card below.
- Chicken tenderloins (or boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs)
- Neutral oil for tossing (vegetable, canola, or avocado oil)
- Seasoned salt (Momofuku Tingly Salt recommended, optional)
- Chinese five spice powder
- Peanut sauce (store-bought or homemade)
How To Make This Recipe
Below is a concise overview so you know what to expect. Full ingredients and step-by-step instructions appear in the recipe card further down.
- Preheat — Get the grill hot. Aim for 400°–450°F for a quick sear and juicy interior.
- Prep — Cut the tenderloins into bite-sized pieces, toss with oil, and thread onto skewers. Sprinkle the chicken with the seasonings.
- Make the sauce — Whisk together a quick peanut sauce while the grill heats (or use a good store-bought sauce).
- Grill — Cook the skewers 3–4 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Serve — Remove from the grill and serve with the peanut sauce and any garnishes you like.
Tips: Soak wooden skewers in water for 20–30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning. If using thicker chicken pieces, adjust grill time and check doneness with a meat thermometer. Finish with fresh lime wedges, chopped cilantro, or sliced green onions to brighten the dish.
Recipe FAQ
Store cooled skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or re-warm on the grill for a minute or two per side until heated through. Serve with fresh peanut sauce.
Yes. If you don’t have a seasoned salt blend, a mix of kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne will give great flavor. It won’t be identical, but it will be delicious.
Use it on chicken, fish, shrimp, eggs, meatballs, roasted vegetables—any protein or vegetable that could use a savory, slightly tangy finish.
More Chicken Recipes
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- Chicken Paprikash — Bold, comforting flavors served over egg noodles or rice.
- Crispy Chicken Wings — Smoked or grilled wings with deeply developed flavor.
- Grilled Teriyaki Chicken — Sweet-savory and perfect with steamed rice and greens.
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- Smoked Chicken Salad Sandwich — Smoky chicken in a classic creamy salad for lunch or dinner.
- Greek Chicken — Bright, herb-forward marinade for the most flavorful grilled chicken.
Quick Chicken Satay and Peanut Sauce
Tender grilled chicken skewers seasoned with Chinese five spice and a seasoned salt, paired with a creamy peanut sauce. Fast, simple, and very satisfying.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken tenderloins
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt (Momofuku Tingly Salt recommended, optional)
- ½ teaspoon Chinese five spice powder
Peanut Sauce
- ½ cup peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce (adjust heat to taste)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 3 teaspoons garlic paste or 3 cloves crushed garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 3 tablespoons warm water (more as needed to thin)
- Note: A store-bought peanut sauce works well if you prefer convenience.
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to 400°F–450°F so it’s very hot.
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, toss with oil, and thread onto skewers. Season evenly with the seasoned salt and Chinese five spice powder.
- Whisk the peanut sauce ingredients together until smooth; adjust water to reach desired consistency.
- Grill the skewers 3–4 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the outside is nicely charred in spots.
- Remove from the grill and serve immediately with the peanut sauce. Garnish with chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or lime wedges if desired.
Notes
* Substitute seasoned salt with a blend of salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne if needed.
* This is a quick, non-traditional take on satay—no long marinade required. It’s meant to be fast and flavorful.
Nutrition Information (estimate per serving)
Calories: 686 • Total Fat: 37g • Saturated Fat: 6g • Cholesterol: 193mg • Sodium: 1993mg • Carbohydrates: 10g • Fiber: 2g • Sugar: 2g • Protein: 78g
Nutrition data is an estimate.