Indonesian grilled chicken skewers with peanut sauce
Satay Ayam
Prep Time
30 min
Cook Time
10 min
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4
16 skewers
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Satay Ayam
Indonesian grilled chicken skewers with peanut sauce
★4.6(18)
Tender, turmeric-marinated chicken skewers grilled until charred and served with a creamy, spicy peanut dipping sauce. The quintessential Southeast Asian appetizer.
30m
Prep Time
10m
Cook Time
40m
Total Time
4
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Satay ayam is the street food that stops you in your tracks—the aroma of charring spiced chicken pulls you toward the smoke. The peanut sauce is the perfect sweet-spicy-tangy companion.
Great appetizers set the mood for the meal ahead. This one is impressive enough for guests but simple enough for any night.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Marinate chicken strips in turmeric, lemongrass, soy sauce, and a splash of oil for at least 30 minutes.
- 2
Thread chicken onto soaked wooden skewers, weaving the strips accordion-style.
- 3
Make peanut sauce by blending crushed peanuts, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, chili, and a splash of water.
- 4
Grill skewers over high heat for 3-4 minutes per side until charred and cooked through.
- 5
Serve hot with peanut sauce, cucumber chunks, and compressed rice cakes (ketupat).
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Arrange on a platter for easy sharing at your next gathering
Pair with your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor
Substitutions
PeanutsAlmond butter
For peanut-free households; similar creamy texture
Chicken thighsBeef sirloin strips
Makes sate sapi, the beef version
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Use chicken thighs instead of breast for juicier, more forgiving satay.
Baste with a lemongrass brush dipped in oil while grilling for extra flavor.
Let the protein rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Season each component individually rather than seasoning at the end — this builds deeper, more complex flavor throughout.
Storage
Refrigerate cooked skewers for up to 3 days. Store sauce separately.
Reheating
Reheat under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to restore the char.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (85mg) · 4 servings
Calories340
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein28g
Carbohydrates18g
Fat16g
Fiber620mg
Sugar2g
Sodium8g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a grill pan?
- Yes, a cast-iron grill pan on high heat works well for indoor cooking.
- Is the peanut sauce the same as Thai?
- Indonesian peanut sauce uses kecap manis and is slightly sweeter.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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