Spicy Thai Satay Chicken Skewers

$- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 inch ginger, grated - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce - 1 teaspoon turmeric powder - 1 teaspoon ground coriander - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - ¼ cup coconut milk - Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes To make the best satay chicken skewers, start with fresh chicken breast. Cut the chicken into small, even pieces. This helps them cook evenly on the grill. Next, gather your marinade components. The marinade is key to a flavorful dish. It includes sesame oil, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, honey, and sriracha sauce. Each adds its own flair. Turmeric, coriander, and cumin bring warmth and depth. Finally, coconut milk gives a creamy touch. Don't forget the wooden skewers! Soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning on the grill. With these ingredients ready, you can create a tasty dish that everyone will love. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, gather your marinade ingredients. You will need: - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 inch ginger, grated - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce - 1 teaspoon turmeric powder - 1 teaspoon ground coriander - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - ¼ cup coconut milk Combine all these in a large bowl. Mix them well until smooth. Marinating is crucial. It allows the chicken to soak up all the flavors. Aim for at least one hour. If you can, marinate overnight. This gives a deeper taste that you will love. For flavor depth, make sure the chicken is well coated. Stir it occasionally while marinating. This helps infuse every piece with the marinade. Now, it’s time to grill. Start by preheating your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. This step is key for getting nice grill marks. While the grill heats, take your soaked wooden skewers. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers. Leave a bit of space between each piece. This helps them cook evenly. Cook the skewers on the grill for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Check for doneness by cutting a piece. The chicken should be fully cooked and no longer pink. Once done, remove the skewers from the grill. Let them rest for a few minutes. This keeps the juices locked in for a tasty bite. - Temperature control: Keep your grill at medium-high heat. This helps cook the chicken evenly and gives it a nice crust. If it’s too hot, the outside may burn before the inside cooks. - Avoiding dry chicken: Marinate your chicken for at least one hour, but overnight is best. The coconut milk keeps the chicken moist. Be sure to check the grill temperature while cooking. - Checking for grill marks: Cook each side for 4-5 minutes. Look for nice brown grill marks; this shows the chicken is getting that perfect char. If you don’t see them, give it more time before flipping. - Adding spices or herbs: Feel free to experiment with spices. Try adding crushed red pepper for heat or fresh herbs like cilantro for freshness. You can adjust the marinade to your taste. - Recommended side dishes: Serve your skewers with rice or a fresh salad. Peanut sauce is a great dip for added flavor. You can also serve it with sliced cucumbers for a refreshing crunch. - Serving suggestions with sauces: Pair your skewers with different sauces. Peanut sauce, sweet chili sauce, or a tangy lime sauce all work well. Drizzle some sauce over the skewers before serving for added flair. Pro Tips Marinating Time: Allow the chicken to marinate overnight for the best flavor absorption. Soaking Skewers: Soak the wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill. Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Garnishing Ideas: Enhance the presentation by adding chopped peanuts and fresh herbs like cilantro or mint on top before serving. {{image_2}} You can use different proteins for satay skewers. Beef, pork, or tofu all work well. Each protein has unique cooking times. - Beef: Use thin slices of steak. Marinate for a shorter time, about 30 minutes. - Pork: Cut pork tenderloin into bite-sized pieces. Marinate like chicken but cook until the internal temperature hits 145°F. - Tofu: Use firm tofu for great texture. Press it to remove extra water, then marinate for a few hours. When using these proteins, keep the marinade similar but adjust flavors to match. For beef, add a dash of Worcestershire sauce for a deeper taste. For tofu, increase the coconut milk for a richer flavor. If you need gluten-free skewers, swap soy sauce for tamari. Tamari has a similar taste and works well in marinades. For a vegan version, replace chicken with mushrooms, tempeh, or seitan. Each option adds its own flavor and texture. - Mushrooms: Use portobello or shiitake for a meaty bite. - Tempeh: Slice it thin and marinate well for maximum flavor. - Seitan: This wheat-based protein is very versatile. Adjust the marinade. Use maple syrup instead of honey for sweetness. Ensure all ingredients, like sauces and spices, are vegan-friendly. This way, everyone can enjoy the tasty satay skewers! To store your satay chicken skewers, follow these steps: - Let the skewers cool down to room temperature. - Place them in an airtight container. - Store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. - If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. When freezing, wrap each skewer in plastic wrap. Then, put them in a freezer bag. This helps avoid freezer burn. You can keep them in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat your skewers, use these methods: - Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place skewers on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes. - Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a little oil and cook skewers for 5-7 minutes, turning often. - Microwave: Place skewers on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm. For the best taste and texture, avoid the microwave if you can. The oven or stovetop helps keep the chicken juicy and flavorful. Enjoy your satay chicken skewers! Satay chicken skewers come from Southeast Asia, mainly Indonesia and Malaysia. They are a popular street food. The dish has grilled meat served with peanut sauce. Each region has its unique take on flavors and spices. This dish reflects the rich culinary heritage of these countries. Yes, you can make satay sauce from scratch easily. Just mix peanut butter, soy sauce, coconut milk, and a bit of lime juice. Add garlic and ginger for extra flavor. This homemade sauce adds a personal touch to your dish. You can know the chicken is done when it reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer for an accurate reading. The chicken should be firm and no longer pink inside. Grill marks also indicate a good cook. You can serve satay chicken skewers with rice or noodles. Fresh vegetables like cucumber and bell pepper add crunch. A simple salad or coleslaw pairs well too. Don't forget the homemade peanut sauce for dipping! In this post, we covered making delicious chicken skewers from start to finish. We discussed key ingredients like chicken and marinades. Then, we outlined simple steps for marinating and grilling. I shared tips for juicy chicken and flavorful sides. Finally, we explored variations for different diets. You can enjoy skewers your way, whether you're grilling for friends or family. These tips will help you create a meal everyone will love. Just remember to keep experimenting and having fun in the kitchen!$

Spicy Thai Satay Chicken Skewers

Delicious and spicy chicken skewers marinated in a flavorful Thai-inspired sauce.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 1

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Thai

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch ginger, grated
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground cumin
¼ cup coconut milk
to taste pieces wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, honey, sriracha sauce, turmeric powder, ground coriander, ground cumin, and coconut milk. Mix well to create a marinade.
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight for a deeper flavor.
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve the satay skewers on a platter with a side of peanut sauce for dipping and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for an extra zing.

Keyword chicken, grilled, satay, skewers, spicy