Juicy Malaysian Chicken Satay Recipe: Irresistible Skewers

Succulent malaysian chicken satay delivers a burst of vibrant flavors that dance across your palate with exotic charm.

Tender marinated pieces promise an adventure straight from southeast asian street food culture.

Fragrant spices weave magic through each carefully skewered morsel, capturing generations of culinary tradition.

Peanut sauce accompanies these grilled delights, creating a harmony of sweet, spicy, and savory notes.

Charcoal-grilled techniques infuse deep, smoky undertones that elevate simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Malaysian home cooks have perfected this recipe over decades, blending aromatic ingredients with precision.

You’ll want to fire up the grill and experience these irresistible skewers that transport you directly to bustling night markets of kuala lumpur.

Why Malaysian Chicken Satay Steals The Show

• Burst with Exotic Flavors: Malaysian Chicken Satay delivers a mouthwatering blend of spices that transport your taste buds to Southeast Asian cuisine with every single bite.
• Master Minimal Cooking Skills: This recipe requires basic grilling techniques and simple ingredient mixing, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels.
• Create Quick Weekend Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for backyard gatherings, potlucks, or casual dinner parties where guests can enjoy interactive dipping and sharing of skewers.
• Customize with Flexible Ingredients: Easily adapt the marinade or sauce by swapping chili paste, adjusting spice levels, or using alternative protein options like tofu or shrimp.

Everything You Need For Malaysian Chicken Satay

• Chicken Pieces: Tender meat that serves as the protein base for the Malaysian chicken satay.

• Ground Coriander, Cumin, Turmeric: Aromatic spices that provide authentic Malaysian flavor and depth to the chicken.
• Ginger, Garlic: Pungent ingredients that add sharp and robust flavor to the marinade.

• Vegetable Oil, Soy Sauce: Ingredients that help blend spices and create a smooth marinade coating.
• Brown Sugar: Sweetener that balances the spicy and savory elements of the dish.

• Bamboo Skewers: Traditional tool for threading and grilling the marinated chicken.

• Peanut Butter, Coconut Milk: Creamy base that creates a rich and smooth dipping sauce.
• Lime Juice, Chili Paste: Ingredients that add tangy and spicy notes to the peanut sauce.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

Step-By-Step Malaysian Chicken Satay Guide

Step 1: Whip Up Flavorful Marinade

In a mixing bowl, combine vegetable oil, ground coriander, cumin, turmeric, ginger, garlic, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Blend these ingredients thoroughly to create a rich, aromatic marinade that will infuse the chicken with incredible Malaysian-inspired flavors.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Toss chicken pieces into the marinade, ensuring each piece is completely coated. Let the chicken soak up the flavors by refrigerating for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.

The longer it marinates, the more delicious it becomes.

Step 3: Prepare Skewers

Grab your soaked bamboo skewers and carefully thread the marinated chicken pieces onto them.

Make sure to distribute the chicken evenly for consistent cooking.

Step 4: Fire Up the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

This will help create those perfect char marks and seal in the juicy flavors of the chicken.

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Place the chicken skewers on the grill.

Cook for 10-15 minutes, rotating occasionally to ensure even cooking. You’re looking for a fully cooked chicken with a beautiful golden-brown char on the outside.

Step 6: Craft Creamy Peanut Sauce

• Peanut butter
• Coconut milk
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Lime juice
• Chili paste

Heat the mixture on low, stirring until smooth and well-blended.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the grilled chicken skewers to a serving plate. Place the warm peanut sauce in a dipping bowl alongside the skewers.

Your Malaysian Chicken Satay is ready to be devoured!

Quick Tips For Malaysian Chicken Satay

• Marinate chicken for maximum flavor by letting it sit in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours, allowing spices to deeply penetrate the meat. Soak bamboo skewers in water beforehand to prevent burning during grilling and ensure even cooking. Control grill heat carefully to achieve a perfect char without drying out the chicken, turning skewers occasionally for consistent browning. Create a silky smooth peanut sauce by whisking ingredients over low heat and adjusting sweetness or spiciness to personal preference. For a gluten-free version, replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to maintain the authentic Malaysian flavor profile.

Tasty Twists On Malaysian Chicken Satay

• Spicy Indonesian Variation: Replace chili paste with sambal oelek for extra heat, adding diced red chilies to marinade for more intense flavor.
• Lemongrass Infusion: Incorporate fresh lemongrass into marinade, creating a fragrant Southeast Asian profile with bright citrus undertones.
• Coconut Curry Spin: Mix curry powder into marinade, garnish with toasted coconut flakes and serve with coconut-based dipping sauce instead of traditional peanut sauce.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, keeping the same marinade and grilling technique for plant-based protein lovers.

Perfect Sides For Malaysian Chicken Satay

• Pair Malaysian Satay with Crisp Riesling: Light, slightly sweet German white wine perfectly balances the spicy, savory chicken with its refreshing acidity and subtle fruit notes.
• Complement with Jasmine Rice Pilaf: Fragrant rice studded with toasted almonds and herbs provides a soft, neutral backdrop that highlights the complex marinade flavors.
• Match with Cool Cucumber Salad: Tangy, fresh salad with thin cucumber slices, mint, and light vinaigrette cuts through the rich peanut sauce and cleanses the palate between bites.
• Serve alongside Singha Beer: Thai lager with crisp, clean profile neutralizes the spiciness and complements the grilled chicken's smoky char perfectly.

How To Store Malaysian Chicken Satay The Right Way

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken satay in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool the skewers completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Freeze: Wrap individual skewers in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Reheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Place skewers on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave Quick: Arrange skewers on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking to avoid overcooking.

Malaysian Chicken Satay FAQs You’ll Want

• What are the key spices that give Malaysian Chicken Satay its unique flavor?

The key spices are ground coriander, cumin, turmeric, ginger, and garlic, which create a complex and aromatic marinade that infuses the chicken with traditional Malaysian taste.

• How long should I marinate the chicken for the best results?

Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but for optimal flavor, let it sit in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours to allow the spices to fully penetrate the meat.

• Can I cook the satay if I don't have a grill?

Yes, you can use a grill pan on the stovetop or broil the skewers in the oven, ensuring you turn them occasionally to get an even char and cook the chicken thoroughly.

Malaysian Chicken Satay Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 40-45 minutes (minimum)
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Malaysian chicken satay brings street-food magic to your kitchen, infusing tender marinated meat with aromatic spices. Succulent skewers grilled to perfection promise a mouthwatering journey through Malaysia’s rich culinary landscape that lets you savor authentic flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Protein:

• 1 1/2 pounds (680 grams) skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger

Liquids and Additional Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

Peanut Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chunky peanut butter
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon chili paste (optional)

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Instructions

1. Create a robust marinade by blending aromatic spices with oil, incorporating ground coriander, cumin, turmeric, ginger, garlic, brown sugar, and soy sauce in a mixing bowl.
2. Thoroughly coat chicken pieces in the fragrant marinade, allowing flavors to penetrate for 30 minutes to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
3. Carefully thread marinated chicken onto pre-soaked bamboo skewers, ensuring even distribution.
4. Heat grill to medium-high temperature (around 375-400°F), preparing for direct grilling.
5. Position skewers on hot grill, cooking for 10-15 minutes and rotating periodically to achieve uniform caramelization and ensure chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F.
6. Simultaneously prepare peanut sauce by whisking peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, and chili paste in a saucepan over low heat until silky and well-combined.
7. Transfer grilled satay to serving platter, accompanying with warm peanut sauce for dipping, garnishing with optional chopped herbs or crushed peanuts for added texture.

Notes

• Marinate chicken for maximum flavor absorption, ensuring at least 30 minutes but no longer than 2 hours to prevent meat from becoming too salty.
• Soak bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes before threading chicken to prevent burning during grilling and ensure even cooking.
• Adjust spice levels in peanut sauce by adding more or less chili paste, making it suitable for different heat tolerances and dietary preferences.
• For a gluten-free version, replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to maintain the recipe’s rich umami flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes (minimum)
• Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Malaysian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg