Thai Chicken Satay Skewers with Peanut Sauce and Cucumber Relish Recipe

If you’re craving a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for any occasion, the Thai Chicken Satay Skewers with Peanut Sauce and Cucumber Relish Recipe is your go-to! This recipe balances tender, marinated chicken grilled to perfection with a creamy, nutty peanut sauce and a refreshing, tangy cucumber relish. It’s a delightful combination that brings together sweet, savory, and spicy notes in every bite, making it an irresistible crowd-pleaser that’s both satisfying and fresh.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for a collection of simple yet essential ingredients that work harmoniously to create the signature taste and texture of these skewers. Each spice and component amplifies the dish’s authentic Thai flair while providing beautiful color contrasts and layers of flavor.

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs: Rich and juicy, chicken thighs absorb marinade beautifully, keeping the meat tender and flavorful.
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Helps in marinating and prevents chicken from sticking during grilling.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic depth and a hint of sharpness that brightens the marinade.
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger: Offers a warm, zesty note that’s quintessential to Thai cooking.
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Provides umami and saltiness to balance the sweet elements.
• 2 teaspoons curry powder: Brings a mild earthiness and color to the marinade.
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder: Adds vibrant golden hue and subtle bitterness.
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder: Imbues a lemony, nutty essence that complements chicken perfectly.
• 1 teaspoon chili powder: Delivers just enough kick without overpowering.
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon: A whisper of warmth to round out flavors.
• ¼ teaspoon white pepper: Provides gentle heat and a clean peppery taste.
• 2 teaspoons salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the marinade flavors.
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Adds sweetness and helps caramelize the chicken while cooking.
• ⅓ cup full-fat coconut milk: Creates a luscious texture and tropical undertone.
• For cucumber relish: white vinegar, sugar, salt, cucumber, carrot, shallot, Thai chili – these combine for a refreshing, tangy contrast.
• Thai peanut sauce, lime wedges, and cilantro: The final flourishes that elevate the entire dish.

How to Make Thai Chicken Satay Skewers with Peanut Sauce and Cucumber Relish Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by whisking together the vegetable oil, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, curry powder, turmeric, coriander, chili powder, cinnamon, white pepper, salt, brown sugar, and coconut milk in a large mixing bowl until smooth and cohesive. Toss in the chicken thigh strips, making sure each piece is generously coated with the vibrant marinade. Cover the bowl and let the flavors meld for at least 30 minutes, or even better, overnight in the fridge. This waiting time is crucial—it allows the spices to deeply penetrate the chicken, making every bite bursting with rich Thai-inspired goodness.

Step 2: Prepare the Skewers and Cucumber Relish

While the chicken marinates, soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill. The cucumber relish is a wonderful, crisp accompaniment. Combine vinegar, sugar, and salt in a bowl until dissolved, then fold in thinly sliced cucumber, julienned carrot, shallot, and finely chopped Thai chili. Set it aside to let these flavors marry into a piquant, crunchy condiment that will brighten the dish perfectly.

Step 3: Thread and Grill the Chicken

After marinating, gently thread the chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers, leaving a little space between each chunk for even cooking. Heat a little oil in a cast iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering. Add the skewers in batches, avoiding crowding, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side. The chicken should develop a gorgeous char, turn golden brown, and cook through to juicy perfection. The slight smokiness from the seared edges is what makes this dish utterly addictive.

Step 4: Plate and Serve

Arrange the skewers on a serving platter and provide plenty of that luscious Thai peanut sauce for dunking. Add fresh lime wedges for squeezing and scatter bright green cilantro leaves for an herbal lift. Don’t forget a side of your tangy cucumber relish—it adds a welcome crisp, sharp contrast that keeps each bite lively and balanced. This plate is vibrant, fun, and destined to be a new favorite at your table!

How to Serve Thai Chicken Satay Skewers with Peanut Sauce and Cucumber Relish Recipe

Garnishes

When it comes to garnishing these Thai Chicken Satay Skewers with Peanut Sauce and Cucumber Relish Recipe, fresh herbs and zesty elements truly shine. Cilantro leaves add a burst of fresh, citrusy aroma, while lime wedges bring a tangy brightness when squeezed over the chicken. Chopped roasted peanuts scattered on top can also introduce an extra crunch and nutty punch to the presentation.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with simple jasmine rice or coconut rice to soak up that delicious peanut sauce. For a lighter option, a side of steamed or stir-fried vegetables, like snap peas or bok choy, complements the savory-sweet flavors without overpowering. If you want a more casual, street-food style, serve with banana leaf-wrapped sticky rice for a fun textural twist.

Creative Ways to Present

To impress your guests, consider serving the skewers on a wooden board layered with fresh banana leaves for an authentic Thai vibe. Individual skewers can be plated with small dipping bowls of peanut sauce and cucumber relish alongside them. For parties, arranging the skewers standing upright in a tall glass adds an inviting, playful touch to your presentation that’s sure to get everyone excited.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the grilled satay skewers tightly wrapped or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep the peanut sauce and cucumber relish separate to preserve the fresh flavors and textures.

Freezing

You can freeze the marinated chicken skewers before grilling for up to one month. Place them on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag to avoid clumping. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and proceed with grilling. Note that freezing the cooked skewers is less ideal as the texture may change.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the cooked skewers in a skillet over medium heat or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Avoid the microwave if possible to maintain the best texture. Serve fresh peanut sauce and cucumber relish on the side again for that perfect finishing touch.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts are leaner and will still work well, but be careful not to overcook as they can dry out faster than thighs. Consider marinating a bit longer to keep them juicy.

Is the cucumber relish necessary?

While the cucumber relish is optional, it adds a crisp, tangy contrast that balances the richness of the peanut sauce and grilled chicken perfectly. It really elevates the dish with freshness.

How spicy is this recipe?

The recipe includes chili powder and fresh Thai chili in the relish, giving it a gentle to medium heat. You can adjust the level of spiciness to your liking by reducing or omitting the chili.

Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to keep the marinade gluten-free. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.

What’s the best way to make the peanut sauce?

Traditional Thai peanut sauce is a mix of peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, garlic, and chili. You can find many easy recipes or buy a quality pre-made sauce as a shortcut — both options taste fantastic with these skewers.

Final Thoughts

This Thai Chicken Satay Skewers with Peanut Sauce and Cucumber Relish Recipe is one of those dishes that effortlessly combines vibrant flavors and fun textures, making it a standout dinner or appetizer any time you want something special. It’s truly a crowd-pleaser that’s as enjoyable to prepare as it is to eat. So grab your ingredients, fire up your skillet or grill, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this delightfully authentic Thai experience. You won’t regret it!

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