This mouthwatering chicken satay recipe is one of the irresistible flavours of Indonesia. Tender chicken thighs are marinated in a zesty blend of lime leaves, soy sauce, and aromatic spices and grilled to perfection on skewers. It’s a taste of Southeast Asian street food bliss.
Indonesian chicken satay is a beloved street food classic with a serious flavour punch. Juicy chicken thighs are bathed in a marinade bursting with bright citrus notes from lime leaves, a hint of sweetness from brown sugar, and the unmistakable umami depth of soy sauce. Fragrant garlic and shallots add an aromatic touch that’ll have your taste buds dancing.
About the Recipe
This Indonesian chicken satay recipe is a must-try for anyone who craves bold, punchy flavours. It beautifully captures the essence of Southeast Asian street food, with each bite delivering a harmonious blend of salty, sweet, sour, and spicy notes. The marinade works its magic, infusing the chicken with layers of flavour that will tantalize your senses.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Aside from the incredible taste, there’s so much to love about this satay recipe. It’s surprisingly easy to make, with simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store. The preparation is quick, and the cooking time is minimal, making it a fantastic weeknight dinner option. Plus, these skewers are perfect for sharing – they’re bound to be a hit at your next backyard BBQ or potluck gathering.
Indonesian Chicken Satay
Cooking Tips
For the best results, soak the wooden skewers in water before using them—this prevents them from burning on the grill. Also, don’t skip the marinating step. The longer the chicken sits in that flavorful mixture, the better it will taste. Lastly, keep a close eye on the skewers while grilling, as chicken can go from perfectly cooked to overdone in a flash.
Serving and Storing Suggestions
These satay skewers are best served hot off the grill with peanut sauce for dipping. They’re also delicious paired with a refreshing cucumber salad or steamed rice to soak up all those tasty juices. Leftover skewers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or grill. This recipe serves 4, and the total prep and cooking time is around 45 minutes.
Similar Recipes
- Thai Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce
- Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
- Malaysian Beef Satay
- Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Skewers
Nutrient Benefits
Not only is this dish bursting with flavour, but it’s also packed with protein and nutrients from the chicken and aromatic spices. The lime leaves boost vitamin C, while the garlic and shallots offer antioxidants and may aid digestion. Plus, using thighs instead of breasts means getting more iron and zinc in each bite.
Indonesian Chicken Satay
Ingredients
- Chicken Thighs (3 skinned bones cut into small pieces)
- 2 tsp Oil
- 2 Lime Leaves (finely chopped)
- 2 tsp Soy Sauce
- 1/4 tsp Brown Sugar
- Shallots (Sambar Onions - 2 small, finely chopped)
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Paste
- Salt as per taste
- Black Pepper Powder as per taste
- Wooden Skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
Instructions
- Mix the garlic paste, soy sauce, brown sugar, black pepper powder and lime leaves in a bowl.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium flame.
- Saute the onions for a minute or two. Switch off the flame.
- Add the mixed paste along with the chicken pieces.
- Keep aside for 15 minutes.
- Skewer the marinated chicken pieces and lightly brush them with some oil.
- Heat a griddle/grill pan over medium flame.
- Place the skewers on the pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until cooked.
- Remove and serve with a dipping sauce of choice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Chicken breasts will also work great in this recipe. Remember that white meat tends to dry out quicker, so you may want to adjust the cooking time or use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
I can’t find lime leaves. What can I substitute?
If lime leaves are hard to come by, you can substitute with lime zest and a splash of lime juice. The flavour will not be the same, but it will still add that bright citrus note.
How do I prevent the satay skewers from burning on the grill?
Soak the wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before threading the chicken onto them. This will help prevent them from catching fire or burning too quickly on the hot grill.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Marinate the chicken a day in advance for even more flavour. Keep it covered in the fridge until you can skewer and grill it.
What else can I serve with these satay skewers?
These pair beautifully with spicy peanut sauce for dipping, but you could also serve them with a fresh cucumber salad, steamed rice, or even some grilled veggies on the side. The possibilities are endless.
