Satay Grilled Chicken Thighs

Satay-style grilled chicken thighs are a simple way to bring rich, bold flavors to your weeknight dinners. This recipe balances savory, nutty, and slightly sweet elements with the warm spices of coriander and cumin. It is perfect for home cooks looking to impress without fuss in under an hour.

I whipped this up after a last-minute plan change and it quickly became my favorite for easy entertaining.

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs: boneless and skinless provide juicy meat that grills quickly and evenly
• Soy sauce: adds umami depth choose a low sodium variety for balance
• Peanut butter: brings creamy richness opt for natural peanut butter without added sugar or salt
• Brown sugar: balances the salty and spicy with a gentle caramel note
• Vegetable oil: ensures an even marinade coat and helps with grilling
• Sesame oil: delivers authentic nutty aroma use toasted sesame oil for best flavor
• Fresh garlic and ginger: build a fragrant savory base
• Ground coriander and cumin: add warm spice layers grind fresh if possible for maximum aroma
• Chili powder: optional for a gentle kick adjust according to your heat preference
• Fresh cilantro: brightens the finished dish with herbal freshness
• Lime wedges: add brightness when served and cut through richness

Instructions

Build The Marinade:

In a mixing bowl whisk together soy sauce peanut butter brown sugar vegetable oil sesame oil minced garlic grated ginger ground coriander cumin and chili powder until smooth. This creates a layered sauce that will deeply flavor the chicken.

Marinate The Chicken:

Place chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or shallow dish pour the marinade over ensuring all pieces are completely coated. Seal the bag or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes up to 4 hours allowing flavors to deeply penetrate.

Prep The Grill:

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. A properly heated grill creates the perfect sear locking in juices and giving you those beautiful grill marks.

Grill The Chicken:

Remove chicken from marinade letting excess drip off discard remaining marinade. Place on the hot grill and cook 6 to 7 minutes per side. Chicken is done when internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit and exterior is nicely charred.

Rest And Serve:

Allow chicken to rest a few minutes after grilling so juices redistribute. Slice into bite-sized pieces garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges and peanut sauce on the side for dipping.

Store cooled grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave to keep it juicy. The leftover marinade cannot be reused due to raw chicken contact.

Ingredient swaps

Chicken drumsticks with skin can be used for a juicier but slightly fattier version. Substitute almond or cashew butter for peanut butter if desired. Coconut aminos work well in place of soy sauce for a soy-free finish.

Serving ideas

Serve satay chicken with jasmine rice or sticky rice for a filling meal. Add a crunchy cucumber salad or pickled veggies to brighten the plate. Drizzle extra peanut sauce or a squeeze of lime for added punch.

Cultural context

Satay is a popular Southeast Asian dish where meat is traditionally skewered grilled and served with peanut sauce. This recipe captures those flavors with easier prep of grilled thighs without skewers making it accessible and quick.

This satay-style chicken combines simplicity with bold flavor making it a reliable weeknight favorite that never disappoints.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ What cut of chicken is best for this dish?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal because they stay juicy and tender when grilled, absorbing the marinade well.

→ Can I prepare the marinade in advance?

Yes, preparing the marinade ahead allows the flavors to meld, and marinating the chicken for up to 4 hours enhances taste and tenderness.

→ How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Grill the thighs until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). The meat should be firm and juices clear.

→ What sides pair well with this grilled chicken?

Fresh lime wedges complement the savory flavors, and sides like steamed rice or grilled vegetables work wonderfully.

→ Is the chili powder mandatory in the marinade?

No, chili powder is optional and can be adjusted for heat preference or omitted for a milder flavor.