The Zesty Thai Pineapple Peanut Satay Chicken Recipe

Crispy, golden thai pineapple peanut satay chicken promises a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Sweet pineapple chunks mingle with rich, creamy peanut sauce, creating a tropical melody on your plate.

Every bite whispers stories of vibrant street markets in Bangkok, where sizzling skewers tempt hungry wanderers.

Tender chicken pieces absorb complex marinades that blend tangy and sweet notes into a perfect harmony.

Spices weave through each morsel, bringing warmth and depth to this classic Southeast Asian favorite.

Fragrant herbs sprinkled on top add a fresh, aromatic dimension that lifts the entire dish.

We bet you can’t wait to experience this culinary adventure that transports you straight to Thailand’s bustling food scene.

Satay Chicken Flavor Pairings

• Soy Sauce: Brings rich, savory depth to the dish with umami flavor; low-sodium works well.
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweet balance and helps caramelize the chicken; light or dark both work.
• Lime Juice, Rice Vinegar: Provides bright, tangy acidity to cut through richness.
• Garlic, Ginger: Classic Thai aromatics that create complex flavor base; fresh is best.

• Chicken Breasts, Chicken Thighs: Tender protein that absorbs marinade well; boneless and skinless recommended.
• Pineapple: Adds tropical sweetness and helps tenderize meat; fresh is preferred over canned.

• Coconut Milk: Creates creamy, rich sauce base with subtle tropical notes; full-fat recommended.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken sauce to desired consistency; can substitute with arrowroot.
• Peanut Butter: Provides nutty flavor and additional thickness to sauce; natural works best.
• Sriracha, Brown Sugar, Lime Juice: Optional finishing sauce adjusters for personal taste preference.

Thai Pineapple Peanut Satay Chicken – Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Whip Up the Flavor Explosion

Create a tantalizing marinade by whisking together all sauce components in a medium bowl.

This magical mixture will transform ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering delight.

• soy sauce
• honey
• garlic
• ginger
• lime juice
• fish sauce

Step 2: Marinate and Infuse

Transfer chicken pieces into a large zip-top bag.

Pour in marinade and olive oil, ensuring every piece gets coated.

Seal and refrigerate for 1-4 hours, allowing flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.

Step 3: Prepare Skewers

Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during cooking.

Thread marinated chicken and fresh pineapple chunks onto the skewers, creating colorful and appetizing kebabs.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Heat grill to medium-high temperature.

Grease grates thoroughly to prevent sticking.

Grill skewers for 5 minutes per side, rotating until chicken develops beautiful char marks and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 5: Craft Creamy Peanut Sauce

In a small saucepan, whisk coconut milk with cornstarch and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat and simmer for one minute.

Stir in smooth peanut butter until the sauce becomes velvety and rich.

Step 6: Fine-Tune the Sauce

• If too thick, whisk in coconut milk or water
• If too thin, continue simmering
• Enhance with Sriracha for heat
• Add lime juice for brightness
• Sprinkle brown sugar for sweetness

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate skewers and drizzle with warm peanut sauce.

Garnish with chopped cilantro, crushed peanuts, and a lime wedge for a restaurant-worthy presentation.

Chicken Tips With Thai Satay Kick

• Let chicken soak in the marinade for at least an hour to maximize flavor absorption and tenderize the meat.
• Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from catching fire and breaking.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F/75°C for safe and perfectly cooked protein.
• Adjust peanut sauce thickness by adding coconut milk if too thick or simmering longer if too thin.
• Experiment with sauce seasonings like Sriracha, lime juice, or brown sugar to match your taste preferences.

Satay Chicken Keeps Flavorful After Chilling

• Store leftover Thai Pineapple Peanut Satay Chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep skewers and sauce separate to maintain crispness.
• Pack chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Place chicken skewers on baking sheet, cover with foil. Warm at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until heated through. Drizzle reserved sauce to prevent drying.
• Warm chicken in 30-second intervals, rotating and checking temperature. Add splash of coconut milk or water to prevent toughness. Best used as quick option when time is limited.

Perfect Additions To Satay Chicken

• Refresh with Coconut Rice: Fluffy white rice cooked in coconut milk complements the tangy and savory chicken, absorbing the rich peanut sauce while adding a creamy texture.
• Boost with Thai Basil Mojito: A zesty cocktail blending fresh Thai basil, mint, lime juice, and rum creates a bright, herbaceous drink that cuts through the richness of the satay and cleanses the palate.
• Balance with Cucumber Mint Salad: A cool, crisp salad with sliced cucumbers, fresh mint, and a light rice vinegar dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the grilled chicken's intense flavors and helps balance the dish's spiciness.
• Enhance with Ginger Lemongrass Iced Tea: A chilled, aromatic beverage featuring ginger and lemongrass notes offers a light, palate-cleansing accompaniment that highlights the Thai-inspired chicken's complex flavor profile.

Thai Pineapple Peanut Satay Chicken Riffs

• Vegetarian Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, marinating and grilling using the same method for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Low-Carb Version: Skip pineapple chunks and serve over cauliflower rice or mixed greens for a reduced-carbohydrate meal that maintains the original flavor profile.
• Nut-Free Adaptation: Substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini, keeping the creamy sauce texture while eliminating nut allergens.

FAQs

• What makes Thai pineapple peanut satay chicken unique?

The combination of sweet pineapple, tangy marinade, and rich peanut sauce creates a complex flavor profile that blends traditional Thai ingredients with grilling techniques.

• Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! This recipe works great with shrimp, tofu, or pork. Just adjust cooking times to ensure the protein is fully cooked.

• How do I prevent wooden skewers from burning?

Always soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This prevents them from catching fire during cooking and helps them stay intact.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The heat level can be controlled by adjusting Sriracha sauce in the peanut sauce. Start with a small amount and add more if you prefer more spice, making it customizable for different heat tolerances.

Satay Chicken With Pineapple That Brings Sweet Heat

• Quick Weeknight Meal Maker: Transform ordinary chicken into a restaurant-quality dish with minimal prep and maximum flavor in under 30 minutes.
• Customize and Adapt: Switch between grilling and broiling techniques, allowing flexibility for indoor or outdoor cooking based on weather or kitchen setup.
• Flavor Explosion Guaranteed: Combines sweet pineapple, savory peanut sauce, and tender chicken for a mouthwatering tropical-inspired experience that delights taste buds.
• Meal Prep Champion: Marinate chicken ahead of time and prep skewers in advance, making this recipe perfect for busy families seeking delicious, stress-free dinner solutions.

Thai Pineapple Peanut Satay Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Sizzling Thai Pineapple Peanut Satay Chicken brings tropical flavors dancing across your palate with bold, tangy notes. Juicy grilled chicken marinated in a luscious peanut sauce promises a memorable culinary journey that transports you straight to Bangkok’s street markets.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 lbs (907 grams) chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Fruits and Liquid Base:

• 1 fresh pineapple, chopped
• 1/3 cup (79 milliliters) canned pineapple juice
• 1 tablespoon lime juice

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon Sriracha (or Asian chili sauce, to taste)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking and Binding Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) coconut milk
• 1/4 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1/3 cup (85 grams) crunchy peanut butter

Garnish:

• Freshly squeezed lime juice
• Crushed peanuts
• Green onions, chopped

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Instructions

1. Craft a zesty marinade by whisking together all sauce components in a medium mixing vessel, ensuring smooth integration of flavors.
2. Transfer a quarter cup of marinade into a large resealable pouch, incorporating olive oil and chicken pieces. Refrigerate for 1-4 hours to allow deep flavor penetration.
3. Prepare wooden skewers by submerging them in water for a minimum of 30 minutes to prevent burning during cooking.
4. Heat grill to medium-high temperature and meticulously grease the grates to prevent sticking.
5. Carefully thread marinated chicken and juicy pineapple chunks alternately onto pre-soaked skewers, creating visually appealing kebabs.
6. Grill skewers for approximately 5 minutes per side, rotating to achieve beautiful char marks and ensuring chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F/75°C.
7. While grilling, create a luxurious sauce by combining coconut milk and cornstarch in a small saucepan, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.
8. Reduce heat and simmer the sauce for one minute, then incorporate peanut butter, stirring until achieving a silky smooth consistency.
9. Adjust sauce thickness by whisking in additional coconut milk if too dense, or extending simmering time if too thin.
10. Finalize the sauce by balancing flavors with strategic additions of Sriracha, fresh lime juice, or brown sugar according to personal preference.
11. Serve skewers drizzled with the aromatic peanut sauce, garnishing with optional chopped herbs or crushed peanuts for added texture.

Notes

• Choose tender chicken breasts or thighs for maximum flavor absorption and juiciness.
• Marinate chicken for at least 2 hours to develop deeper, more complex taste profiles.
• Wood skewers prevent burning by soaking them thoroughly in water before grilling or broiling.
• Control sauce thickness by gradually adding liquid or simmering to achieve perfect consistency.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 395
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg