Hello there, awesome parents!

Are you on the hunt for that one recipe to shake up your family dinner routine? Well, consider your quest complete! Today, we’re going to embark on a culinary adventure straight into the heart of Southeast Asia with a dish that’s sure to become a new favorite: Satay Chicken! Yes, it’s skewered, it’s grilled, it’s delightful, and best of all, it’s easier to make than you think!

But wait, what is satay, you might wonder? Simply put, satay is a dish of seasoned, skewered, and grilled meat, served with a sauce. It’s a popular street food in countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand – and it’s about to become popular in your house too!

Why You’ll Love This Satay Chicken Recipe

It’s no surprise that satay chicken is a hit with kids and parents alike. The meat is tender, the flavors are robust yet not too spicy, and the fun of eating off a skewer is an undeniable bonus for the little ones! Plus, with our simple homemade satay sauce, you’ll clear any doubts about mystery ingredients – because you’ll know exactly what’s going into your family’s meal.

Ingredients

Ready to get started? Here’s what you’ll need for a family-pleasing satay night:

• For the Chicken:
• 500g boneless chicken breast or thigh, cut into strips
• Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
• For the Marinade:
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• For the Satay Sauce:
• 1/2 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 small garlic clove, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• Water to thin, if needed
• Optional Garnishes:
• Chopped cilantro
• Cucumber slices
• Red chili slices

Instructions

Now, let’s make some magic happen!

1. Begin by cutting the chicken into thin strips and piercing them onto the pre-soaked skewers. If you’re using chicken breast, the soft texture will make this easy-peasy!
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the marinade. It’s a symphony of flavors where each note complements the other to create a perfect balance.
3. Generously coat the chicken skewers with the marinade. For the absolute best result, let these beauties marinate for at least 30 minutes or, if you’re an ahead-of-the-game kind of parent, overnight in the refrigerator.

5 Parent-Tested Tips for Perfect Satay Chicken

Before we continue with the instructions, let’s dish out some golden nuggets of wisdom that will ensure your satay chicken is a hit every time.

1. Marinade Matters: While a 30-minute marinade will give your chicken a nice flavor, letting it marinate overnight really intensifies the taste and tenderizes the meat. Just pop it in the fridge and you’ll thank yourself at dinner time!
2. Skewer Savvy: Soak those wooden skewers in water well before using them to prevent burning on the grill. You can even soak a bunch and store them in the freezer, so they’re always ready to go.
3. Grill Guidelines: If you’re using an outdoor grill, medium heat is your friend. Too hot, and your chicken may burn before it’s cooked through. No grill? No problem. An oven broiler or a stovetop grill pan works great too.
4. Sauce Secrets: For a smooth satay sauce, whisk your ingredients vigorously or use a blender. If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with a little water until you reach your desired consistency.
5. Customize for the Crew: Satay chicken is friendly to adaptations. Have some picky eaters? Keep the skewers simple and serve the sauce on the side. Looking to add more veggies? Thread some colorful bell peppers or onions onto the skewers. The sky’s the limit!

Continuing the Cooking Process

With the chicken marinated, and your grill preheated, let’s move on to the cooking process:

4. Grill the skewered chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side or until the meat is fully cooked and has lovely char marks. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your chicken and the heat of your grill.
5. While the chicken is grilling, it’s time to prepare that delicious satay sauce. Heat a small saucepan over medium heat, add all the satay sauce ingredients, and stir until smooth and warm. Remember, we want this just heated through, not boiling!
6. Once cooked, remove the chicken skewers from the grill and allow them to rest for a few minutes—this will keep them juicy and tender.
7. Plate up your skewers, drizzle with the warm satay sauce or serve it on the side for dipping, and sprinkle with the optional garnishes if you’re using them. Cucumber slices add a refreshing crunch, cilantro brings brightness, and red chili offers a spicy kick for those who like it hot!

Serving Suggestions

Now, let’s discuss how to turn these satay skewers into a family feast!

• Rice: Keep it classic with steamed jasmine or basmati rice. Its lightness complements the flavorful satay and sauce.
• Noodles: Serve alongside rice noodles tossed in a touch of sesame oil for an easy, tasty side.
• Salad: A simple salad dressed with a ginger vinaigrette can add a zesty and healthful aspect to your meal.

As an additional tip, create a satay burger by transforming the marinated chicken pieces into patties and then grill them to perfection. Serve on buns with a dollop of the satay sauce, a slice of grilled pineapple, and a handful of fresh greens. It’s a tropical twist on an everyday classic that’s sure to bring smiles.

Nutrition & Allergies

Of course, we want to keep our meals both delectable and safe for everyone. If you have nut allergies in the family, you can substitute sunflower seed butter or tahini in the satay sauce. And for a healthier option, try swapping out coconut milk with Greek yogurt. Not only will it reduce the fat content, but it’ll also add a nice tang.

Getting your kids involved in the kitchen is also a fun way to teach them about nutrition and cooking skills. Let them help with safe tasks like whisking the marinade or assembling the garnishes. It’s a beautiful bonding experience with delicious results!