Chicken Satay Sticks: The Ideal Appetizer for Your Next Party
Chicken Satay or Sate sticks are a very popular starter option.
Packed with the flavours of Thailand, these Thai Chicken skewers with a spicy Thai satay dipping sauce are simple, healthy, and quick to make — and always popular with kids and grown-ups alike.
Thai chicken skewers with Thai satay peanut sauce are one of the most recognised dishes in Thai cuisine, and rightly so. They work brilliantly as an appetizer, side dish, or finger food for parties.
Satay is also sometimes spelt Sate, Satai, or Satti. In Thailand, you may see “Satay Gai” listed on menus — gai is the Thai word for chicken.
Chicken satay refers to chicken pieces that are marinated, skewered, grilled, and served with peanut sauce. It is sumptuous, juicy and absolutely delicious.
The History of Chicken Satay Sticks
With the popularity this meal enjoys today, it’s hard to say exactly where it came from — many countries claim to have invented it! But history suggests that satay was influenced by Indonesian, Malaysian, and Thai culinary traditions.
Today, Thai chicken satay recipes have spread worldwide as more and more people fall in love with this flavour-packed dish.
Good Dishes to Pair with Chicken Satay
One of the ingredients used when making Chicken Satay is Panang curry paste.
Learning how to make Panang curry is also a great idea — because you’ll then know how to make Panang curry paste too. We learn this during both in-person and online cooking classes.
What Does Chicken Satay Taste Like?
A well-cooked Thai chicken skewer is juicy and bursting with flavour. Dip it in the creamy, spiced peanut satay sauce, and you’ve got a bite of heaven.
The exact flavour depends on the spices used during cooking and marination. But in general, Thai chicken satay (satay gai) is mouth-watering — unless, of course, you don’t eat chicken!
Spice levels are flexible depending on your preferences. Feel free to turn up the heat with extra chillies.
Where is Thai Chicken Satay Most Common?
Today, you’ll find Thai Chicken Satay everywhere — from local street vendors in Bangkok to kitchens around the world.
In Indonesia, it’s considered a national dish. In Thailand, you’ll often see satay served on street food stalls alongside other grilled meats.
Can Thai Chicken Satay Be Vegan-Friendly?
Yes! While the traditional dish uses chicken, there are easy vegan versions using tofu or vegetables instead.
If you take this dish as part of a private class on Koh Tao or during an online virtual class, I’ll show you how to adapt it for vegan diets.
Note: This dish contains peanuts and is not suitable for people with nut allergies.
Ingredients You’ll Need for an Online Class
- Peanut sauce
- Red chilli paste
- Peanuts
- Coconut milk
- Garlic
- Turmeric
- Panang curry paste
Equipment Needed for an Online Class
- Mortar & Pestle or a food processor
- Frying or grill pan
- Knife
- Brush for applying marinade while cooking
- Skewers (optional but great for finger food presentation)
