Description
Braised Nutty Satay Chicken is a flavorful and hearty dish featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a creamy, rich peanut sauce infused with ginger, garlic, and coconut milk. This Asian-inspired recipe delivers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and mildly spicy flavors, garnished with crunchy roasted peanuts and fresh cilantro, making it an incredible essential for any home cook seeking a satisfying main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Sauce
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce or sriracha (optional)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Season the boneless, skinless chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or braising pan over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs for 3–4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. In the same pan, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and grated fresh ginger, cooking for an additional minute to release their fragrance.
- Make the satay sauce: Stir in the natural peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar or lime juice, and chili garlic sauce or sriracha if using. Add the chicken broth or water and whisk the mixture until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and well combined.
- Braise the chicken: Return the seared chicken thighs to the pan, turning them to coat thoroughly with the satay sauce. Cover the pan with a lid and simmer over low heat for 25 to 30 minutes, allowing the chicken to become tender and absorb the flavorful sauce.
- Thicken the sauce: After the chicken is cooked through, uncover the pan and continue simmering for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Garnish and serve: Serve the braised nutty satay chicken hot, garnished with chopped roasted peanuts, fresh cilantro leaves, and lime wedges. It pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, coconut rice, or rice noodles.
Notes
- For variation, substitute peanut butter with almond or cashew butter for a different nutty flavor.
- Serve with steamed jasmine rice, coconut rice, or rice noodles for a complete meal.
- Adjust the level of spiciness by varying the amount of chili garlic sauce or sriracha according to your preference.
- Ensure to simmer gently to keep the chicken tender and prevent the sauce from burning.
