Zesty Southeast Asian Chicken Satay Recipe: Ina Garten’s Magic

Tender chicken skewers marinated in a zesty peanut and Ina Garten chicken satay recipe sauce promise a tantalizing journey into Southeast Asian flavors.

Smooth, creamy peanut butter blends with aromatic spices to create an irresistible coating that seals in every drop of deliciousness.

The marinade infuses each tender morsel with depth and complexity that will make your taste buds dance.

Grilling transforms these skewers into a smoky, charred delicacy that screams summer cookout.

Perfectly balanced between sweet, savory, and slightly spicy, these satay skewers are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

You’ll love how quickly these come together, making them an ideal option for both weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings.

Grab your ingredients and get ready to experience a restaurant-quality dish right from your own kitchen.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 4

What You’ll Need for Ina Garten Chicken Satay

• Soy Sauce: Adds deep umami flavor and helps tenderize the chicken with its savory saltiness.
• Peanut Butter: Provides creamy richness and helps create a thick, clinging marinade.
• Rice Vinegar: Brings a bright, tangy note that balances the other bold flavors.
• Lime Juice: Adds zesty freshness and helps break down chicken proteins.
• Sesame Oil: Introduces a nutty, authentic Asian-inspired undertone.

• Honey: Offers natural sweetness and helps caramelize the chicken during grilling.
• Ginger: Provides a warm, spicy kick with subtle aromatic complexity.
• Garlic: Delivers intense, pungent depth to the overall marinade profile.
• Crushed Red Pepper: Brings subtle heat and vibrant spiciness.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and elevating all other ingredients.

• Cilantro: Adds fresh, herbaceous brightness and professional presentation.
• Green Onions: Introduces mild onion crispness and elegant color contrast.
• Wooden Skewers: Perfect for easy handling and traditional satay presentation.

Tools to Skewer and Sear Ina Garten’s Chicken Satay

• Large Bowl or Ziplock Bag: Essential for marinating chicken and mixing ingredients thoroughly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise tool for accurately measuring marinade components.
• Grill or Grill Pan: Critical for cooking chicken skewers with perfect char and flavor.
• Wooden Skewers: Key for threading chicken pieces and creating classic satay style.
• Meat Thermometer: Crucial for checking chicken's internal temperature reaches safe 165 degrees F.
• Mixing Spoon or Whisk: Helps blend marinade ingredients smoothly.
• Basting Brush: Great for applying reserved marinade while grilling.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping cilantro and green onions.
• Sharp Knife: Required for preparing garnish and handling chicken.

Grilling Instructions for Chicken Satay à la Ina Garten

Tantalizing Chicken Satay Adventure

• Flavor Fusion Marinade

Create a zesty blend of soy sauce, peanut butter, rice vinegar, lime juice, sesame oil, honey, ginger, garlic, and spices. This magical mixture will transform ordinary chicken into a culinary masterpiece.

• Marinating Magic

Generously coat chicken pieces in the marinade, allowing them to soak up the incredible flavors. Let the chicken rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or overnight for maximum taste explosion.

• Skewer Preparation

Thread marinated chicken onto wooden skewers, creating beautiful kebab-style pieces. Pro tip: pre-soak wooden skewers in water to prevent burning during grilling.

• Grilling Perfection

Fire up the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Carefully place chicken skewers, cooking each side for 5-6 minutes. Brush with reserved marinade to lock in moisture and enhance flavor.

• Temperature Check

Ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked, juicy chicken.

• Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh cilantro and green onions over the satay. Drizzle with creamy peanut sauce for an extra burst of deliciousness. Serve hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

Tips and Ideas for Changing Ina Garten’s Chicken Satay

• Double the marinade recipe so you have plenty for basting and dipping, ensuring maximum flavor infusion without cross-contamination.
• Adjust crushed red pepper quantities to make the dish mild or fiery hot, tailoring the heat to your personal taste preferences.
• Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling to lock in juices and ensure tender, succulent meat that doesn't dry out during serving.
• When outdoor grilling isn't possible, use a cast-iron grill pan or broil in the oven, maintaining similar high-heat cooking techniques for perfect caramelization.
• Prepare skewers and marinade up to 24 hours in advance, allowing flavors to develop deeper complexity and simplifying your meal preparation process.

Serving Platter Ideas for Ina Garten Chicken Satay

• Drizzle with Peanut Sauce: Create a delightful flavor explosion by generously pouring the creamy peanut sauce over the grilled chicken satay, adding rich depth and tangy complexity.
• Serve with Refreshing Sides: Pair the satay with cool cucumber salad, steamed jasmine rice, or crisp lettuce wraps to balance the savory marinade and provide textural contrast.
• Garnish for Visual Appeal: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, and crushed peanuts on top to add vibrant colors, crunchy texture, and a burst of fresh herbs.
• Host a Satay Party: Set up a interactive buffet-style presentation with multiple dipping sauces, allowing guests to customize their skewers and enjoy a fun, social dining experience.

Save and Store Your Ina Garten Chicken Satay Properly

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store marinated chicken in an airtight container or sealed ziplock bag for up to 2 days before cooking. Keep marinade separate from raw chicken to prevent cross-contamination.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Wrap uncooked marinated chicken skewers tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before grilling.
• Reheat with Care: Store cooked chicken satay in sealed containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Warm gently in a skillet or oven at 350°F to maintain moisture and prevent drying out. Avoid microwave reheating to keep texture intact.
• Pack for Lunch: Slice cooled chicken satay and pack with dipping sauce in separate compartments of a meal prep container. Keep refrigerated and consume within 2 days for best flavor and food safety.

Authentic Ina Garten Chicken Satay Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s chicken satay recipe delivers authentic Indonesian flavors with elegant simplicity. Succulent marinated chicken skewers promise a delightful culinary experience that brings grilled perfection right to your plate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsps peanut butter
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 2 tsp honey
• 2 tsp grated ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Peanut dipping sauce
• Green onions
• Chopped cilantro

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Instructions

1. Marinade Preparation: Whisk together soy sauce, peanut butter, rice vinegar, lime juice, sesame oil, honey, ginger, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper in a mixing container, setting aside a portion for basting.
2. Chicken Marination: Thoroughly coat chicken pieces with the marinade, ensuring complete coverage. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to overnight, allowing flavors to deeply infuse the meat.
3. Sauce Creation: Blend peanut sauce ingredients until smooth, then set aside at room temperature.
4. Skewer Preparation: Soak wooden skewers in warm water for 30-60 minutes to prevent burning. Thread chicken pieces onto skewers, distributing approximately 5 pieces per skewer.
5. Grilling Process: Preheat grill or grill pan to 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit, lightly spraying with non-stick coating. Arrange skewers on the heated surface, grilling 5-6 minutes per side. Periodically baste with reserved marinade and verify internal chicken temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Finishing Touch: Garnish with chopped cilantro and green onions. Optionally drizzle with additional peanut sauce for enhanced flavor profile.

Notes

• Marinate Like a Pro: Let chicken soak in marinade overnight for maximum flavor infusion and tender, juicy meat.
• Wooden Skewer Hack: Soak skewers in water to prevent burning and ensure even, safe grilling without charred edges.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to check chicken reaches exact 165°F, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked protein.
• Sauce Saving Tip: Reserve extra marinade for basting and drizzling, adding layered, complex flavor profiles to your satay.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg