Chicken Satay

Luscious Lime-Infused Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce

Introduction

Step into a world of savory delight with our Luscious Lime-Infused Chicken Skewers, featuring a decadent peanut sauce that promises to tantalize your taste buds. This dish is a vibrant symphony of flavors; from the tangy lime marinade that tenderizes the chicken perfectly, to the luscious peanut butter sauce that adds a delightful creaminess. It's an ideal recipe for both casual dinners and upscale gatherings, bringing exotic flavors to your table without the fuss.

For best results, ensure you use fresh ingredients. Opt for ripe limes that yield plenty of juice and shallots that offer a subtle sweetness. Fresh ginger is key to our marinade; its aromatic heat adds a remarkable depth of flavor. When slicing chicken, uniform size is crucial for even cooking, while marinating for a minimum of two hours will infuse each bite with mouth-watering flavor.

Using a grill will impart a smoky depth to the skewers, enhancing their overall taste. Lastly, always pair with fresh, crisp salad greens to balance the richness of the dish, creating a well-rounded eating experience perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 4 limes, juiced, divided
• 2 shallots, finely chopped
• 4 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated and divided
• ½ cup + 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce, divided
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon minced garlic
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lb)
• 6-inch wooden skewers
• 1 cup peanut butter
• ¼ cup coconut milk
• ¼ cup honey
• ½ teaspoon sriracha
• ¼ cup roasted peanuts, coarsely chopped
• 5 oz spinach and arugula salad blend

Fresh limes provide acidity, while shallots contribute sweetness, aligning with soy sauce for umami balance. Brown sugar enriches flavor, and coconut milk adds silkiness to the sauce. If coconut milk is inaccessible, replace it with almond milk for a nutty hint without altering texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Juice the limes to obtain ½ cup of fresh lime juice. Finely chop the shallots and grate fresh ginger to extract its warm spiciness.
2. Make Marinade: In a large zip-top bag, mix ½ cup soy sauce, ¼ cup lime juice, brown sugar, chopped shallots, minced garlic, and 2 teaspoons of grated ginger.
3. Marinate Chicken: Slice chicken breasts into 1-inch thick strips. Add them to the zip-top bag, ensuring the marinade coats each piece. Seal the bag, massage gently, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
4. Preheat Grill: Warm up your grill to medium-high heat. This preparation ensures an even cook and beautiful grill marks.
5. Grill Chicken: Remove chicken strips from the marinade, discarding the bag. Thread onto skewers and grill for 1–2 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Craft Peanut Sauce: In a small bowl, combine peanut butter, coconut milk, honey, sriracha, remaining lime juice, soy sauce, and ginger. Whisk until blended to a creamy consistency.
7. Prepare Salad and Serve: Arrange salad greens on a serving platter, place grilled skewers on top, then sprinkle with chopped peanuts. Serve with peanut sauce on the side for dipping.

Tips for Troubleshooting

• Chicken too dry? Marinade longer, up to overnight, or lower the grill temperature for a slower cook.
• Sauce too thick? Gradually add more coconut milk, stirring until desired consistency is reached.
• Dish too spicy? Add more honey to the peanut sauce to balance heat with sweetness.
• Skewers difficult to handle? Soak them in water for 30 minutes before threading chicken to prevent burning.

Ideas for Pairing with the Recipe

• Side Dishes: Jasmine rice or a quinoa pilaf for a light, fluffy contrast.
• Drinks: Pair with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc to complement the lime and ginger, or a refreshing ginger beer for a non-alcoholic option.
• Desserts: Coconut panna cotta or a tangy lemon sorbet to cleanse the palate.

The citrus notes in the wine harmonize with the limes, while the spice in ginger beer emulates the ginger in the dish.

How to Store Properly

• For refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For freezing: Freeze skewers individually wrapped and the peanut sauce in a sealed container, suitable for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm the skewers in an oven at a low temperature to maintain texture.

Encourage pre-preparation by marinating chicken a day ahead, enhancing flavors and saving time.

FAQs

• Can I use a different protein? Yes, swap chicken with tofu or shrimp for an equally delightful result.
• What if I don't have a grill? Use a grill pan or oven broiler for similar results, adjusting times for equipment variations.
• Is this dish suitable for kids? Absolutely! Simply reduce or omit the sriracha for a milder flavor.
• Can I make the sauce ahead? Yes, it can be refrigerated up to a week, allowing flavors to deepen.