
Quick chicken satay with a savory peanut sauce, simple marinade, and tender sliced chicken. A fast skillet dinner that also works for meal prep.
Slice the chicken thinly so it cooks quickly and evenly.
Thin the sauce with a splash of water if it tightens too much on the stove.
Extra sauce keeps well for noodles, vegetables, or rice bowls.
We use affiliate links, which may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Ingredient amounts update instantly.
Mix the chicken with the soy sauce, cornstarch, oil, and optional baking soda.
Stir together the curry powder, sugar, red curry paste, coconut milk, and salt, then coat the chicken and let it sit while you make the sauce.
Combine all the sauce ingredients in a small saucepan.
Cook over medium heat until smooth, stirring often.
Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook the chicken until golden and cooked through.
Serve the chicken with the peanut sauce and optional lime or chopped peanuts.
Save this recipe to one of your meal plans or browse your existing plans.
Everything you want to know about this recipe.
This version keeps the satay-style flavor profile but uses a fast stovetop method instead of skewers and grilling. The result is a practical weeknight meal that still gives you the combination of savory chicken and rich peanut sauce.
One serving is one-quarter of the recipe. For a more balanced plate, pair it with rice or vegetables and treat the peanut sauce as a strong accent rather than the entire meal.
This recipe keeps the flavors associated with satay but shifts the method into a quicker stovetop format. Thin slices of chicken help the meat cook fast, and the short marinade gives it enough seasoning that it still tastes complete even without skewers or a grill. That makes it more practical for weeknights without turning it into a totally different dish.
The peanut sauce is the part that needs the most restraint. It should be rich and savory, but not so thick that it overwhelms the chicken. A splash of water to loosen it at the end usually gives a better result than adding more coconut milk or sugar.
This is a strong meal-prep recipe because the chicken reheats well and the sauce can be stored separately. Keeping them apart until serving makes it easier to control the amount of sauce and stops the chicken from sitting in a heavy layer overnight.
For serving, plain rice, cucumbers, or lightly cooked vegetables give the best contrast. They keep the meal from feeling too rich while still letting the peanut sauce be the main flavor.
Serving Size: 1 portion
* Reference intakes are based on an average adult's 8,400 kJ / 2,000 kcal diet. Your needs may be higher or lower.
Yes. Thigh meat works well and may stay slightly juicier with the same style of sauce.
Rice, cucumber salad, steamed vegetables, or noodles all pair well with the peanut sauce.
See how other home cooks made this recipe, then share your own experience.
3 ratings
How would you rate this recipe?
Good midweek recipe when you want something fast but still substantial.
I made extra sauce and used it on noodles the next day.
The chicken stayed tender and the sauce came together quickly.
Add your personal creations and build your own recipe collection.