Chicken Satay Skewers with Cucumber Salad is a flavorful, vibrant, and satisfying dish that combines marinated, grilled chicken skewers with a refreshing cucumber salad. Inspired by Southeast Asian cuisine, this recipe features tender chicken coated in a savory-sweet marinade and served with a crisp, tangy salad that balances the richness of the meat. Perfect as an appetizer, main course, or party dish, it’s colorful, aromatic, and packed with bold flavors.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it brings together bold, exotic flavors with minimal effort. The marinade infuses the chicken with a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and aromatic notes, while the cucumber salad adds a refreshing crunch. It’s healthy, satisfying, and perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to entertaining.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

This is a must-try dish because it combines the smoky richness of grilled chicken with the crisp freshness of a cucumber salad, making it a balanced and flavorful meal. It’s visually appealing, easy to prepare, and delivers authentic Southeast Asian flavors that are both exciting and accessible for home cooks.

Preparation Time, Cooking Time, Servings, and Nutrition

Preparation Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour marination)
Cooking Time: 10–15 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes

Servings: 4 servings
Calories: Approximately 350–400 calories per serving

Course: Appetizer / Main Course / Lunch / Dinner
Cuisine: Southeast Asian / Thai-Inspired

Ingredients

For the Chicken Satay

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch strips
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons curry powder
• 2 teaspoons lime juice
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

For the Cucumber Salad

• 2 cups cucumber, thinly sliced or julienned
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 red chili, thinly sliced (optional)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Optional Peanut Dipping Sauce

• ¼ cup peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 2–3 tablespoons water, to thin

Cooking Directions

Prepare the chicken marinade and coat the strips thoroughly. Thread chicken onto soaked skewers and grill or broil until cooked and lightly charred. Toss cucumber, onion, and chili with vinegar, sugar, and sesame oil to make the salad. Serve skewers hot with cucumber salad and optional peanut dipping sauce.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, peanut butter, coconut milk, brown sugar, curry powder, lime juice, grated ginger, garlic, salt, and black pepper to make the marinade.

Step 2: Add chicken strips to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to develop.

Step 3: Preheat grill, grill pan, or broiler on medium-high heat. Thread marinated chicken strips onto soaked wooden skewers.

Step 4: Grill or broil chicken skewers for 4–6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and lightly charred. Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes.

Step 5: In a mixing bowl, combine cucumber, red onion, and red chili. Whisk together rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and a pinch of salt. Pour over the cucumber mixture and toss gently. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Step 6: Optional: Prepare peanut dipping sauce by whisking together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, and water until smooth. Adjust consistency with additional water if needed.

Step 7: Serve chicken skewers hot alongside cucumber salad and optional peanut dipping sauce.

How to Serve This Recipe

Serve Chicken Satay Skewers warm with a side of refreshing cucumber salad. Drizzle with extra peanut sauce if desired. It pairs well with steamed jasmine rice, noodles, or a light Asian slaw. This dish is perfect for casual dinners, outdoor grilling, or party platters.

Recipe Tips

Marinate chicken for at least 1 hour or overnight for maximum flavor. Soak wooden skewers to prevent burning during cooking. Cook chicken evenly by not overcrowding the grill or pan. Adjust chili in the cucumber salad to your preferred spice level. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Variations in Detail

Swap chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu for alternative proteins. Add bell peppers or pineapple chunks to the skewers for extra sweetness and color. Use a creamy peanut-coconut sauce for a richer flavor. For a lower-calorie version, reduce peanut butter in the marinade and sauce. Incorporate fresh mint or basil in the cucumber salad for additional freshness.

Freezing and Storage

Store leftover chicken and cucumber salad separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat chicken gently in the oven or microwave. Avoid freezing the cucumber salad, as the vegetables will become watery and lose texture. Chicken skewers can be frozen cooked for up to 1 month and reheated before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• Grill, grill pan, or broiler
• Wooden skewers, soaked
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Knife and cutting board

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe without a grill?
Yes, cook the chicken in a skillet or under the broiler for similar results.

Can I prepare the skewers ahead of time?
Yes, marinate chicken in advance and assemble skewers just before cooking.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, use firm tofu, tempeh, or vegetables instead of chicken.

Is peanut sauce necessary?
No, but it adds a traditional flavor and complements the skewers and salad well.

Conclusion

Chicken Satay Skewers with Cucumber Salad is a vibrant, flavorful, and satisfying dish that brings together tender, marinated chicken and a crisp, tangy salad. Easy to prepare, full of textures and bold flavors, and versatile enough for entertaining or a weeknight meal, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves fresh, aromatic, and colorful Southeast Asian-inspired dishes.