Satay Skewers: How Much Chicken Do You Need?

Chicken satay skewers are a popular dish, commonly served with peanut sauce. The number of skewers that can be made from one pound of chicken depends on various factors, such as the size of the skewers, the cut of the meat, and the desired portion size. Typically, a recipe might call for 4–5 pieces of chicken on each skewer or one tender or one to two pieces of thigh meat. Soaking the skewers in water beforehand is recommended to prevent burning, especially when using wooden skewers.

Chicken satay skewers can be made ahead of time and frozen for up to 3 months

Chicken satay skewers are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that can be prepared ahead of time and frozen for future use. The process begins with marinating the chicken in a blend of soy sauce, fish sauce, honey, Sriracha, lime juice, ginger, and garlic. This marinade can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator to enhance the flavour and tenderness of the meat.

After marinating, the chicken is threaded onto skewers, typically with 4-5 pieces on each skewer, and cooked. The cooked chicken skewers can then be cooled and stored in airtight containers in the freezer for up to 3 months. It is recommended to remove the chicken from the skewers before freezing to maximize storage space.

The accompanying peanut sauce, a key component of chicken satay, can also be made ahead of time. This sauce, a blend of coconut extract and lime juice, and other seasonings, can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen in portions for future use. The sauce freezes well and can be defrosted by transferring it from the freezer to the fridge a day before it is needed.

When ready to serve, simply thaw the chicken and sauce overnight in the refrigerator and reheat them separately. The chicken can be reheated in the oven or on a stovetop, ensuring it remains moist and doesn't dry out. The sauce can be gently reheated on the stove or in the microwave.

Chicken satay skewers are a versatile dish that can be served hot or at room temperature, making them an excellent option for busy weeknights or as appetizers for gatherings. They can be paired with steamed rice, fresh vegetables, and scattered with crushed peanuts for a complete and mouthwatering meal.

Marinate chicken in coconut milk, soy sauce, curry powder, and more

Chicken satay skewers are a delicious and easy meal to make for the family. The chicken is typically marinated in a combination of coconut milk, soy sauce, curry powder, and other seasonings. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make mouthwatering chicken satay skewers, with a focus on the marination process.

To begin, you'll need about a pound of chicken, which will yield around 4-5 skewers. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, preferably with one tender or one to two pieces of thigh meat per skewer. You can also use chicken breasts, but thinner pieces are recommended as they cook faster and provide more servings. Boneless and skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal for this recipe.

Now, let's talk about the marinade. In a shallow, non-metallic container, mix together coconut milk, soy sauce, curry powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like fresh ginger, brown sugar or honey, and lime juice. For an extra kick of flavor, include some red chili powder, cumin seeds, coriander seed, or turmeric powder. The key to a good marinade is to let it sit for a while, so cover the container and refrigerate it for at least an hour, or even overnight if you're planning ahead. Be sure to turn the skewers at least once during marination to ensure even coating.

After the chicken has soaked up all those delicious flavors, it's time to cook. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and place the skewers on a baking sheet. Bake for 6-8 minutes per side, then broil for an additional 2-4 minutes on each side until the chicken is just cooked through. If you're feeling adventurous and want those beautiful charred bits, try grilling your skewers over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes, rotating them occasionally.

Finally, serve your chicken satay skewers with a side of steamed rice, cucumber slices, red onion, coriander, and fresh chili. Don't forget the dipping sauce, which can be made with peanut butter, lime juice, and coconut extract. Enjoy your flavorful and juicy chicken satay skewers!

Thread chicken onto skewers—4 to 5 pieces per skewer

Threading chicken onto skewers is a simple task, but there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure your satay skewers turn out perfectly. Firstly, it is recommended to thread around 4 to 5 pieces of chicken per skewer. This ensures the skewer is full but not overcrowded, allowing for even cooking. If using wooden skewers, it is important to soak them in water for at least 10 minutes, or ideally 30 minutes to overnight, before threading the chicken. This prevents the skewers from burning when placed on a hot grill.

When preparing the chicken, you can opt for boneless, skinless chicken pieces, which are easy to thread and cook evenly. You can use either tender or thigh meat, with one tender or one to two pieces of thigh meat per skewer. Before threading, it is a good idea to marinate the chicken to infuse it with flavour. A simple marinade can be made by combining coconut milk, soy sauce, curry powder, turmeric, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, and fish sauce. Place the chicken in the marinade for at least 2 hours or overnight, turning occasionally to ensure even coating.

Once the chicken is nicely marinated, you can start threading it onto the skewers. Leave at least a 0.5-inch gap at each end of the skewer uncovered. This ensures the chicken doesn't slip off when turning during cooking. If using metal skewers, be cautious as they will retain heat and can be very hot when handling. After threading, the skewers can be placed back into the marinade for an additional hour or longer in the refrigerator, turning at least once, to further enhance the flavour.

Finally, your chicken satay skewers are ready to be cooked! You can grill, bake, or pan-fry them, following your preferred recipe. Remember to cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F to ensure it is safely cooked through. Serve your chicken satay skewers with a delicious peanut sauce, steamed rice, and fresh vegetables for a complete and tasty meal.

Bake, grill, or fry the skewers

Chicken satay is a versatile dish that can be cooked in a variety of ways, including baking, grilling, or frying. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare and cook chicken satay skewers using these three methods:

Bake

To bake chicken satay skewers, start by mixing the marinade ingredients in a shallow, oblong, non-metallic container. Thread one chicken tender or one to two pieces of thigh meat onto each skewer, leaving at least half an inch uncovered on each end. Place the skewers in the container, ensuring they are well-coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour, turning the skewers occasionally.

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the skewers on a baking sheet and bake for 6 to 8 minutes per side. For a final touch of browning, you can broil the skewers for an additional 2 to 4 minutes per side after baking.

Grill

The grilling method adds a lightly crisp exterior and a smoky taste to the chicken satay skewers. If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for about 30 minutes before grilling. Prepare the marinade by mixing soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, honey, Sriracha, ginger, and garlic. Add the chicken to this marinade and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or even overnight for more intense flavours.

When ready to cook, light the grill about an hour ahead of time to develop white ash. Place the skewers over medium heat and grill for about 3 to 4 minutes, rotating them several times to ensure even cooking. Serve the grilled skewers hot with the peanut dipping sauce on the side.

Fry

Frying is another option for cooking chicken satay skewers. Thread the chicken onto the skewers, with 4-5 pieces on each skewer. Heat olive oil in a large, deep, heavy-based frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches for 8-10 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking. Prepare the peanut dipping sauce separately by combining the sauce ingredients and whisking them together. Add water to achieve your desired consistency.

Serve the fried chicken satay skewers with the dipping sauce and scatter with crushed peanuts. Accompany with lime wedges, steamed rice, and sliced vegetables like cucumber, red onion, and coriander for a complete meal.

Serve with peanut sauce, steamed rice, and fresh vegetables

Chicken satay skewers are a delicious and easy meal to prepare. The chicken is typically marinated in a combination of ingredients such as coconut milk, curry powder, salt, and pepper before being threaded onto skewers and cooked. The skewers can be served with a variety of accompaniments, such as peanut sauce, steamed rice, and fresh vegetables, making it a well-rounded and flavorful dish.

When it comes to serving chicken satay skewers with peanut sauce, steamed rice, and fresh vegetables, there are a few key components to consider. Firstly, the peanut sauce can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to a week. It is typically made with ingredients such as peanut butter, soy sauce, coconut extract, lime juice, and various seasonings. The sauce can be served either warm or cold, providing a creamy and savory complement to the chicken skewers.

For the steamed rice, it is recommended to use long-grain rice varieties such as Jasmine or Basmati. These types of rice are ideal for stir-fries as they separate nicely, resulting in a lighter and fluffier texture. However, if you prefer your rice to be softer and stickier, medium-grain rice, such as Chinese steamed rice, can also be used. Steaming the rice ensures it retains its texture and flavor without becoming soggy.

The fresh vegetables that accompany the chicken satay skewers can be customized based on personal preference and seasonal availability. Options such as cucumber, red onion, coriander, broccoli, green beans, pak choy, bok choy, sugar snap peas, carrots, cauliflower, and baby corn are all excellent choices. These vegetables can be steamed, grilled, or stir-fried to enhance their flavor and retain their nutritional value.

When serving, it is suggested to arrange the chicken satay skewers on a platter, accompanied by a bowl of peanut sauce for dipping. The steamed rice can be served alongside, with the fresh vegetables scattered on the platter or arranged on a separate plate. This presentation allows for a visually appealing and inviting dish that combines the flavors and textures of the chicken, sauce, rice, and vegetables, making it a satisfying and enjoyable meal for family and friends.

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