Jamie Oliver Chicken Satay Recipe – Tender Skewers with a Rich, Nutty Sauce

Looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a flavorful dinner idea?

This Jamie Oliver Chicken Satay delivers juicy grilled chicken skewers paired with a creamy, nutty satay sauce that’s bursting with Southeast Asian flavor. Jamie Oliver’s version of this classic dish keeps the preparation simple while still capturing the essence of traditional chicken satay—perfect for weeknight dinners, parties, or outdoor grilling.

What is Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Satay

Jamie Oliver’s chicken satay features marinated chicken thighs or breasts threaded onto skewers, grilled to golden perfection, and served with a homemade peanut sauce. The marinade typically includes garlic, ginger, soy sauce, lime, and spices, infusing the chicken with flavor before cooking. The satay sauce—rich, slightly sweet, tangy, and a bit spicy—complements the grilled meat perfectly.

Other Popular Recipes

• Jamie Oliver Caprese Salad
• Jamie Oliver Caesar Salad Dressing
• Jamie Oliver Arancini

Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Bold, delicious flavors – The marinade and sauce combine sweet, salty, tangy, and spicy
• Easy to prepare and grill – Minimal prep with big payoff
• Customizable spice level – Adjust chili to your taste
• Perfect for entertaining or meal prep – Tastes great hot or cold
• Pairs beautifully with rice or salad – A balanced and satisfying meal
• Naturally gluten-free options – Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce

Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver Chicken Satay

Here’s everything you’ll need for 4 servings:

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into strips
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp curry powder
• 1 tsp honey or brown sugar
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 20 minutes if grilling)

For the Satay Sauce:

• ¾ cup smooth peanut butter
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
• ½ cup coconut milk (or warm water for a lighter version)
• 1 tsp chili sauce (optional, to taste)
• 1 tbsp vegetable or sesame oil

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowl for marinade
• Grill, grill pan, or skillet
• Saucepan for the peanut sauce
• Wooden skewers
• Knife and cutting board
• Tongs or a spatula

Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Chicken Satay

Step 1: Marinate the chicken

In a bowl, combine garlic, ginger, soy sauce, lime juice, curry powder, honey, oil, salt, and pepper. Add chicken strips and toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).

Step 2: Prepare the satay sauce

In a small saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and brown sugar. Slowly whisk in coconut milk until smooth. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened. Add chili sauce if desired. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Thread and cook the chicken

Thread marinated chicken onto skewers. Grill over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. If using a skillet, add a little oil and cook similarly, turning to brown all sides.

Step 4: Serve and enjoy

Serve hot skewers with a generous drizzle of satay sauce or serve the sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with fresh coriander and lime wedges if desired.

What Goes Well With Jamie Oliver Chicken Satay

• Serve over jasmine rice or coconut rice – Makes it a full meal
• Pair with cucumber salad – Refreshing and balances the richness
• Add pickled vegetables – Offers tang and crunch
• Wrap in lettuce leaves – A fresh, low-carb serving style
• Top with crushed peanuts – Adds texture and flavor
• Serve with naan or flatbread – Great for scooping up sauce
• Offer a side of spicy chili sauce – For heat lovers

Expert Tips for Making the Best Jamie Oliver Chicken Satay

• Use chicken thighs for juicier skewers – They stay moist and flavorful
• Don’t over-marinate with citrus – Too much time in lime can toughen the chicken
• Soak wooden skewers – Prevents them from burning on the grill
• Let the chicken rest after grilling – Keeps juices locked in
• Keep sauce warm but not boiling – Avoids splitting or thickening too much
• Adjust sauce thickness as needed – Add more coconut milk or water to loosen
• Make extra sauce – It stores well and works for noodles, salads, and more

Easy Variations of Jamie Oliver Chicken Satay

• Use tofu instead of chicken – For a vegetarian version
• Add turmeric to the marinade – Boosts color and earthy depth
• Make spicy satay – Add red chili paste or fresh chopped chilies
• Serve in rice bowls – Add rice, veggies, and sauce all in one
• Bake instead of grill – Bake skewers at 200°C (400°F) for 20 minutes
• Try almond butter in the sauce – A peanut-free alternative

Best Practices to Store Jamie Oliver Chicken Satay

• Refrigerate leftover chicken and sauce separately – Keeps flavors fresh
• Use airtight containers – Keeps everything moist and prevents odor absorption
• Store up to 3 days – Best eaten within this window for taste and texture
• Freeze marinated raw chicken – Prep ahead and thaw before cooking
• Freeze sauce in portions – Use small containers or ice cube trays

Best Practices to Reheat Jamie Oliver Chicken Satay

• Reheat chicken in a skillet – Low heat to avoid drying out
• Microwave gently – Cover and reheat in short intervals
• Warm sauce separately – Add a splash of coconut milk or water if too thick
• Don’t boil the sauce – Reheat gently to maintain creamy texture
• Reheat only what you need – Avoid reheating multiple times

How Can I Make Jamie Oliver Chicken Satay Healthier?

• Use less oil in marinade and sauce – A little goes a long way
• Swap thighs for chicken breast – Lower fat option
• Use low-sodium soy sauce – Reduces sodium intake
• Serve with veggie sides – Balances the meal with fiber and nutrients
• Replace sugar with natural sweeteners – Honey or maple syrup in moderation
• Skip or reduce the coconut milk – Use water for a lighter sauce

Nutrition Value (per serving with sauce):

• Calories: 380
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 24g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 590mg

(Approximate values based on 4 servings and moderate sauce use)

FAQs

What cut of chicken is best for satay?

Boneless chicken thighs are ideal for satay. They stay moist and flavorful during grilling. Chicken breasts can also be used but are slightly leaner and may cook faster.

Can I cook chicken satay without a grill?

Yes, you can use a grill pan or a regular non-stick skillet. Just ensure medium heat and turn the skewers to cook evenly on all sides.

How long should I marinate chicken for satay?

Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but up to 4 hours for best flavor. Avoid over-marinating with lime juice as it can make the chicken tough.

Can I make chicken satay ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead of time. Store both in the fridge. Cook the skewers and reheat the sauce just before serving for best results.

Final Words

This Jamie Oliver Chicken Satay Recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. From the juicy skewered chicken to the rich and creamy peanut sauce, every bite is packed with balance and depth.

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