There is Satay Chicken and then there is Pineapple Peanut Satay Chicken! AKA the best Satay Chicken ever!
This Pineapple Peanut Satay Chicken recipe is an explosion of flavor in ever bite created by one sauce that doubles as the marinade (no double work!) This Satay Chicken can be grilled or oven broiled so you can love this explosion of flavor all year round!
You might have noticed I have a thing for peanut sauce – from my Thai Peanut Chicken Tacos to my Thai Sticky Orange Peanut Chicken Skillet to my Thai Peanut Beef and Broccoli. Okay, not just a thing. Thai peanut sauce and all its variations is one of my favorite foods IN-THE-WORLD. I actually have to pace myself from sharing some Thai Peanut recipe variation too often because I could eat it every day. I think its been long enough. Its time for Thai Pineapple Peanut Satay Chicken made with pineapple juice!
I’ve never wanted to be done with pictures quicker in my life just so I could inhale these smothered marinated morsels.
The Satay Chicken is marinated in pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar and splashes of lime juice, fish sauce, sriracha, basil, garlic and ginger – mmmmm….can you taste it now?! You reserve most of this marinade to become your sauce/dip that you simmer and stir in peanut butter and then slather all over your chicken and pineapple. You can even thin the sauce and pour it over the chicken, pineapple and rice. So not only is this Satay Chicken recipe ridiculously delicious, its ridiculously easy! One sauce, tons of flavor!
Now lets not forget the pineapple. The pineapple caramelizes as it grills, enhancing its natural sweetness, perfectly complimenting the nutty multidimensional peanut sauce.
So if you love peanut sauce just a fraction of what I do, you are gong to fall in love with this Thai Pineapple Peanut Satay Chicken recipe. And its good to be in love.
Thai Pineapple Peanut Satay Chicken
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Ingredients
- 2 pounds Chicken chopped into bite size pieces (4-6 chicken breasts)
- 1 fresh pineapple chopped into 1” pieces
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/3 cup coconut milk
- 1/4 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/3 cup crunchy peanut butter
Thai Peanut Pineapple Marinade/Sauce
- 1/3 cup canned pineapple juice*
- 1/4 cup low sodiuim soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1-2 teaspoons Sriracha/Asian hot red chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon dry basil
- 1 teaspoon ground garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish (optional)
- Freshly squeezed lime juice
- crushed peanuts
- green onions
Instructions
- MARINADE: In a medium bowl, whisk Thai Peanut Pineapple Chicken Marinade/Sauce ingredients together. Add ¼ cup of this Marinade and 3 tablespoons olive oil to a large freezer bag along with chicken. Marinate in the refrigerator 1-4 hours.
- TO GRILL: (Soak wooden skewers at least 30 minutes in water before grilling)
- When ready to cook, generously grease grill and heat to medium-high heat. Drain marinade from chicken and thread chicken and pineapple onto skewers.
- Grill on one side for about 5 minutes or until slightly charred. Flip and grill the other side until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
- TO OVEN BROIL: (Soak wooden skewers at least 30 minutes in water before broiling) Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray. Add the skewers in a single layer and broil, turning every 5 minutes until cooked through, about 10- 15 minutes depending on thickness of chicken.
- THAI PEANUT SAUCE: Add reserved Thai Peanut Pineapple Sauce to a small saucepan and whisk in cornstarch and coconut milk. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter. Sauce/Dip should be thick but spreadable. If sauce is too thick, whisk in some coconut milk or water to reach desired consistency. If too thin, return to a simmer until thickened. Taste and add Sriracha, lime, brown sugar to taste.
- Brush grilled kebabs with Sauce and use remaining Sauce as a dip OR after brushing with Sauce, whisk in some water to thin Sauce and pour over chicken and pineapple with rice.
- Garnish with crushed peanuts, green onions and freshly squeezed lime juice (optional) and salt as needed.*
- Best served with rice.
Notes
**Total time does not include marinating chicken. ***DO NOT USE fresh pineapple juice as it contains the enzyme bromelain which will leave your chicken mushy. In CANNED pineapple, however, the bromelain is extracted so the juice will infuse your chicken with flavor without becoming mushy.
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Janette@culinaryginger says
I love chicken satay and I have to say yours looks like some of the best I’ve seen. A lot of lovely flavors going here.
Jen says
You are too kind Janette! Thank you so much! I could eat chicken satay and peanut sauce every day!
Kenzee says
This looks so delicious. I ran across it on pinterest and realized that I know you!!! Well sort of… my husband is Justin, who was best friends with your brother, Justin. And I read your book last year. So glad you wrote it and shared your amazing story. Hope life is treating you well. Looking forward to following this blog. Looks like you’re quite the cook!
Jen says
Kenzee! I totally know who you are! What a small world that you found me on pinterest! I just started my blog last year after my kidney transplant and I had to work from home and it just unfolded (I’ve always loved to cook) – such a blessing. I hope you enjoy my recipes! Thank you so much for taking the time to read my book. So many memories of my brother Justin have your Justin in them – they were quite the pair. Two of the best guys. Justin was so kind to let me share some of his memories in my book – his contribution is such a treasure. I hope you and your family are doing well! xoxoxo
Little Cooking Tips says
Oh dear Lord what are you doing to us! Those are AMAZING!!! Superb Asian style chicken souvlaki is something we ADORE.
Thank you so much for sharing those Jen!!!
Lots of greetings from sunny Athens!
Panos and Mirella
Jen says
Greetings to you all the way in Athens! My parents are actually on a cruise in Greece right now – I have always wanted to go there! Thank you for reaching out, it is so nice to meet you both!
Bri | Bites of Bri says
These were delicious! We loved them. Perfect weeknight meal.
Jen says
So happy you loved them Bri! Thank you!!!
Janet says
Do I have to use the fish sauce?
Jen says
Hi Janet, you can substitute the fish sauce with soy sauce. Hope this helps!
Lydia B. says
Tried this recipe on a whim because I was looking for something new. LOVE IT! My mom wanted to eat the peanut sauce by itself. This is what is for dinner tonight (if it will stop raining so we can grill).
Jen says
YAY! I am so happy you love it so much because it is one of my favorites! Thanks for making my day Lydia! I think you would also like my Thai Peanut Chicken Tacos! Enjoy!
Sam | Away She Went says
My boyfriend and I love this recipe. I’ve made it twice for dinner and once I made just the sauce for another dish. It is so yummy and easy to make! Such a great weeknight recipe!
Jen says
I love hearing that Sam! You too have good taste as this is one of my favorite recipes 🙂 I love that you are using the sauce for other dishes too – can never get enough peanut sauce! Thank you and have a great weekend!
Heather B says
I made this for dinner tonight and, of course, it was delicious. But, I used thighs and it was an epic pain to grill. Because thighs aren’t as thick and uniform in shape they basically stuck yo the grill and ripped off the skewer when I went to flip them. I oiled the grill really well, but still stuck. Had to rescue the pieces and finish in a fine grated grill basket. Moral of the story- use breasts. Served over coconut cauliflower rice.
Jen says
Hi Heather, I am so happy this was delicious but so sad you didn’t have very good luck with the chicken thighs – so sad! Thanks for the heads up for future readers and I hope you can make it again with chicken breasts and enjoy every last uniform piece 🙂
Layne says
I could eat this peanut sauce by the spoonful! I’ve been wanting to make a peanut satay for a LONG time and I’m so glad I finally did with this recipe. You are the master of spices and complex flavors, my friend.
Jen says
Thank you so much Layne! I have so much fun finding the right flavor/spice combinations so I am I am thrilled you loved this peanut sauce as much as me 🙂
Darlene Julio says
I made this tonight and my husband and I both loved it! It was easy to prepare and the flavors were fabulous. Thank you for the delicious recipe!
Jen says
Hi Darlene, I am so glad you both loved this recipe and found it easy and delicious – yay! Thank you so much!
Mary Taylor says
I have been cooking for 42 years. This. Was. Awesome. I marinated it for 1 hour at room temperature and cooked on the grill. We served with basmati rice and baked varietal carrots seasoned with rosemary.
Jen says
Hi Mary Taylor, thank you so much for your comment! I am thrilled you loved it, especially with you being such a proficient cook! Your whole meal sounds delicious!
Kelly says
I am planning on making this for tomorrow but my pineapple is not ripe. Do you think can chunk pineapple would work?
Jen says
Hi Kelly, yes you can definitely use chunk pineapple! enjoy!
Jim Crupi says
This was an excellent recipe. Very fast to make. Tried using canned pineapple rings cut into chunks but many fell off skewer. Cutting a fresh fruit is the answer.
Jen says
Thank you Jim, so happy you enjoyed it! Now you have an excuse to make it sooner rather than later with fresh pineapple 🙂
Julianne Zepeda says
I am excited to make this recipe! When is the olive oil used?????
Jen says
Hi Julianne, sorry for my delayed response as I am just getting back from Lake Powell without any service. The olive oil is used in step 1, added to the marinade. Enjoy!
Heather says
Getting ready to do this for a group of twenty for mom’s birthday. Do you think it could be done without skewers? Not sure how sticky this will be. Great to have something gluten and dairy free! Will serve with a Thai Cucumber salad and rice.
Jen says
Hi Heather! You could definitely do this without skewers if you wanted to do chicken cutlets (check breasts cut in half horizontally) and pineapple rounds instead – easier to prep and would still be delicious! Your menu sounds wonderful!
Pam says
made this for the family last night. Used the sauce sticky on the skewers and added coconut milk to thin it for a sauce to have with rice. It was a hit! Will be making it again
Jen says
Hi Pam, I’m so glad this was such a hit and I love that you thinned the sauce for rice – that’s my favorite way to eat it too – can’t have too much of that sauce! Thank you for taking time to comment!
Clair Zarges says
Just made the chicken satay with grilled pineapple last night and it was so delicious! I’ve been making variations of peanut sauce for years but yours is the best I’ve ever had. Ate the leftovers for breakfast and for lunch today.
Loving your blog and seeing more and more recipes I want to try. Thank you for sharing, and know that you have some fans in New Mexico.
Jen says
Awesome Clair, I’m so happy you loved this satay and thrilled this was the best peanut sauce you’ve ever had, thank you! I hope you have fun trying many more of my recipes and hopefully find some new favorites!
Nicky says
This is delicious! Thank you for sharing! I love a good satay and this hits the spot. I only had smooth peanut butter so I added some chopped peanuts to the sauce for the added texture. We grilled zucchini along side the chicken and served it over rice.
Jen says
You are so welcome Nicky! Your whole meal sounds absolutely delicious!
Jane says
I’m turning this into a pizza
Jen says
That sounds incredible!
Lisa Poirier says
Your Peanut Pineapple Chicken Satay recipe was life changing! This is the best new recipe I have tried in a long time! There was only one problem: it was so good, there were no leftovers. ; )
Jen says
YAY! Thank you so much for taking the time to comment and make my day Lisa! I am thrilled it was “life changing” good :)!
Debbie says
The sauce is fabulous! My husband who normally is not crazy about pineapple declared it delicious:)
Jen says
That is definitely a victory then! I’m so happy it was as hit even with your non-pineapple lover, thank you!
Kes says
Sadly we don’t have a grill but love that there is oven broil directions. Our oven has a low and high temperature setting for the broil function. I don’t use it much…what setting would you recommend? Thank you! I can’t wait to make this.
Jen says
Hi Kes, sorry for the delay as I am way behind after recovering from pneumonia. I would set it for 550 degrees F. Hope this helps!
whitney bernal says
what can be used in place of coconut milk?
Jen says
Hi Whitney, I have only tried this recipe with coconut milk – it is the best for this recipe!
Erin says
I am hooked! I found this recipe a month ago and have already made this twice. I forgot the coconut milk on my grocery list and didn’t want to run back to the store for just one ingredient and it still turned out fantastic. I’m going to have to check out your other peanut sauce recipes to put in the rotation.
Jen says
Awesome Erin, I’m thrilled this is a new favorite – you have great taste! I hope you enjoy expiring my other recipes!
Lauren says
This recipe truly is delicious! I don’t often find myself saving online recipes because I feel nothing has quite the “wow” factor I am looking for (disclaimer: picky eater here!) This recipe has it
Jen says
Wahoo! Thanks so much Lauren, I’m thrilled this chicken satay has the “wow” factor you’re looking for! I LOVE flavor so hopefully you’ll enjoy many more of my recipes!
Jamie says
Hi Jen- I live in Carlsbad too! This recipe looks amazing, but I am not sure what to do with the coconut milk or the coconut starch. Do I mix it with the oil and put it on the chicken before I soak it in the marinade? Please let me know, sorry, my cooking skills are minimal.
Jen says
Hi neighbor, what a small world! You do not add the coconut milk or cornstarch to the marinade but add them to the Peanut Sauce per step 6: “THAI PEANUT SAUCE: Add reserved Thai Peanut Pineapple Sauce to a small saucepan and whisk in cornstarch and coconut milk.” I hope that helps, enjoy!
Susan says
Can you use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Jen says
Absolutely!
Dawn says
Hi Jen,
I’m so in love with your site! It’s my go to place for new meals and there are so many to try! My husband and kids now ask, “this is delicious, is it from that website you love”? Thank you for sharing your kitchen creations!
Quick question about the Peanut Pineapple Chicken Satay. Have you ever added the pineapple to the marinade? Maybe this would turn the pineapple to mush, but just wondering since the marinade sounds yummy and I love pineapple!
Can’t wait to try this!
Thanks 🙂
Dawn
Jen says
Thank you so much for your awesome comment Dawn and for making my day! I’m honored your family is loving my recipes so much! I have’t actually added pineapple to the marinade because I think the beauty is the contrast of the fresh pineapple. Also, fresh pineapple juice can turn the chicken to mush. Hope this helps!
Angela says
For years, one of my best friends has made a chicken recipe that I absolutely love. She has refused to tell me the recipe as she says it’s a family secret from her homeland (but she said she would make it for me any time – and had done so!). But I’ve wanted to make my own delicious Asian chicken & have never found a recipe as good – until I discovered this!!! This is absolutely delicious!! Thank you!!
Jen says
You’re so welcome Angela! I’m so pleased you can now make your own Asian chicken to satisfy your cravings at any time!
Lily says
How long are the skewers?
Jen says
Hi Lily, you can use any sizes skewers for this recipe. Enjoy!
Jean says
Wow! Excellent! I’m so glad I tried this tonight. I made it exactly as the recipe. Only thing I forgot was the squeeze of fresh lime, which it really needed to brighten up the sauce. Looking forward to trying your other recipes.
Jen says
Thank you Jean and welcome to my site! I’m so happy you enjoyed this chicken satay and hope you have fun exploring my recipes!
Sharon says
I can’t wait to make this! I have a question though, how much Sriracha, lime, and brown sugar do you roughly add? Some guidance would be appreciated. Thanks!
Jen says
Hi Sharon, you probably won’t need to add anything, those are just guidelines if you want to adjust the taste after it’s all made – sriracha if you want it spicier, lime if you want it tangier and brown sugar if you want it sweeter. If you choose to adjust after tasting, start with 1 tsp and add more to taste. Enjoy!
Jayne says
Absolutely delicious..family (all in their 20’s) loved it . Can’t wait to make for company gathering…thank you for sharing your recipe
Jen says
You’re so welcome Jayne, I’m so pleased it was loved by all!
debra copeland says
Hi Jen,
Can’t wait to try this recipe after all the positive comments. I’m assuming we’re supposed to use sweetened coconut milk rather than unsweetened?
thanks!
Jen says
I’m glad you checked because you’ll want unsweetened. When a recipe doesn’t specify, almost any recipe that calls for canned coconut milk is referring to unsweetened. Enjoy!
Katie Olson says
What’s everyone using – breast or thighs?
AJ says
Can this be made without peanut butter?
Jen says
Hi AJ, if you’re looking for a Thai chicken without peanut butter, I suggest this recipe: https://carlsbadcravings.com/thai-chicken/
Maria says
Chaokoh has come under fire for horrendous abuse against animals, specifically monkeys. You must have read about it. I would hope that’s something you can’t support and therefore cannot recommend their products for your recipes. Unethical companies have to know consumers won’t tolerate abuse. Thanks,
Jen says
This recipe post is 8 years old so I have not updated it yet to remove the brand, will do now, thanks!
Wendy says
Can this be marinated overnight and just not 1-4 hrs? Thanks
Jen says
Hi Wendy, because the chicken is chopped already, marinating overnight runs the risk of it getting mushy. You can marinate overnight if you chop it after marinating. Enjoy!