Simple Satay Ayam – Indonesian Grilled Chicken Skewers
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read the disclosure policies for details.
Satay Ayam (Sate Ayam), or Indonesian Chicken Skewers, is a popular traditional dish known for its perfectly marinated, grilled chicken pieces, often served with a rich, savory peanut sauce. The combination of tender meat with a hint of smokiness from grilling makes Satay a favorite among Indonesian recipes.
The authentic name for this dish is “Sate Ayam,” with “Sate” meaning “skewered meat” and “Ayam” meaning “chicken.”
Satay marinades can differ based on region, personal taste, or what’s available in your pantry. However, the flavors are always rich, blending sweet, spicy, and savory notes from ingredients like kecap manis (Indonesian sweet soy sauce) and sambal oelek (chili paste).
Satay is one tasty option among the 5 National dishes of Indonesia.
How to Make Satay Ayam
To make Satay Ayam, small cubes of chicken are marinated in a mixture of garlic, sambal chili paste, sweet soy sauce, and other flavorful spices. The marinated chicken is then threaded onto bamboo skewers, soaked beforehand to prevent burning, and grilled until the chicken is lightly charred and cooked. You can prepare your satay in an oven, grill pan, or on a traditional barbecue, each giving a slightly different texture.
Continue below for the full recipe with ingredients and step-by-step instructions.
Customization Options
Adjust your satay to taste by changing the amount of sambal for spiciness or choosing either chicken breast or thighs. Chicken thighs will be juicier but fattier, and breasts will be lighter but not that juicy. You can add a glaze of extra kecap manis during grilling for extra caramelization and flavor.
Want to try making sambal oelek yourself? Here’s my easy sambal recipe!
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For freezing, wrap each skewer individually in foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, bake or microwave until heated through, or use a grill pan briefly for added texture.
Satay Ayam (Indonesian Chicken Skewers)
Satay Ayam is a Traditional Indonesian grilled chicken skewer dish, packed with bold flavors from marinated chicken, grilled to a smoky finish.
Ingredients
- 1 lbs chicken breast or thighs
- 1 tsp chopped garlic clove
- 1 tsp chili paste (sambal oelek)
- 1 tbsp ground coriander (ketumbar)
- 1 pinch nutmeg
- 1 tsp cumin (jinten)
- 1 tsp oil
- 1/2 shallot (finely chopped)
- 3 tbsp sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into small cubes.
- In a food processor, blend garlic, chili paste, coriander, nutmeg, cumin, oil, shallot, sweet soy sauce, and lemon juice into a marinade.
- Combine the chicken cubes with the marinade, mixing well to coat each piece thoroughly. Marinate for at least 6 hours in the fridge, or ideally overnight.
- Thread about 4-5 pieces of marinated chicken onto each bamboo skewer, soaking the skewers in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.
- Cooking Options:
Barbecue: Grill for 2-3 minutes per side until cooked through and charred.
Oven: Preheat to 400°F. Place skewers on a wire rack over a sheet to allow heat circulation. Bake for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway. Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end for a grilled look.
Grill Pan: Preheat over medium-high heat with a little oil. Grill skewers for 3-4 minutes per side until cooked and lightly charred. - Serve with satay peanut sauce, steamed rice, fresh cucumber slices, and crispy fried shallots.
Notes
The chicken Satay in the photos you see on this page, I have baked in my oven, and broiled for a few minutes at the end.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10 Serving Size: 1 skewerAmount Per Serving: Calories: 127Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 285mgCarbohydrates: 5gFiber: 0gSugar: 4gProtein: 18g
The nutritional information provided is automatically calculated. These figures should be considered estimates.
Did this recipe make you want more? Here are some of my favorite Chicken recipes you can try.
Ayam Betawi: Indonesian Fried Sweet Soy Chicken
Ayam Panggang – Indonesian Oven Roasted Chicken Wings
Soto Ayam – Indonesian Chicken Soup Recipe
Perkedel Ayam – Indonesian Chicken and Potato Patties
