Authentic Balinese Indonesian Satay Chicken Recipe

Indonesian home-style cooking at its finest! This Authentic Balinese Satay Chicken recipe, learned from a Balinese local, delivers unbelievably tender and flavorful chicken skewers. Skip the tourist traps and savor the true taste of Bali. Customize the spice level to your liking – use less chili for a milder dish. For a time-saving shortcut, substitute roasted peanuts with smooth peanut butter. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive weekend meal. Get ready for a taste of paradise!

Prep Time 25 mins
Cook Time 55 mins
Calories 703.2 kcal
Protein 70g
Rating 4.0 (1 Reviews)
Authentic Balinese Indonesian Satay Chicken

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Authentic Balinese Indonesian Satay Chicken

  • Chicken Breasts
  • Bamboo Skewers
  • Tamarind Paste
  • Warm Water
  • Garlic Cloves
  • Shallots
  • Coriander Seed
  • Cumin Seed
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • Chilies
  • Unsalted Peanuts
  • Palm Sugar
  • 1/4 cup warm water, plus more as needed

How to Make Authentic Balinese Indonesian Satay Chicken

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup kecap manis (sweet soy sauce), 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1 tablespoon grated galangal, 1 tablespoon grated ginger, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 teaspoon ground coriander, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder, and 1-3 red chilies (finely chopped, adjust to taste). Add 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into 1-inch cubes) and marinate for at least 20 minutes (longer is better!).
  2. For the peanut sauce: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add 2 cloves garlic (minced) and 1-3 red chilies (finely chopped) and cook until softened, about 2 minutes.
  3. Transfer the garlic-chili mixture to a food processor. Add 1 cup roasted peanuts (or 1 cup smooth peanut butter), 1/4 cup warm water, 2 tablespoons kecap manis, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon brown sugar.
  4. Process until smooth but with some texture remaining. Add more warm water, 1 tablespoon at a time, to reach your desired consistency.
  5. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers (about 4 cubes per skewer).
  6. Grill the skewers over medium-high heat on a barbecue or griddle pan, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (about 8-10 minutes).
  7. Serve immediately with the peanut sauce, steamed rice, pita bread, and a refreshing cucumber salad (optional).

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Want to unlock deeper, more complex flavors? Try toasting your whole spices before grinding them, or blooming ground spices in a little warm oil to enhance their aroma. Deglazing your pan with a bit of stock, wine, or even water after browning ingredients can capture those tasty caramelized bits, adding richness to your dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

28 g

Sugar

47g

Fat

47g

Carbs

9g