This Chicken Satay Bowl is easy to make and packs in a ton of flavor! Healthy and filling – all in one delicious bite!
You guys… have you watched Crazy Rich Asians yet? When I saw the trailer a few months ago, I was not actually planning to watch the movie, mainly because I haven’t read the book yet. However, the idea of watching the movie really grew on me after listening to all the rave reviews of people around me and the critics. So we went to watch it… and I loved it! I could totally relate to every single song and it actually convinced me to go back and read the book.
Well, I’m not going to give any movie spoilers here, so you can keep reading without a worry. Then you can watch it yourself and enjoy it. The movie takes place in Singapore, a country close to where I grew up, so I could picture the emotion and action in each scene. Fair enough, I was a bit homesick after watching it. But luckily this Chicken Satay Bowl came to the rescue.
This recipe was lovingly grilled, photographed, and enjoyed within minutes. I do recommend that you use an outdoor grill, or a charcoal grill for the best result; however, an indoor grill will also work its magic.
This satay sauce can be made ahead of time and is a lifesaver on busy weeknights too! Simply add the sauce to your zoodles and top with shredded rotisserie chicken. The authentic satay bowl uses unsalted dry-roasted peanuts that are ground in a food processor or using a mortar and pestle. To save some time, I’m using a store-bought nut spread. Another thing that brings out the best flavor is this sweet soy sauce (kecap manis).
What is sweet soy sauce?
A soy sauce that tastes sweet? Sweet soy sauce is an Indonesian sweetened aromatic soy sauce, which has a dark color, a thick syrupy consistency, and a unique, pronounced, sweet, and somewhat molasses-like flavor that comes from the generous addition of palm sugar. It is a pantry staple in Indonesian kitchens when making marinades like for this grilled chicken skewer recipe or as a condiment. Sweet soy sauce is available at any Asian supermarket or you can get it online here.
Well, the weather has been a bit cold and windy lately in SF but that will not stop me from grilling more delicious skewers. Especially since summer is still around (most days). And it’s a perfect way to enjoy a big bowl of this Chicken Satay Bowl while reading Crazy Rich Asians. Be sure to make an extra batch of this satay sauce – you will need it!
Chicken Skewer Bowl
Ingredients
- 2 lb fresh chicken tenderloins cut into bite size
Peanut sauce:
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1 clove garlic grated or finely minced
- 1/2 cup hot water or more
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin seeds
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons honey
- Salt
- Sweet soy sauce for garnish
Other ingredients:
- Vegetable oil
- Steam rice
- Bamboo skewers
- Lime juice optional
Instructions
- To make the satay sauce: combine all the ingredients. Add more hot water if the sauce is too thick. Continue stirring until you get smooth consistency and not too watery.
- Add the chicken tender to a bowl. Pour 1/2 of the peanut sauce over the chicken in the bowl and stir until it’s evenly distributed, reserve the rest of the sauce to brush on the chicken while it is grilling. Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour in the fridge.
- Soak the bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes. Thread the chicken tenders onto the skewers.
- Preheat your grill over medium-high heat. Brush the grates with oil. Place the chicken skewers onto to preheated grill and cook for 4 – 6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked.
- Serve the chicken with satay sauce over rice. Garnish with lime juice.
Gloria says
Honestly, ALL chicken dishes are delicious, no matter how they are prepared. This looks like a great family meal any night of the week. I love food that you can fit into a bowl.
Amanda says
I haven’t read the book or seen the movie yet, but it’s definitely on my list. All the better with this satay. Looks delicious!
Michelle says
Love chicken satay, haven’t made it in a while so now I will this weekend, thanks!
Kelly Anthony says
I’ve never made chicken satay and this looks like something I need to try. Thanks for sharing.
Tara says
I read all three books in the series and really enjoyed them, especially the first book. Haven’t seen the movie yet. I do remember the long vivid descriptions of Singapore street food. These bowls look so good, especially the satay sauce. Pinning for later.
Vanessa says
We love satay chicken and it looks like it’s easy to make too. I thought there were a lot of ingredients needed to make delicious satay? I’m relieved to find out that’s not true. The pictures look so delicious. This recipe will definitely be on our dinner menu for next week.
Adriana Lopez Martin says
Chicken satay is one of my favorite meals, I have never made it at home but now I am getting inspired with your recipe. I love that you added slices of hot peppers the perfect final touch!
Stacy Streuli says
I love chicken satay! This looks really yummy.
Stine Mari says
I love chicken satay! It’s bursting with flavor. And I think that sauce looks amazing, although there’s no peanuts! I think almond butter is tasty too, so it’s all gooood 🙂
Jacqueline Debono says
I love chicken satay!! Need to make it again very soon. Yours looks delicious! If I wanted to use unsalted peanuts what quantity would be right?
dikla frances says
wow! this dish looks so good! I love that the dressing has almond butter in it, very unique! I really want to watch the movie, after watching the trailer it seems fun and funny! Thank you for no spoiler
Stephanie Simmons says
I love a good bowl recipe! This looks like a delicious way to serve up some yummy chicken!
Chef Mireille says
my kind of lunch – with my Indonesian family kecap manis or Sweet Soy sauce is a common pantry item I use in so many dishes – glad you like it as much as I do
David @ Spiced says
Interesting! I’m not familiar with sweet soy sauce, but I’ll have to keep an eye out for it now…mainly because this chicken satay bowl looks delicious! I haven’t seen Crazy Rich Asians yet, and I suspect I’ll have to wait for Netflix as we don’t make it out to the movies too often (*ahem* toddler in the house *ahem*). But I’m not waiting on this chicken satay! It’s been silly hot here in the northeast lately, so our grill has been working overtime. Putting this one on the list now!