If you’re after something bold, juicy, and packed with Southeast Asian flavor, this Thai Pineapple Peanut Chicken Satay delivers in every bite. Think tender, marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection, brushed with a sweet-spicy peanut glaze, and paired with grilled pineapple for a smoky-sweet contrast that pulls everything together. It’s tropical. It’s savory. It’s a flavor bomb.
Satay is a beloved street food throughout Thailand and Southeast Asia, and for good reason—it’s finger food with flair. This version takes that classic concept and amps it up with a tangy peanut marinade and fresh fruit, all without deep frying or added sugars. It’s weeknight-friendly and cookout-ready, all in one.
The chicken is marinated in a mix of creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, ginger, and just a touch of honey. This not only infuses flavor deep into the meat but also tenderizes it. Thread it onto skewers with chunks of pineapple, grill it up, and you’re left with a smoky, caramelized finish that’s irresistible.
Pineapple does more than just taste good—it adds natural sweetness and acidity, which balances the richness of the peanut sauce. When grilled, it caramelizes beautifully, creating juicy, charred edges that contrast the savory chicken perfectly.
This dish is flexible, too. Make it on an outdoor grill, stovetop grill pan, or even bake it in the oven if needed. Serve it with jasmine rice, cucumber salad, or wrapped in lettuce leaves for a lighter twist. And if you have leftovers? They’re amazing in wraps or rice bowls.
Even though it sounds exotic, the ingredients are all easy to find. It’s a pantry-meets-fresh-produce recipe that doesn’t require a trip to a specialty store.
The peanut sauce doubles as a marinade and a finishing glaze. It’s rich, nutty, slightly spicy, and tangy with citrus. Drizzle extra on top or serve it on the side for dipping—trust us, you’ll want more.
This recipe is also great for entertaining. Skewers always feel festive, and you can prep everything ahead of time, then grill when ready. The aroma alone will have everyone hovering around the grill.
It’s naturally gluten-free if you use tamari instead of soy sauce and easily adaptable for different proteins—try shrimp, tofu, or even beef.
The balance of sweet, savory, tangy, and spicy is what makes this dish so addictive. It’s the kind of meal that leaves people talking about it long after the plates are cleared.
Perfect for summer dinners, family cookouts, or meal prep that doesn’t get boring, this Thai Pineapple Peanut Chicken Satay deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.
Every bite delivers something different: juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, creamy peanut sauce, a hint of lime. It’s comfort and adventure in one.
Make this once, and you’ll start dreaming up reasons to fire up the grill again and again.
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes + marinating time
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Satay:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, cut into chunks
- 8–10 wooden or metal skewers (soaked if wooden)
For the Marinade & Sauce:
- 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1–2 teaspoons sriracha (optional)
- 2–4 tablespoons warm water (to thin)
Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk together all marinade ingredients. Reserve 1/4 cup of the sauce for glazing.
- Add chicken to the bowl and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour (up to 6 hours).
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Thread chicken and pineapple alternately onto skewers.
- Grill for 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
- During the last few minutes, brush with reserved sauce.
- Serve hot with extra peanut sauce, lime wedges, and your favorite sides.
Tips:
- Soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Don’t skip the marinade—it builds major flavor.
- Grill pineapple separately if you want more caramelization.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- It’s juicy, flavorful, and packed with texture.
- Bold Thai-inspired flavors with easy ingredients.
- Perfect for grilling season or indoor cooking.
- Sweet-savory combo everyone loves.
Thai Pineapple Peanut Chicken Satay is your new favorite skewer. Juicy chicken marinated in bold peanut-lime sauce, grilled with pineapple for a tropical twist that’s both satisfying and simple.
