Imagine the sizzle of juicy chicken skewers, infused with warm spices and kissed by the subtle char of the oven, all coming together on a single sheet pan. Sheet Pan Chicken Satay offers a vibrant twist on a beloved Southeast Asian classic, transforming the traditional grilling process into a hassle-free, weeknight-friendly feast. Paired with a luscious, creamy peanut sauce that’s both tangy and sweet, this dish delivers big flavors with minimal cleanup. Whether you’re a busy home cook or simply craving a quick, satisfying meal, this recipe proves that deliciously authentic chicken satay can be effortless, one-pan magic. Let’s dive into how you can effortlessly whip up this colorful, crowd-pleasing dish that brings the taste of street food right into your kitchen.

Sheet Pan Chicken Satay: Quick & Easy Peanut Sauce Meal

Sheet Pan Chicken Satay is a fast, flavorful dish that brings the vibrant tastes of Southeast Asia right into your kitchen-no skewers or grilling needed. The magic begins with perfectly cooked chicken on a single sheet pan, soaked in a fragrant marinade, then paired with a rich, creamy peanut sauce that’s unbelievably easy to make. This recipe not only simplifies dinner prep but also invites you to savor layers of sweet, salty, and nutty flavors in every bite.

Prep and Cook Time

Preparation: 15 minutes | Marinating: 1 hour (optional but recommended) | Cooking: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Yield

Serves 4 hungry adults or 6 as a light meal or appetizer.

Difficulty Level

Easy – Ideal for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.

Ingredients

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, sliced into 1-inch strips
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 teaspoons ground turmeric
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil or neutral oil
• For the peanut sauce:
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• ¼ cup coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
• Warm water, as needed to thin sauce

Instructions

1. Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, fish sauce, honey, turmeric, garlic, ginger, and coconut oil. This mixture will deeply infuse the chicken with aromatic flavor and vibrant color.
2. Marinate the chicken: Add chicken strips to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight for maximum tenderness.
3. Preheat your oven: Set to 425°F (220°C). Meanwhile, line a sheet pan with parchment paper or lightly grease with oil to prevent sticking.
4. Arrange the chicken: Spread the marinated chicken strips evenly across the sheet pan in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding for even cooking and browning.
5. Bake: Roast the chicken for 15-20 minutes or until the edges begin to caramelize and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Make the peanut sauce: While the chicken bakes, whisk peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, and chili garlic sauce in a small saucepan over low heat. Add warm water tablespoon by tablespoon until the sauce reaches a smooth, creamy consistency.
7. Serve: Drizzle the peanut sauce generously over the baked chicken, or serve it on the side for dipping.

Tips for Success

• Marinate overnight: For the juiciest chicken satay, prep the marinade the night before. The longer soak lets flavors penetrate deeply.
• Sheet pan swap: Use chicken breasts if thighs aren’t your favorite, but reduce baking time to avoid dryness.
• Peanut sauce variations: For a thinner sauce, replace some coconut milk with warm water or add a splash of soy sauce for a saltier kick.
• Make-ahead: The peanut sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days, so make a batch in advance for easy weeknight meals.
• Skewer feel: Use bamboo skewers soaked in water and thread the chicken if you want that classic satay presentation without the grill.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Bring this meal to life by serving your Sheet Pan Chicken Satay alongside fragrant jasmine rice or warm coconut rice for a tropical touch. Fresh accompaniments like a crisp cucumber salad or tangy pickled vegetables balance the rich peanut sauce perfectly. Garnish the dish with chopped roasted peanuts, sliced green onions, and fresh cilantro to elevate color and texture.

For a complete feast, pair with a chilled glass of Riesling or an aromatic chai tea. Display the chicken satay skewers on a wooden board with small bowls of peanut sauce and lime wedges for a visually stunning presentation that’s both rustic and elegant.

For more vibrant Asian-inspired dishes, explore our Thai Peanut Noodle Salad recipe. And if you want a deep dive on the science of peanut sauces, this Serious Eats guide explains the secrets to silky satay sauces.

Q&A

Q&A: Sheet Pan Chicken Satay – Quick & Easy Peanut Sauce Meal

Q1: What makes sheet pan chicken satay different from traditional satay?
A1: Traditional satay is often grilled skewered meat served with peanut sauce, usually cooked over an open flame or grill. Sheet pan chicken satay takes this classic flavor and makes it ultra-convenient-no skewers needed! Everything bakes together on one pan in the oven, making it quicker to prep, easier to cook, and faster to clean up, without sacrificing that delicious peanut punch.

Q2: How do you achieve that perfect peanut sauce flavor in this recipe?
A2: The magic lies in balancing savory, sweet, tangy, and spicy notes. Typically, creamy peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, and a hint of chili come together to match the authentic satay taste. Heating the sauce gently helps all these flavors meld beautifully, coating the chicken with a rich, luscious finish.

Q3: Can I customize the vegetables on the sheet pan?
A3: Absolutely! The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. Bell peppers, red onions, zucchini, and snap peas work wonderfully, but feel free to swap in your favorites-carrots, broccoli, or even pineapple chunks add vibrant flavor and texture. Just cut everything into similar sizes for even roasting.

Q4: What’s the best chicken cut to use for this dish?
A4: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal because they stay juicy and tender under high heat. However, chicken breasts work fine too-just watch the cooking time closely to avoid dryness. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for quick baking and easy eating.

Q5: How can I make this recipe allergy-friendly?
A5: Peanut allergies can be tricky, but you can substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini for a similar creamy texture and nutty flavor. Always check ingredient labels and adjust seasoning to taste. Also, gluten-free soy sauce or tamari keeps this dish safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.

Q6: Is this sheet pan chicken satay meal suitable for meal prepping?
A6: Definitely! It reheats beautifully and maintains great flavor and texture after a day or two in the fridge. Prepare the satay and roast the veggies all at once, then portion into containers. For best results, add fresh herbs or a squeeze of lime just before eating to brighten the dish.

Q7: Any tips for serving or pairing this meal?
A7: Serve your sheet pan chicken satay over steamed jasmine rice or fluffy coconut rice for an extra tropical vibe. A simple cucumber salad or pickled veggies on the side adds refreshing crunch. Garnish with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro to amp up the texture and aroma.

Q8: How long does it take to make this meal from start to finish?
A8: From chopping to plating, expect about 30 to 40 minutes. The prep is minimal since everything cooks on one pan, and the oven does most of the work. Perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something flavorful without the fuss.

To Conclude

And there you have it-a vibrant, flavor-packed meal that transforms a simple weeknight dinner into an effortless culinary adventure. Sheet Pan Chicken Satay proves that you don’t need endless prep or complicated ingredients to enjoy the rich, creamy delight of peanut sauce paired with tender, perfectly roasted chicken. Quick to assemble and easy to customize, this recipe is your ticket to fuss-free feasting without sacrificing taste. So next time your schedule is tight but your taste buds crave a little excitement, let this sheet pan wonder take center stage-and savor every bite of convenience and crave-worthy goodness.