Weeknight satay flavour without the weeknight effort!
I get an unreasonable amount of satisfaction from this Speedy Satay Chicken recipe. It never fails me at that 5.30 pm moment when everyone’s hungry and I have absolutely no desire to start a complicated dinner. No chopping chicken (which I consider a major weeknight win), one pan, a quick simmer and suddenly the kitchen smells like satay – just in a weeknight-friendly, kid-friendly version without the skewers or marinating. It has all the cosy, peanutty takeaway flavour, but done the lazy-smart way. 😂
It’s absolutely not traditional, and it doesn’t need to be. Pantry staples, minced (ground) chicken and 20 minutes later you’ve got a glossy, creamy peanut sauce clinging to every piece. It tastes like effort, but the effort level is extremely low – exactly what you want from a fast midweek dinner.
The best part? The no-cook sides you can add. Pile it onto hot rice, add sliced cucumber and red onion for crunch, and chilli oil for anyone who wants it (me). Low effort, high reward – exactly what weeknights need.
What else can I serve with Speedy Satay Chicken?
Besides rice + cucumber + red onion (the classic), here are plenty of other easy options depending on what you’ve got and what kind of night it is:
- Noodles – Rice noodles, egg noodles or ramen noodles (toss through the sauce like a quick satay noodle bowl).
- Wraps/rolls – Stuff into tortillas, lettuce cups or rice paper rolls with cucumber, carrot and coriander (cilantro).
- Veggie sides (quick + no-fuss):
- Steamed broccolini (tenderstem broccoli), broccoli or green beans.
- Microwaved edamame.
- Stir-fried frozen veggies.
- Sautéed wombok (napa) cabbage with a splash of soy sauce.
- Salads (fresh + crunchy):
- Shredded carrot + cucumber + spring onion (scallion) + coriander (cilantro).
- Simple slaw (bagged coleslaw mix + fresh lime juice + pinch of sea salt) or make your own.
- Iceberg lettuce “satay bowls” with extra peanuts on top.
- If you want a change from rice:
- Quinoa.
- Roti or naan for scooping (not traditional, but elite).
- Toppings that make it feel extra:
- Extra crushed peanuts or cashews.
- Fried shallots.
- Sesame seeds.
- Fresh chilli or chilli oil.
- Lime wedges (non-negotiable!).
Is Speedy Satay Chicken spicy?
Nope – it’s mild, creamy and kid-friendly. The curry powder adds warmth and flavour, not heat. If you want it spicy, add chilli oil, fresh chilli, or a pinch of chilli (red pepper) flakes at the end.
If you enjoyed Speedy Satay Chicken, I think you’ll love:
Peanut Chicken Satay Recipe
Chicken Satay Skewers Recipe
Chicken Salad with Creamy Peanut Dressing Recipe
Creamy Coconut Peanut Noodles Recipe
Cold Sesame Peanut Pasta Salad Recipe
Speedy Satay Chicken
“This was so quick and easy. Can’t stop eating🤭” Share PrintIngredients
- 400 ml (14 fl oz) coconut milk
- 125 ml (½ cup) chicken stock
- 90 g (⅓ cup) natural smooth peanut butter
- 1 tbsp kecap manis (see note 1)
- 1 tsp dark soy sauce
- 2 tbsp light olive oil or any neutral oil of choice
- 1 brown onion, finely diced
- 1 tbsp freshly minced garlic
- 500 g (1 lb) minced (ground) chicken (can be substituted with turkey mince or pork mince)
- 2 tbsp water, if needed
- 1 tbsp mild curry powder
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp white sugar
- ½ tsp sea salt flakes, plus extra to taste
- Steamed jasmine rice or microwave rice
- 2 Lebanese (short/Persian) cucumbers, sliced
- ¼ red onion, sliced
- 40 g (¼ cup) crushed peanuts
- ¼ bunch fresh coriander (cilantro), leaves picked
- Lime wedges
- Chilli oil (optional)
Instructions
- Make the satay sauce – Place all the sauce ingredients in a jug and whisk until smooth. Set aside.
- Cook the chicken – Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium–high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring, for 1–2 minutes. Add the chicken mince and cook, breaking it up as you go, for 3–4 minutes. Break the chicken up just enough – don’t over-stir. You want juicy, chunky pieces.
- Add the spices – Add the water to the pan to deglaze and scrape up any stuck-on bits if needed, followed immediately by the curry powder, turmeric, paprika, sugar and sea salt flakes.
- Add the satay sauce – Add the satay sauce and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy and creamy.
- Finish and serve – Turn off the heat, season with extra salt to taste. Spoon the chicken over hot rice and serve with cucumber, red onion, crushed peanuts, coriander, a squeeze of lime juice (essential) and a drizzle of chilli oil, if using.
Nutrition information
Disclaimer re gluten-free and dairy-free recipes
Rachael says:
Mmm mmm!! A new family favourite- thank you xx
Nicole says:
Fantastic to hear, Rachael! Thanks also for the rating. ❤️ Nic x
Cassandra says:
Sorry missed the stars
Nicole says:
🥰
Cassandra says:
I made this last night using pork mince. Took me a bit longer but it was still really quick and simple for so much flavour. I have made a few of your recipes now and haven’t been disappointed. Will be making this regularly.
Nicole says:
Thanks for your lovely feedback, Cassandra! 🥰 So happy you are enjoying the recipes, including this one! 🙌🏻 Nic x
Deanne says:
We had this tonight – I used thinly sliced chicken breast and added red capsicum and snow peas. It was a hit and will be added to our roster 🙂
Nicole says:
So happy to hear this, Deanne! 🙌🏻 Thanks for the rating too. Nic x
Catherine says:
AMAZING! Super easy and fast. I added a bag of coleslaw mix and broccoli and it did not disappoint. Wanted to lick the frypan clean!
Nicole says:
Love this feedback, Catherine! Clever you for adding the coleslaw and broccoli … and glad it was a hit. 🙌🏻 Thanks for the rating too. ❤️ Nic x
Lauren says:
Delicious! I made this tonight with finely chopped chicken thighs. I found it needed a slight amount of acid to balance the sweet, so added juice from half a lime. The whole family enjoyed with white rice and broccoli.
Nicole says:
So happy this worked out well for you, Lauren! Love the sound of your additions. Thanks also for the rating. ❤️ Nic x