Weeknight satay flavour without the weeknight effort!
Glossy peanut sauce, crunchy peanuts and chilli oil for anyone who wants it (me). Seriously easy and delicious.
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. 😂
Minced (ground) chicken, onion, garlic and pantry spices – no marinating, no chopping meat, just straight into the pan.
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.
Whisk the sauce smooth before cooking so the peanut butter melts in evenly later.
Break the minced (ground) chicken into chunks, not crumbs – this keeps it juicy and holds the sauce better.
Toast the spices briefly in the pan to wake up the satay flavour.
Simmer until glossy and thick – it should coat the spoon, not look watery.
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).
Creamy satay sauce clings to every piece of chicken – thick but still saucy for rice.
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.
Fresh cucumber and onion balance the richness – don’t skip them!
If you enjoyed Speedy Satay Chicken, I think you’ll love:
This Speedy Satay Chicken recipe is a quick, minced (ground) chicken dinner ready in under 20 minutes. Juicy chicken is simmered in a creamy coconut peanut sauce that coats every piece, perfect served over rice with fresh toppings. An easy weeknight, family-friendly dinner that delivers takeaway-style flavour with minimal effort.
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
Nutrition Facts
Speedy Satay Chicken
Amount per Serving
Calories
649
% Daily Value*
Fat
52
g
80
%
Saturated Fat
25
g
156
%
Trans Fat
0.1
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
6
g
Monounsaturated Fat
18
g
Cholesterol
108
mg
36
%
Sodium
722
mg
31
%
Potassium
1127
mg
32
%
Carbohydrates
21
g
7
%
Fiber
3
g
13
%
Sugar
10
g
11
%
Protein
31
g
62
%
Vitamin A
272
IU
5
%
Vitamin C
4
mg
5
%
Calcium
60
mg
6
%
Iron
6
mg
33
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Note 1 – To make your own kecap manis Combine equal parts soy sauce or tamari with sugar and either simmer gently in a small saucepan on the stovetop for 2 minutes, or microwave in a microwave-safe container in 30-second bursts, until thickened.
Make Ahead
See leftover instructions below.
Leftovers
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely overnight in the fridge prior to reheating.
Recipe source
Thank you Jessica Brook for your help developing this recipe.
Course 20 Minutes or Less, chicken, Fakeaway, Family Favourites
Cuisine Asian-inspired
Gemmasays:
This is delicious, my husband, 2 year old and parents loved it. Still working on the 5 year old though, maybe one day! Do you think there’s a veg you could add to the chicken? 2 year old will eat veg in food but not when it’s on the side 🤷🏻♀️
Hi Gemma, thank you so much – I’m so glad everyone loved it (and yes … I’m still waiting for my kids to come around to some of the dishes I make! 😅) For this one, I’d keep it really simple – baby spinach works beautifully stirred through at the end as it wilts straight into the sauce. You could also add some frozen peas, or even finely shredded cabbage or wombok (napa) cabbage, which soften quickly and mix through really well. Hope that helps! Nic x
I was blown away at this delicious meal recipe…straightforward to follow an delivers a really tasty meal. My son and I loved it. Will 100% be making on repeat.
Loved this recipe! Was very yummy, relatively quick and easy to make, and it was a hit with mister 2. Served with rice and steamed vegetables which he actually ate with encouragement to dip in the sauce. Thanks Nicole! Adding this one to my regular rotation! And loved the other review comments on other pairings and amendments for variety! Great to see it’s versatility!!
This was a great mid week recipe for the family. Lots of flavour with minimal effort. I had leftovers at work the next day in lettuce cups. Delicious x
Guten Tag, Birgit! And danke for the lovely comments about the recipes. 🥰🙌🏻 I’m so thrilled you are enjoying them, including this one! Thanks for the rating too. ❤️ Nic x
This recipe is so simple and tasty! As a family of 3 adults and 3 children this was a hit with everyone. Love your recipes and how quick, easy and affordable they are while being family friendly.
Hi Ashleigh, thanks for your lovely comments about the recipes! 🥰 So happy this was a hit with the whole family! 🙌🏻 Thanks for the rating too. ❤️ Nic x
For recipes labelled ‘gluten-free’ or ‘dairy-free’, the ingredients included in the recipe are typically gluten- or dairy-free. However, it is the user’s responsibility to carefully check the ingredient panels on the specific brands of products purchased and used. Simple Home Edit cannot be held responsible for any adverse reactions.
Gemma says:
This is delicious, my husband, 2 year old and parents loved it. Still working on the 5 year old though, maybe one day! Do you think there’s a veg you could add to the chicken? 2 year old will eat veg in food but not when it’s on the side 🤷🏻♀️
Nicole says:
Hi Gemma, thank you so much – I’m so glad everyone loved it (and yes … I’m still waiting for my kids to come around to some of the dishes I make! 😅) For this one, I’d keep it really simple – baby spinach works beautifully stirred through at the end as it wilts straight into the sauce. You could also add some frozen peas, or even finely shredded cabbage or wombok (napa) cabbage, which soften quickly and mix through really well. Hope that helps! Nic x
Bev says:
I was blown away at this delicious meal recipe…straightforward to follow an delivers a really tasty meal. My son and I loved it. Will 100% be making on repeat.
Nicole says:
So excited to hear this, Bev! 🙌🏻 Thanks for the rating too. 🧡 Nic x
Larissa says:
Delicious! The whole family loved it and it was sooo good not having to chop up chicken!!
Nicole says:
So happy this was a hit, Larissa! 🧡 Nic x
Robyn says:
Just the best easy dish and loved by everyone that eats it
Nicole says:
So happy you all enjoyed this, Robyn! Thanks for the rating. 🧡 Nic x
Sarah says:
Made this tonight. My 3 kids, 10, 10, and 5 loved it. This will be a regular for us now. Thank you
Nicole says:
What a win, Sarah! Fantastic to hear. 🙌🏻 Thanks for the rating too. 🧡 Nic x
Rochelle says:
Loved this recipe! Was very yummy, relatively quick and easy to make, and it was a hit with mister 2. Served with rice and steamed vegetables which he actually ate with encouragement to dip in the sauce. Thanks Nicole! Adding this one to my regular rotation! And loved the other review comments on other pairings and amendments for variety! Great to see it’s versatility!!
Nicole says:
Hi Rochelle, thanks for this wonderful feedback! So happy this was a hit with Mister 2! 🥰 Thanks also for the rating. 🧡 Nic x
Sally says:
Can’t wait to make this one 😍
Nicole says:
I can’t wait either, Sally! Let me know how you go. 🧡 Nic x
Victoria Ghent says:
This was a great mid week recipe for the family. Lots of flavour with minimal effort. I had leftovers at work the next day in lettuce cups. Delicious x
Nicole says:
So great to hear, Victoria! Thanks for the rating too. ❤️ Nic x
Sarah says:
There is enough sauce to double the chicken mince – to feed more mouths! 🙂
Nicole says:
Great to hear, Sarah. Thanks for the rating too. ❤️ Nic x
Birgit says:
This was so quick and easy. Can’t stop eating🤭
Thank you so much for all your work on this wonderful website. Greetings from Germany
Nicole says:
Guten Tag, Birgit! And danke for the lovely comments about the recipes. 🥰🙌🏻 I’m so thrilled you are enjoying them, including this one! Thanks for the rating too. ❤️ Nic x
Ashleigh says:
This recipe is so simple and tasty! As a family of 3 adults and 3 children this was a hit with everyone. Love your recipes and how quick, easy and affordable they are while being family friendly.
Nicole says:
Hi Ashleigh, thanks for your lovely comments about the recipes! 🥰 So happy this was a hit with the whole family! 🙌🏻 Thanks for the rating too. ❤️ Nic x
Imogen says:
Made this tonight and so simple, easy and delicious! Thank you for a great recipe
Nicole says:
So happy you enjoyed this, Imogen! Thanks for the rating too. ❤️ Nic x