1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Chicken Satay Spring Bowls

Chicken Satay Spring Bowls

Highlight: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

This dish features bite-sized grilled chicken thighs marinated in a vibrant blend of curry powder, turmeric, ginger, and coconut milk. After soaking up the spices and aromatics, the chicken is seared until golden brown in a hot skillet, enhancing its rich flavors and tender texture. Finished with fresh cilantro, lime juice, and chopped peanuts, it offers a lively balance of savory, spicy, and tangy notes. Served over rice with fresh vegetables, this bowl delivers a nutritious, satisfying meal full of Southeast Asian-inspired flavors.

Pin it Share it Send it Print it Jump to Recipe
A woman in a blue apron holding a plate of food.
Crafted By Sophie
Updated on Sat, 10 Jan 2026 19:27:37 GMT
A bowl of food with chicken, rice, and vegetables. Save
A bowl of food with chicken, rice, and vegetables. | myhomemademeal.com

Chicken Satay – Spring Roll Bowls bring the vibrant flavors of grilled curry chicken and fresh vegetables together in a simple and nourishing meal bowl. This dish captures the essence of Southeast Asian cuisine in a format that is easy to prepare and perfectly balanced for lunch or dinner.

I discovered this recipe on a warm weekend and it quickly became a go-to for weeknight dinners because it feels special without being fussy. My family especially loves how the fresh vegetables add crunch and freshness to each bite.

Ingredients

  • Chicken thighs: cut into bite-sized pieces chicken thighs stay juicy and tender when grilled
  • Olive oil: helps to coat the chicken for even cooking and a hint of richness
  • Fresh garlic: finely minced adds a fragrant punch essential for authentic flavor
  • Ginger paste: brings warmth and a subtle zing, use fresh if possible
  • Low-sodium soy sauce: balances savory notes without overpowering saltiness
  • Yellow curry powder: the star of the marinade, opt for a good quality brand for true flavor
  • Ground turmeric: gives the dish its vibrant golden color and a mild earthy taste
  • Ground coriander: adds a citrusy undertone that complements the curry
  • Chili powder: adjusts the heat level to your taste
  • Coconut milk: lends creaminess and softens the spices in the marinade
  • Salt and ground black pepper: basic seasoning to enhance all flavors
  • Brown sugar or honey: adds a touch of sweetness to balance the spices
  • Red pepper flakes: for extra heat if you like it spicy
  • Chopped fresh cilantro, lime juice, and chopped peanuts for garnish: these finish the dish with brightness and crunch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Saturate the Chicken in Marinade:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, yellow curry powder, turmeric, coriander, chili powder, coconut milk, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and brown sugar or honey. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure that every piece is evenly coated with the marinade. This step is crucial because it allows the spices to penetrate the chicken, building layers of flavor.
Let the Flavors Meld:
Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Marinating the chicken for this time lets the spices deepen their impact and tenderizes the meat, which means juicy, flavorful results after cooking.
Prepare the Skewers:
Thread 5 to 6 pieces of the marinated chicken onto each skewer. If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before threading the chicken. This prevents them from burning during cooking.
Heat the Skillet:
Warm a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add just a small amount of oil. This creates a nice searing surface that locks in the juices and crisps the edges of the chicken.
Cook the Chicken Skewers:
Place the skewers into the hot skillet, making sure not to crowd them. Let them cook for 5 to 6 minutes on one side until golden and slightly charred. Flip the skewers carefully and cook for another 6 minutes on the other side. Reduce the heat to low and continue cooking for an extra 1 to 2 minutes ensuring the chicken is fully cooked but still tender.
Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skewers from heat and finish by sprinkling chopped fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, and a handful of chopped peanuts. This final touch brightens the dish with fresh herbaceous notes and satisfying crunch. Serve this chicken satay over steamed rice with your favorite fresh vegetables to create a complete and balanced meal.
A bowl of food with chicken, rice, tomatoes, and avocado. Save
A bowl of food with chicken, rice, tomatoes, and avocado. | myhomemademeal.com

Cilantro and lime are my favorite accents here because they cut through the rich curry flavor and add that fresh pop that keeps the dish lively. A memorable moment with this dish was sharing it during a casual weekend dinner with friends, where everyone enjoyed customizing their bowls with different veggies and sauces.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover chicken and vegetables separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet to maintain its texture. You can also freeze the cooked chicken skewers for up to two months wrapped tightly.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have chicken thighs, boneless chicken breasts work but tend to be less juicy. You can substitute coconut milk with almond or cashew milk although it will change the flavor slightly. Fresh ginger can be swapped for ½ teaspoon ground ginger, but fresh is best for full aroma.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with jasmine or basmati rice for a fragrant base. Add crunchy vegetables like shredded carrots, cucumber ribbons, or bell pepper strips in the bowl to create contrast. Drizzle with extra lime juice or a peanut dipping sauce for a delicious finish.

Cultural Context

Chicken satay has roots in Southeast Asian street food where grilled skewers of marinated meat are a beloved snack or meal. The curry powder and turmeric highlight Indian and Indonesian influences in the flavor profile which makes this bowl a delicious fusion of culinary traditions.

Pro Tips

  • Always soak wooden skewers before using to avoid burning
  • Do not rush marinating time, letting the chicken rest in the spices is key for flavor
  • Use a cast-iron skillet for even heat and to get that perfect sear on the chicken

Recipe FAQs

→ What cut of chicken works best for this dish?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal due to their tenderness and ability to absorb the marinade flavors well.

→ How long should the chicken marinate to maximize flavor?

Marinating for at least 30 minutes allows the spices and coconut milk to deeply penetrate the chicken for a richer taste.

→ Can I use a different cooking method than the skillet?

Yes, grilling or broiling also works well, giving the chicken a smoky char that enhances the curry spices.

→ What sides pair well with these bowls?

Fresh vegetables and steamed rice complement the dish, balancing the savory curry with bright, crisp textures.

→ How do garnishes like cilantro, lime, and peanuts enhance the flavor?

They add fresh herbaceous notes, tangy brightness, and crunchy texture that elevate the overall eating experience.

→ Is it important to soak wooden skewers before cooking?

Yes, soaking prevents the skewers from burning during the cooking process, especially when searing over high heat.

Chicken Satay Spring Bowls

Grilled curry chicken combined with fresh veggies in a flavorful, easy-to-make bowl.

Prep Time
35 minutes
Cooking Duration
15 minutes
Overall Time
50 minutes
Crafted By: Sophie

Recipe Type: Main Dishes

Preparation Complexity: Moderate Challenge

Regional Cuisine: Southeast Asian-Inspired

Servings Output: 4 Serving Size

Dietary Choices: Dairy-Free Alternative

Everything You’ll Need

→ Protein

01 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

→ Marinade

02 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 2 teaspoons finely minced fresh garlic
04 2 teaspoons ginger paste
05 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
06 2 teaspoons yellow curry powder
07 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
08 2 teaspoons ground coriander
09 2 teaspoons chili powder
10 1/4 cup coconut milk
11 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, or to taste
12 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
13 2 teaspoons brown sugar or honey
14 Red pepper flakes, to taste

→ Garnish

15 Chopped fresh cilantro
16 Lime juice
17 Chopped peanuts

Steps to Cook

Step 01

In a large bowl, mix chicken with olive oil, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, curry powder, turmeric, coriander, chili powder, coconut milk, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and brown sugar or honey until evenly coated.

Step 02

Cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to develop.

Step 03

Thread 5 to 6 marinated chicken pieces onto each skewer. Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes prior to use to prevent burning.

Step 04

Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. Cook chicken skewers without crowding the pan for 5 to 6 minutes on one side until golden.

Step 05

Flip skewers and cook for an additional 6 minutes. Reduce heat to low and cook for 1 to 2 more minutes until chicken is fully cooked.

Step 06

Remove chicken from heat. Garnish with chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, and chopped peanuts. Serve over rice with fresh vegetables of choice.

Extra Suggestions

  1. For best results, soak wooden skewers in water to prevent burning during cooking.

Must-Have Equipment

  • Cast-iron skillet
  • Wooden skewers (soaked)
  • Large mixing bowl

Allergy Information

Always check ingredient details for potential allergens. Consult an expert if you're uncertain.
  • Contains peanuts
  • Contains soy (low-sodium soy sauce)
  • May contain traces of gluten depending on soy sauce brand