Chicken Grill with Satay Sauce

Festive Menu with Chicken Grill and Satay Sauce: An Unforgettable Culinary Experience

When it comes to festive meals or a simple family lunch, nothing compares to rich flavors, vibrant colors, and enticing aromas. Today, I invite you to prepare a culinary delight: chicken grill served with satay sauce, alongside a fresh mixed salad and crispy fried potatoes. This recipe is easy to make, yet offers a unique taste experience that will delight both family and guests.

Preparation Time:
- Preparation: 30 minutes
- Cooking: 20 minutes
- Total: 50 minutes
- Servings: 4

1. Ingredients

Chicken Grill
- 1 kg chicken breast or thighs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Plenty of dried thyme

Mixed Salad
- 1 greenhouse cucumber or 4 garden cucumbers
- 2-3 tomatoes
- 1 large red bell pepper
- 1 bunch of green onions
- 1 small can of corn
- Grated carrot and celery (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons vinegar or ½ lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste

Fried Potatoes
- Red potatoes
- Oil for frying
- Salt

Satay Sauce
- 1 small white onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili (optional)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 4 tablespoons crunchy peanut butter (with peanut pieces)
- 250 ml coconut milk
- Very little salt (considering that peanut butter and soy sauce are already salty)
- Pepper to taste
- Optional: 1-2 tablespoons fish sauce

2. Preparing the Chicken Grill

1. Preparing the meat: Cut the chicken into smaller pieces so that it cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors of the spices. Season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Try to massage them well to integrate the flavors.

2. Heating the grill: Prepare the grill or electric skillet. Make sure it is well heated before adding the meat. If using a charcoal grill, wait until the coals turn white and reddish.

3. Cooking the chicken: Place the chicken pieces on the grill and let them cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning them occasionally for even browning. The meat is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 75°C.

4. Resting the meat: After cooking, let the meat rest for 5-10 minutes. This step is essential as it allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat more tender and juicy.

3. Preparing the Satay Sauce

1. Chopping the ingredients: Start by finely chopping the onion and garlic. These are the base for your flavorful sauce.

2. Sautéing: In a pan, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, the chopped onion, and garlic. Sauté over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they become translucent.

3. Adding flavors: Add sweet paprika, brown sugar, soy sauce, and peanut butter. Mix well to homogenize the composition. Then add the coconut milk and let the sauce simmer for just 2 minutes. If you want a spicier sauce, add chili.

4. Finishing the sauce: Finally, add salt and pepper to taste. If desired, you can add fish sauce for extra flavor.

5. Marinating the meat: Incorporate the chicken pieces into the satay sauce and let them sit for 10-15 minutes for the flavors to penetrate the meat well.

4. Preparing the Mixed Salad

1. Chopping the vegetables: Cut all the vegetables (cucumber, tomatoes, bell pepper, green onion) into very small cubes. They will add freshness and color to your dish.

2. Seasoning the salad: In a large bowl, add the chopped vegetables, corn, and herbs. Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar or lemon juice, add salt and pepper, then mix well.

5. Preparing the Fried Potatoes

1. Cutting the potatoes: Peel the potatoes and cut them into thin slices or sticks, depending on your preference.

2. Frying: In a deep pan, add oil and heat it well. Fry the potatoes until golden and crispy. Remove them onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil and season with salt.

6. Serving

To serve this delicious menu, use tortilla wraps to encase the chicken in satay sauce, adding the mixed salad in the middle. Garnish the plate with expanded shrimp for an attractive look. The fried potatoes can be served separately in a bowl.

7. Variations and Serving Suggestions

- Vegetarian option: You can replace the chicken with tofu or grilled vegetables, marinating them in the satay sauce.
- Drink suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with a dry white wine or a light beer, which balances the intense flavors of the sauce.
- Sauce maintenance: The satay sauce can be kept in the fridge and used for other dishes, such as grilled vegetables or as a dip for snacks.

8. Nutritional Benefits

This menu offers an excellent source of protein from chicken, healthy fats from peanut butter, and vitamins from vegetables. The salad provides a significant amount of fiber, while fried potatoes, though less healthy, can be enjoyed in moderation for a balanced lunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use another type of meat? Yes, you can experiment with pork or beef, but the cooking time will vary.
- Is satay sauce suitable for a diet? The satay sauce has a moderate calorie content but is full of flavors. Consumed in moderation, it can be part of a balanced diet.
- Can the sauce be frozen? Yes, the satay sauce can be frozen for later use, ensuring that you let it thaw completely before using.

I hope this recipe brings joy and flavor to your festive meals. Enjoy your meal!