Tender chicken thighs marinated in turmeric, coriander, and sweet soy sauce get a quick sear until they develop a smoky char, bridging the gap between traditional Indonesian skewers and a casual handheld meal. These chicken satay tacos rely on the contrast between the deeply spiced, succulent meat and a rich, house-made peanut sauce infused with aromatic shallots, garlic, and a hint of tamarind.

Warm flour tortillas act as the perfect vessel for these flavors, providing a soft foundation for the crunchy cucumber, fresh herbs, and crispy shallots piled on top. The acidity from the lime wedges cuts through the nuttiness of the sauce, creating a balanced bite that holds up well for a relaxed weekend lunch or a weeknight dinner when you want something more interesting than standard fare.

Building your own tacos means you can customize the heat levels with extra chopped chili or add a bit of sweetness with corn kernels. It is a functional and satisfying way to bring those signature Southeast Asian aromatics into a familiar, approachable format that comes together quickly enough to get on the table without hours of prep work.

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While this fusion taco brings a playful twist to handheld dinners, sometimes you crave the classic comfort of traditional grilled skewers. If you are looking to master the foundations of the dish, our authentic Indonesian chicken satay is an essential starting point. For those weeknights when time is short but you still need that signature peanut flavor, these quick satay style chicken bites offer a streamlined approach without sacrificing the bold, savory profile that makes this flavor profile so addictive.

Key Ingredients

Chicken thighs: Bite-sized pieces of chicken provide the protein base for the taco filling.
Peanuts: Blended fried peanuts form the creamy and savory foundation of the signature satay sauce.
Tortillas: These warm flour sheets serve as the vessel for the marinated chicken and peanut sauce.
Coconut cream: This adds a rich, velvety consistency to the peanut sauce.
Turmeric powder: Used in the marinade to give the chicken its characteristic golden color and earthiness.
Tamarind liquid: Provides a signature tangy acidity that balances the richness of the peanut sauce.
Sweet soy sauce: Used in both the chicken marinade and peanut sauce for depth and sweetness.
Kaffir lime leaves: Aromatic leaves infused into the peanut sauce to provide a bright, citrusy fragrance.

Explore More Satay and Fusion Chicken Bites

Classic chicken satay in peanut sauce serves as the perfect base if you want to experiment with different proteins or serving styles.
If you prefer the handheld experience of our taco, these traditional satay chicken skewers are a staple that everyone should have in their rotation.
For another creative take on savory poultry, these steamed chicken bao buns highlight how well this marinated chicken works in various Asian-inspired doughs and wraps.

Chicken Satay Taco

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Chicken Satay Taco Ingredients

800 gr boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite size pieces2 tbsp oil10-15 Tortilla (13 cm)

Marinade

3 tbsp sweet soy sauce1 tbsp minced garlic1 tsp coriander powder1 1/2 tsp turmeric powder2 tsp chili powder1 1/2 tsp salt1/2 tsp white Pepper

Peanut Sauce

100 gr fried peanut20 gr palm sugar40 gr long chili2 garlic cloves4 small shallot1 candlenut1 kaffir lime leaves1/3 cup coconut cream1/2-1 tsp salt2 tsp sweet soy sauce1 1/3 cup water1 tbsp tamarind liquid4 tbsp oil

Toppings

Coriander leavesChopped ChiliCrispy shallotsChopped TomatoSliced ShallotChopped CucumberCorn kernelLime wedges

Peanut Sauce

In a food processor, Blend peanut with 1/3 cups of water until smooth and pasty and set asideBlend chili, shallot, garlic, candlenut along with 2 tbsp oil until smooth and pasty

Steps

Heat remaining 2 tbsp oil in a non stick pan, saute spices paste for 3 mins, add kaffir lime leaves and stir fry for another 2-3 mins.Turn the heat to low, Add coconut cream and remaining water stir until combine, then add palm sugar, salt, tamarind liquid, sweet soy sauce and mix until you get the creamy and thick peanut sauce. Off the heatChicken:Combine chicken with all the marinade ingredients, mix well and set in the fridge for 30 minsHeat oil in a pan or cast iron, over high heat, sear chicken, and brush some peanut sauce on one side, continue searing for both sides until golden brown and charred. Remove and set a sideHeat iron cast until very hot, warm tortillas sheet according to package.Have fun arranging the tacos!

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