Keto Indonesian Chicken Satay (Sate Ayam)

Smoky, juicy, and packed with Indonesian-inspired spices, this keto chicken satay delivers all the bold flavor of classic street-food sate without the added sugar or rice. Tender chicken thighs are marinated, grilled until beautifully charred, and served with a creamy low-carb peanut sauce.

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes + marinating
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: About 30 minutes + marinating

🍢 Ingredients

Chicken & Marinade

• 600 g (1.3 lb) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 2 tbsp coconut aminos or soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp turmeric
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp chili powder or cayenne, optional
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

🥜 Keto Peanut Sauce

• ½ cup natural unsweetened peanut butter
• 2 tbsp coconut aminos or soy sauce
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• ½ tsp grated fresh ginger
• ½–1 tsp chili paste or red pepper flakes
• ¼ cup warm water, plus more as needed
• 1–2 tsp keto-friendly sweetener, optional
• Pinch of salt

For Serving

• Lime wedges
• Fresh cilantro or coriander
• Sliced red chili
• Chopped peanuts, optional

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken
Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl. Add coconut aminos, sesame oil, garlic, coriander, cumin, turmeric, smoked paprika, chili powder, lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Toss thoroughly until every piece is coated.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably 2–4 hours for deeper flavor.

2. Prepare the skewers
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto bamboo or metal skewers. If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for about 20–30 minutes beforehand to help prevent burning.

3. Make the peanut sauce
Whisk together the peanut butter, coconut aminos, lime juice, garlic, ginger, chili, and sweetener if using. Gradually add warm water until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the lime, chili, or salt to your preference.

4. Grill the satay
Heat a grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly grease if needed. Cook the chicken skewers for about 3–4 minutes per side, turning regularly, until browned and lightly charred on the outside and cooked through.

The chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) internally.

5. Finish
Transfer the hot satay to a serving plate. Drizzle with some peanut sauce or serve the sauce alongside for dipping.

Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced chili, chopped peanuts, and plenty of lime wedges.

💡 Keto Tips

• Use unsweetened natural peanut butter with no added sugar.
• Avoid traditional sweetened satay sauces, which can contain significant added sugar.
• Serve with cucumber salad, cauliflower rice, or steamed vegetables instead of rice.
• Check your coconut aminos or soy sauce label because carbohydrate amounts vary by brand.