Editors Note: Anyone who knows me is well aware that I love to entertain. However with our busy lives and limited budgets it can be a challenge finding the inspiration. This Satay recipe is a great item to add to your next party menu, so if entertaining friends and family adds COLOR to your world, then don’t let anything stop you. ~Nitika~

I love spicing up my menu to create cuisines from around the world. While that may seem exotic, having a handful of your favorite spices on hand can transform your kitchen and significantly increase the amount of interesting things you can quickly whip up. My favorite chicken satay recipe is a perfect example. At first glance, it seems as if it requires too many ingredients and might take a while to cook. However, many of the ingredients are, what I call, pantry items. If they’re not in your kitchen now, hopefully they will be soon! Throw them in a blender or food processor and it all comes together in a matter of minutes. Instead of chicken, use shrimp, beef, pork, tofu or tempeh. Creating a delicious chicken satay as an appetizer for friends is the perfect way to begin your evening.

Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce

Yield: about 25 pieces

For Marinade:

1 Tbsp. dijon mustard

¼ cup fish sauce

¼ cup coconut milk

3 tbsp. rice vinegar

3 tbsp. honey

juice from 2 limes

2 cloves of garlic

2 piece fresh ginger, sliced

2 tbsp. cumin

2 tbsp. coriander

1 tsp. sriracha sauce

Puree ingredients in a blender until smooth. Reserve 1/4 cup of marinade for peanut sauce.

Peanut Sauce:

3 tbsp. peanut butter (All natural is best as it prevents the sauce from breaking.)

¼ cup marinade from above

¼ cup coconut milk (Use the remaining milk for coconut rice)

Whisk all ingredients together until smooth. Adjust seasoning with fish sauce, if necessary. It can be made ahead and is best after a few hours.

To finish:

1 pound boneless chicken breast

Slice chicken breast crosswise in ¼” thick slices and marinate up to 8 hours. Soak skewers in water for 15 minutes. Thread chicken on skewers and grill for about 1 minute per side. You can also use a stove top grill pan or even sauté them. Can be served straight from the grill or made a few hours ahead. Serve with satay sauce on the side. Decorate with a garnish of cilantro leaves.