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Protein-Packed Chicken Satay Bento Box Easy Homemade Recipe with Peanut Sauce

protein-packed chicken satay bento box - featured image

A quick and easy protein-packed chicken satay bento box featuring juicy grilled chicken skewers paired with a creamy, spicy peanut sauce, served with rice and fresh veggies. Perfect for meal prep and busy weekdays.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
  • ½ cup (125 ml) creamy peanut butter (natural, unsweetened)
  • ½ cup (125 ml) coconut milk (full fat)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce or Sriracha
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons water (to thin peanut sauce as needed)
  • 1½ cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice
  • 1 cup steamed broccoli florets
  • ½ cup shredded carrot
  • ½ cup sliced cucumbers
  • Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade by whisking together soy sauce, fish sauce (if using), brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and lime juice in a medium bowl.
  2. Add chicken strips to the marinade, toss to coat evenly, cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes (ideally 30 minutes).
  3. While chicken marinates, combine peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar, chili garlic sauce, and lime juice in a small saucepan. Heat gently over low heat, whisking until smooth and slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Add water if needed to reach desired consistency. Keep warm or refrigerate until serving.
  4. Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
  5. Thread marinated chicken strips onto skewers, leaving space between pieces for even cooking.
  6. Heat grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Grill skewers for 3–4 minutes per side until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. Cook rice according to package instructions. Steam broccoli until bright green and tender-crisp, about 4–5 minutes. Prepare shredded carrots and sliced cucumbers.
  8. Assemble the bento box by placing rice in container, arranging grilled chicken satay skewers on one side, then adding steamed broccoli, shredded carrot, and sliced cucumber. Drizzle with peanut sauce or serve on the side. Garnish with cilantro if desired.
  9. Taste peanut sauce and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.

Notes

Marinate chicken for a short time to avoid toughening the meat. Soak wooden skewers well before grilling to prevent burning. Heat peanut sauce gently to avoid separation. For extra smoky flavor, finish chicken under broiler briefly. Peanut sauce can be thinned with water or coconut milk if thickened after refrigeration.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken satay, peanut sauce, bento box, protein-packed, quick recipe, meal prep, grilled chicken, healthy lunch