Love the rich, nutty satay chicken stir fry from your favourite Chinese restaurant? This homemade version tastes even better and it is surprisingly easy to make.
If you adore that glossy, peanut-packed satay chicken from your favourite Chinese restaurant, this Satay Chicken Stir Fry delivers the same bold flavour at home, only fresher and faster. Made with tender velveted chicken and the unmistakable depth of Jimmy’s Saté Sauce, it is the ultimate fake-away dinner. Rich, silky and completely addictive.
This recipe has become a reader favourite for good reason. Jimmy’s Saté Sauce brings an unmistakable roasted peanut and chilli depth that turns a simple stir fry into something special. It delivers that rich, glossy satay chicken flavour you expect from a good Chinese restaurant, but made fresh in your own kitchen.
What Is Satay Chicken?
Satay chicken is a popular Malaysian-inspired dish that has become a staple in Australian Chinese restaurants. While traditional satay is served on skewers with a peanut dipping sauce, this stir fry version features tender slices of chicken cooked in a rich, nutty sauce made with peanuts, chilli and warming spices. It is glossy, savoury, slightly sweet and deeply comforting.
Why You’ll Love This Satay Chicken Stir Fry
• Tastes just like classic Chinese restaurant satay chicken
• Rich, nutty sauce with authentic Malaysian-style flavour
• Tender, silky velveted chicken every time
• Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights
• Easy to customise with broccoli, snow peas, capsicum or carrots
This satay chicken stir fry is fast, reliable and packed with flavour. The real difference maker is Jimmy’s Saté Sauce. It delivers that rich, nutty, restaurant-style depth without complicated ingredients or long simmering. Once you cook with it, you will understand why it is such a staple in Aussie Chinese kitchens.
What Makes Jimmy’s Saté Sauce So Special?
Jimmy’s has that unmistakable Malaysian Chinese satay flavour. It is savoury, spicy and nutty with a deep roasted peanut aroma that intensifies as it warms. The balance of chilli, spice and richness gives you that true restaurant style depth that is hard to replicate at home. Once it hits the pan, it melts into a glossy, full flavoured stir fry sauce every single time.
Where to Buy Jimmy’s Saté Sauce
Jimmy’s Saté Sauce is most commonly found at Asian grocery stores, independent supermarkets and specialty food shops across Australia. Many Harris Farm Markets stock it as well.
If you prefer to order online, it is available through retailers such as Amazon and specialty Asian food stores. Look for the jar with the green label. That is the authentic Jimmy’s Saté Paste used in countless Australian Chinese takeaway kitchens.
Tips For The Best Satay Chicken
- Velvet the chicken properly. This is what gives you that silky, tender texture you expect from a good Chinese restaurant.
- Start with 1 tablespoon of Jimmy’s Saté Sauce, then increase to suit your preferred heat level.
- Add water gradually when loosening the sauce so you can control how thick and glossy it becomes.
- Lightly steam vegetables first if adding broccoli or snow peas. This keeps them vibrant and crisp rather than overcooked.
- For a richer sauce, add a small splash of coconut milk at the end of cooking.
What to Serve with Satay Chicken
Satay chicken stir fry is best served with steamed jasmine rice or long grain rice to soak up that rich, nutty sauce. It also pairs beautifully with egg fried rice if you want a full takeaway-style meal at home.
Thick rice noodles are another great option. Toss them straight through the sauce so they absorb all the flavour. For something lighter, serve alongside simple stir fried greens such as bok choy or snow peas.
Finish with sliced spring onion or a sprinkle of roasted peanuts for extra texture.
Storing Leftover Satay Chicken
Store leftover satay chicken stir fry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave until piping hot.
To freeze, transfer to a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating until heated through.
Satay Chicken Stir Fry FAQs
Can I use a different satay sauce instead of Jimmy’s?
Yes. You can substitute another satay paste, but the flavour may vary. Jimmy’s has a distinctive roasted peanut and chilli profile that gives this stir fry its authentic restaurant-style taste.
How do Chinese restaurants make chicken so tender?
Chinese restaurants use a technique called velveting. The chicken is marinated with cornflour, soy sauce and a small amount of bicarb soda before cooking, which keeps it silky and tender.
Can I make this satay chicken less spicy?
Yes. Start with 1 tablespoon of Jimmy’s Saté Sauce and adjust to taste. You can also add a splash of coconut milk to mellow the heat.
Can I add vegetables to this satay chicken stir fry?
Absolutely. Broccoli, snow peas, capsicum, carrots or baby corn all work beautifully. Lightly steam firmer vegetables first for the best texture.
Is this satay chicken freezer friendly?
Yes. Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat until hot.
More Chinese Takeaway Style Recipes
- Grilled Satay Chicken with Sate Sauce (Using Jimmy’s)
- Restaurant-Style Sweet and Sour Pork (Extra Crispy!)
- Easy Air-Fryer Chinese BBQ Pork (Char Siu)
- Satay Chicken Wings
- Satay Chicken Noodles
- Chinese Chicken with Roasted Almonds (Easy and Delicious)
- Chinese Ham and Chicken Rolls (Cheats Version!)
- Crispy Lemon Honey Chicken
Love cooking with Jimmy’s? Find more easy recipes and tips in my Jimmy’s Saté Sauce Guide.
Satay Chicken Stir Fry
Ingredients
VELVETED CHICKEN
- 2 large chicken breast fillets, thinly sliced against the grain (about 500 to 600g)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Chinese cooking wine
- 2 teaspoons cornflour
- ¾ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
- ¼ teaspoon ground white pepper
SATAY STIR FRY
- 2 tablespoons neutral cooking oil, such as canola, rice bran or vegetable
- 1 large brown onion, cut into large cubes
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons caster sugar
- ⅓ cup smooth peanut butter
- 1-2 tablespoons Jimmy's Sate Sauce, adjust to taste
- ½ – 1 cup water, added gradually
- 2 cups lightly steamed broccoli florets, optional
TO SERVE
- Cooked jasmine or long grain rice
- Sliced spring onions, optional
Instructions
VELVETED CHICKEN
- Place the sliced chicken, soy sauce, Chinese cooking wine, cornflour, bicarbonate of soda and white pepper in a bowl. Mix well to coat evenly. Set aside for at least 10 minutes to marinate.
SATAY STIR-FRY
- Heat 2 teaspoons of the oil in a wok or large non stick pan over high heat. Add half the chicken in a single layer. Let it sit undisturbed for 30 to 60 seconds to lightly brown, then stir fry until just cooked. Transfer to a plate. Repeat with the remaining chicken.
- Heat the remaining oil in the pan. Add the onion and stir fry for 1 minute. Add the curry powder and sugar and stir to combine. Return all the chicken to the pan and cook for another minute.
- Add the peanut butter and Jimmy’s Saté Sauce. Stir well to coat. Gradually add water, stirring, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency (you may not need it all).
- If using broccoli, add it now and stir until heated through. Serve with steamed rice and garnish with sliced spring onion if desired.
Notes
- Oven Temperatures: Oven temperatures are for conventional ovens. If using fan forced, reduce the temperature by 20°C.
- Measurements: This recipe uses Australian cups and tablespoons. 1 teaspoon = 5 ml, 1 tablespoon = 20 ml and 1 cup = 250 ml.
- Shaoxing Wine (Chinese Cooking Wine): Shaoxing wine adds authentic depth and savoury flavour to the velveted chicken. If unavailable, substitute with dry sherry. Avoid sweet cooking wines.
- Velveting Tip: Do not skip the bicarbonate of soda. It is the key to achieving that tender, silky restaurant-style texture.
- Vegetables: Broccoli is optional but highly recommended for added texture and volume. Snow peas, capsicum or sliced carrots also work well.
- Jimmy’s Sate Sauce: Jimmy’s Saté Sauce is an authentic Malaysian style satay paste with a bold roasted peanut, chilli and spice flavour. It creates the rich, glossy restaurant-style sauce that makes this dish taste just like your local Chinese takeaway.
- The sauce has a noticeable heat. Start with 1 tablespoon and increase to suit your taste.
- Available at most Asian grocery stores, independent supermarkets, Harris Farm Markets and selected online retailers.
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