What Herbs and Spices Go with Satay Chicken? (10 Options)

Choosing the right herbs and spices can make or break a dish.

But when it comes to satay chicken, there are so many delicious options to choose from.

So, if you’re wondering what herbs and spices go well with satay chicken, read on for my top 10 picks.

What Herbs and Spices Go with Satay Chicken?

The best herbs and spices to use with satay chicken are turmeric, coriander, lemongrass, ginger, chili peppers, and cumin. If you want to add a bit more depth of flavor to your dish, you can also use cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom.

Still looking for ideas?

Then keep scrolling!

Here are 10 herbs and spices that go with satay chicken:

1. Cumin

Cumin has a slightly sweet, warming flavor that works well with chicken.

When used in moderation, it can enhance the flavor of the chicken without overpowering it.

I would recommend using 1/2 teaspoon of cumin for every pound of chicken.

Pro Tip: If you’re not sure how much cumin to use, start with less and add more to taste. It’s easier to add more cumin than it is to take it away!

2. Coriander

Floral and citrusy, coriander is a great way to brighten up chicken satay.

It’s also a common ingredient in many curry pastes, so it works well with the other spices in this dish.

I would recommend using 1 teaspoon of coriander per pound of chicken.

3. Garlic

Garlic is a superhero when it comes to satay chicken.

It works well with the other spices in the dish, and it helps to balance out the sweetness of the coconut milk.

I would recommend using at least 2 cloves of garlic, but feel free to use more or less depending on your taste preferences.

Pro Tip: When chopping garlic, put a little bit of salt on your cutting board.

This will help to keep the garlic from sticking to your knife and making a big mess.

4. Ginger

Ginger is often used in Asian cooking, and it’s the perfect compliment to satay chicken.

It has a warm, slightly spicy flavor that pairs well with the peanut sauce often served with satay chicken.

When using ginger, a little goes a long way.

I would recommend grating about 1/2 teaspoon of ginger for every pound of chicken.

Pro Tip: If you don’t have fresh ginger on hand, you can use ground ginger. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and add more to taste.

5. Turmeric

Turmeric is a spice that works well with satay chicken.

It has a warm, earthy flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the chicken.

When using turmeric, start with a small amount and add more to taste.

A little goes a long way with this spice!

Pro Tip: If you’re using fresh turmeric, be sure to grate it or chop it very finely. Otherwise, it can be quite difficult to eat!

6. Chili Pepper

If you prefer a little heat in your satay chicken, try adding a pinch or two of chili pepper flakes to the marinade.

Chili pepper is a great complement to the other flavors in satay chicken, and it can really kick up the flavor without being overpowering.

Just a pinch or two will do, so start small and add more if you want more heat.

Pro Tip: If you don’t have chili pepper flakes on hand, you can also use a fresh chili pepper.

Just remove the seeds and ribs before adding it to the marinade so it doesn’t make the dish too spicy.

7. Cinnamon

If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, try adding cinnamon to your satay chicken!

Just a pinch or two of this warming spice can really enhance the flavors of the dish and make it even more delicious.

I like to add a bit of cumin as well, but you can play around with the spices to see what you like best.

Pro Tip: When cooking with any new spice, start with less than you think you need.

You can always add more, but it’s hard to take it away once it’s in there.

8. Cardamom

Sure, cardamom is mostly used in sweet dishes like cookies and cakes, but it’s actually a really great spice to use with savory dishes too.

When used in small amounts, cardamom can add a nice depth of flavor to satay chicken.

Just be careful not to add too much, or it will overpower the other flavors in your dish.

Pro Tip: If you want to experiment with using cardamom in savory dishes, start by adding just a pinch and then taste as you go.

You can always add more, but you can’t take it away once it’s added!

9. Cloves

Cloves have a subtly sweet flavor with a hint of spice, making them the perfect addition to satay chicken.

When using cloves, a little goes a long way. I typically use about 1/4 teaspoon per pound of chicken.

Pro Tip: To get the most flavor out of your cloves, grind them fresh using a mortar and pestle or coffee grinder.

10. Fenugreek

Sweet and nutty fenugreek is the perfect herb to pair with satay chicken.

Just a small amount goes a long way in adding flavor to your dish.

I recommend using 1/4 teaspoon of fenugreek per pound of chicken.

You can add it to the marinade or rub it on the chicken before cooking.

Pro Tip: If you can’t find fenugreek, you can substitute with curry powder or garam masala.