How healthy is chicken satay with peanut sauce?

Is chicken satay with peanut sauce healthy? Yes, in moderate portions. Chicken satay with peanut sauce scores 25/100 on the HowHealthyIs Score: 100 g provides 244 kcal, 16 g protein and 54 mg magnesium. Chicken satay is marinated, grilled chicken skewers served with a peanut and coconut sauce: the chicken is lean protein, while the sauce adds healthy unsaturated fat from peanuts along with sugar and calories. Source: standard recipe, USDA FoodData Central ingredients.

  • High in protein
  • Source of omega-3
  • High in saturated fat
Score explained

The score compares nutrient density per 100 kcal across every food we cover (NRF9.3 method). Chicken satay with peanut sauce ranks higher than 25% of them.

Counts in favor (% daily value per 100 kcal)

  • Protein13%
  • Magnesium5%
  • Iron4%
  • Vitamin E4%
  • Potassium3%
  • Fiber2%
  • Vitamin C1%
  • Calcium1%
  • Vitamin A0%

Counts against

  • Saturated fat12%
  • Added sugars3%
  • Sodium6%

Raw NRF9.3: 34 minus 21 = 14. The score is not a verdict on whether to eat a food; portion, the whole meal and your own health matter more. Full methodology

How many calories are in chicken satay with peanut sauce?

Calories586kcal
Protein39g
Carbohydrates24g
Fat39g
Fiber3.7g
Sugars12g
Nutrition facts for chicken satay with peanut sauce. Per 100 g and for the selected portion (240 g). %DV uses FDA Daily Values.
NutrientPer 100 gPer portion%DV
Energy and macronutrients
Calories244 kcal586 kcal
Protein16 g39 g78%
Carbohydrates10 g24 g9%
Fiber1.6 g3.7 g13%
Sugars5.2 g12 g
Added sugars3.5 g8.4 g17%
Fat16 g39 g50%
Saturated fat5.8 g14 g69%
Omega-3 fats0.3 g0.8 g
Vitamins
Vitamin A5 µg12 µg1%
Vitamin C2.8 mg6.6 mg7%
Vitamin D0 µg0 µg0%
Vitamin E1.3 mg3.1 mg21%
Vitamin K4.3 µg10 µg9%
Vitamin B120.4 µg0.9 µg38%
Folate21 µg50 µg13%
Minerals
Calcium31 mg73 mg6%
Iron2 mg4.7 mg26%
Potassium345 mg829 mg18%
Magnesium54 mg130 mg31%
Zinc1.6 mg3.7 mg34%
Sodium327 mg785 mg34%

Estimated from the standard recipe below, using USDA FoodData Central values for each ingredient. Values rounded.

What is in a standard chicken satay with peanut sauce?

We estimate chicken satay with peanut sauce from this standard recipe (serves 4, about 970 g cooked), using USDA values for each ingredient. Home and restaurant versions vary. Includes the peanut sauce; the grilled chicken alone is much lighter.

Ingredients for the whole recipe
IngredientAmount
Chicken thighs, cubed600 g
Turmeric2 g
Ground coriander3 g
Cumin2 g
Lemongrass10 g
Garlic15 g
Shallots50 g
Palm sugar (marinade and sauce)35 g
Soy sauce25 g
Oil30 g
Salt3 g
Roasted peanuts, ground120 g
Coconut milk200 g
Tamarind pulp15 g
Red chili10 g
Water100 g

Why is chicken satay with peanut sauce good for you?

  • 39 g protein in 4 skewers with sauce, 78% of the daily value. Protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass.
  • 0.9 µg vitamin B12 in 4 skewers with sauce, 38% of the daily value. Vitamin B12 contributes to the normal formation of red blood cells.
  • 3.7 mg zinc in 4 skewers with sauce, 34% of the daily value. Zinc contributes to the normal function of the immune system.

Good ways to use it

  • A protein-rich starter or main with cucumber and rice cakes
  • Dipping lightly rather than pouring the sauce over

What should you watch out for?

  • The peanut sauce is calorie-dense and sweetened; it is easy to use a lot.
  • Not suitable for people with a peanut allergy.

Which dishes score higher?

Other dishes with more nutrition per calorie. Variety matters more than picking one winner.

How does chicken satay with peanut sauce compare?

Common questions about chicken satay with peanut sauce

How many calories are in chicken satay with peanut sauce?
100 g of chicken satay with peanut sauce has 244 kcal. A typical portion, 4 skewers with sauce (240 g), has about 586 kcal.
How much protein is in chicken satay with peanut sauce?
Chicken satay with peanut sauce has 16 g of protein per 100 g, or about 39 g in 4 skewers with sauce.
Is chicken satay with peanut sauce good for weight loss?
Chicken satay with peanut sauce is fairly calorie-dense (244 kcal per 100 g), so portion size matters more than the food itself. 4 skewers with sauce is about 586 kcal.

Sources

  1. U.S. Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central, SR Legacy, values for each recipe ingredient (FDC IDs 173627, 172231, 170922, 170923, 168573, 169230, 170499, 168833, 174277, 172336, 173468, 173806, 170173, 167763, 170106, 173647). fdc.nal.usda.gov
  2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Daily Value on the Nutrition and Supplement Facts Labels (21 CFR 101.9).
  3. Fulgoni VL, Keast DR, Drewnowski A. Development and validation of the Nutrient-Rich Foods Index. J Nutr. 2009;139(8):1549-1554.
  4. Monteiro CA, et al. Ultra-processed foods: what they are and how to identify them. Public Health Nutr. 2019;22(5):936-941.

Review and updates

Last updated
Data source
USDA FoodData Central, per ingredient. Not individually reviewed by a dietitian. How we check

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