Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce Recipe
If you are craving a dish bursting with vibrant flavors, irresistible textures, and a touch of exotic flair, then this Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. Juicy, marinated chicken grilled to perfection and paired with a creamy, tangy peanut sauce creates a taste experience that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re entertaining friends or wanting a quick weeknight dinner upgrade, these skewers bring the fresh, aromatic charm of Thai cuisine right to your grill and table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this recipe right is all about simple, fresh ingredients that each bring something special to the party—balancing savory, sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy notes for an unforgettable bite.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces for quick, even grilling and easy eating.
- Soy sauce: Adds deep umami and saltiness, essential for the marinade and the peanut sauce.
- Brown sugar: Provides a mellow sweetness that balances the salt and spice perfectly.
- Fish sauce: A little goes a long way to boost authentic Thai flavor complexity.
- Lime juice: Brightens the marinade and peanut sauce with zesty acidity for freshness.
- Garlic and ginger: Minced to release their fragrant, pungent aromas, grounding the dish in classic Thai aromatics.
- Chili paste: Perfect for those who like a gentle kick—it can always be adjusted to taste.
- Vegetable oil: Helps with grilling and keeping the skewers juicy.
- Peanut butter: The hero of the sauce, creamy and rich, tying all the flavors together smoothly.
- Honey: Adds a mellow sweetness to the peanut sauce, balancing the heat and saltiness.
- Fresh cilantro: Used as a vibrant garnish that complements the dish’s bold flavors and adds a pop of green.
- Wooden or metal skewers: Soak wooden skewers beforehand to prevent burning and ensure easy handling.
How to Make Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Flavorful Marinade
Start by mixing soy sauce, brown sugar, fish sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, minced ginger, and chili paste in a large bowl. This combination infuses the chicken with a zesty, sweet, and savory marinade that will make every bite sing.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken Pieces
Toss the chicken pieces into the marinade, making sure each piece is coated thoroughly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, letting the chicken soak for up to 2 hours helps deepen the flavors and tenderize the meat beautifully.
Step 3: Whip Up the Irresistible Peanut Sauce
While the chicken takes in its marinade, combine creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, and chili paste in a separate bowl. Gradually stir in water until the sauce reaches a luscious, pourable consistency. This sauce is the creamy, tangy partner your grilled chicken deserves.
Step 4: Preheat Your Grill
Get your grill heated to medium-high heat, whether it’s an outdoor grill or a grill pan. A hot grill ensures those gorgeous char marks and locks in juicy flavors. Lightly grease the grill surface to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Assemble the Skewers
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto your soaked wooden or metal skewers. Be sure to leave a little space between each chunk—this helps the heat circulate evenly and prevents the chicken from steaming instead of grilling.
Step 6: Grill the Chicken to Perfection
Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning regularly. Watch as the chicken develops smoky grill marks and the aroma fills the air. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is juicy and tender.
Step 7: Rest and Dress
Once off the grill, let the skewers rest a few minutes; this allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite stays moist. Drizzle generously with the creamy peanut sauce and sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for that perfect finishing touch.
How to Serve Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is a classic garnish that adds a bright, herbal note and vibrant color. You might also consider thinly sliced green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for added texture and flavor contrast.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, serve these skewers alongside steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice, crunchy cucumber salad, or a light, crisp slaw. These sides help balance the rich peanut sauce and keep the meal feeling fresh and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken skewers over a bed of mixed greens for an easy salad or with warm flatbreads and extra peanut sauce on the side for dipping. They also shine as appetizers, served on a platter with toothpicks for casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To keep the best flavor, store the peanut sauce separately and drizzle it just before serving.
Freezing
You can freeze grilled chicken skewers by wrapping them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your skewers gently on a grill pan or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out the chicken. Reapply peanut sauce after reheating for the freshest taste.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and a bit more flavor, making them an excellent choice for this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as they may take a bit longer to cook through.
How spicy is the chili paste in this recipe?
The chili paste adds a gentle heat that you can easily control. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the amount or omit it altogether. For more heat, feel free to add extra chili paste or sriracha.
Is it necessary to soak wooden skewers?
Yes, soaking wooden skewers for about 30 minutes before grilling prevents them from catching fire or burning while cooking. If you use metal skewers, soaking isn’t required.
Can I make the peanut sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! The peanut sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Give it a good stir before serving and add a splash of water if it thickens too much.
What can I serve with this recipe for a complete meal?
Classic accompaniments include steamed or coconut rice, fresh cucumber salad, and perhaps some grilled vegetables like bell peppers or asparagus. These sides keep the meal balanced and wholesome.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce Recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create a meal that feels both special and satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and has everyone asking for seconds. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a regular crowd-pleaser in your home!
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Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring marinated chicken pieces grilled to perfection and served with a creamy, spicy peanut sauce. Perfect for a quick dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe combines sweet, tangy, and savory Thai flavors with a hint of heat for a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Skewers
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili paste (adjust for spice preference)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Peanut Sauce
- ⅓ cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1–2 teaspoons chili paste or sriracha (adjust for spice preference)
- Water, as needed for thinning
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a large bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, ginger, and chili paste. Stir until well combined.
- Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are coated evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
- Make Peanut Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, and chili paste. Add water gradually until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Set aside.
- Preheat Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a grill pan, lightly grease it and place over medium heat.
- Assemble Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
- Grill Chicken: Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and has developed nice grill marks.
- Check Doneness: Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Serve Skewers: Remove from the grill and let the skewers rest a few minutes. Drizzle with the peanut sauce and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent burning.
- Adjust chili paste levels in both marinade and peanut sauce to suit your spice preference.
- You can prepare the peanut sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked for safety and optimal juiciness.
- If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan on the stovetop or broiler can be used as alternatives.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Thai
