If you’ve been craving a dish that bursts with the vibrant flavors of Southeast Asia while being surprisingly simple to make at home, you’re going to adore this Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce Recipe. Imagine juicy, tender chicken, perfectly marinated in a blend of soy, lime, garlic, and a touch of chili, all grilled to smoky perfection and paired with a luscious, slightly spicy peanut sauce. It’s the kind of recipe that transforms any meal into a festive occasion, effortlessly bringing bold taste and a comforting touch of warmth to your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential—they each bring a unique layer of flavor, texture, and color to make your Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce Recipe truly stand out. From the tangy lime juice to the creamy peanut butter, every item plays a vital role in crafting that perfect balance between sweet, savory, spicy, and fresh.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into 1-inch pieces for quick, even grilling.
- ¼ cup soy sauce: Adds salty umami depth to the marinade.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Balances the savory with a gentle sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce: Boosts authentic Thai flavor with a tangy punch.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Brings brightness and acidity to the mix.
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced: Adds aromatic richness.
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced: For a zesty, fresh spice note.
- 1 teaspoon chili paste: Adjust based on your heat preference; it awakens the palate.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Keeps the chicken moist and promotes beautiful grilling.
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish: Provides herbaceous freshness and color contrast.
- Wooden or metal skewers: Soak wooden skewers for 30 minutes before use to prevent burning.
- For Peanut Sauce:
- â…“ cup creamy peanut butter: Delivers creamy texture and nutty sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds savory depth.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Sweetens and thickens the sauce naturally.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Brings fresh acidity to balance richness.
- 1-2 teaspoons chili paste or sriracha: Provides a spicy kick tailored to taste.
- Water, as needed: To thin the sauce to your ideal consistency.
How to Make Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, fish sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, ginger, and chili paste. Stir well until the sugar dissolves completely, creating a beautifully balanced marinade that’s sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy—exactly what will punch up the chicken’s flavor.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, making sure each chunk is fully coated. Cover the bowl and pop it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors soak in, but if you have time, letting it rest for up to 2 hours deepens the taste beautifully.
Step 3: Make the Peanut Sauce
While your chicken marinates, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, and chili paste in a separate bowl. Gradually add water to thin the sauce to a luscious, pourable consistency perfect for drizzling or dipping.
Step 4: Preheat the Grill
Get your grill or grill pan nice and hot, heating it to medium-high. This heat level is key for getting those signature grill marks and locking in juicy tenderness without drying out the chicken.
Step 5: Assemble the Skewers
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto your soaked skewers, making sure to leave a little space between each piece. This spacing ensures even cooking and helps the smoky flavor penetrate every bite.
Step 6: Grill the Chicken
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally. You want the chicken to be cooked through and to have those gorgeous grill char marks that scream deliciousness.
Step 7: Check Doneness
Confirm the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s perfectly cooked and safe to eat. This step guarantees juicy, tender chicken every time without any guesswork.
Step 8: Serve and Garnish
Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes—this keeps the juices locked in. Drizzle generously with your homemade peanut sauce and sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for that final burst of color and flavor.
How to Serve Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like cilantro add a bright, refreshing contrast to the savory peanut sauce and smoky chicken. A sprinkle of chopped roasted peanuts offers a crunchy texture that complements the creamy sauce beautifully. You can also add thin slices of red chili or lime wedges for extra zing and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Serve these skewers alongside fragrant jasmine rice or a simple coconut rice to soak up the luscious sauce. A crisp cucumber salad or a crunchy green papaya salad works wonderfully to balance the richness of the peanut sauce with some cool, refreshing crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual party or gathering, arrange the skewers on a large platter with bowls of peanut sauce for dipping. Alternatively, thread the grilled chicken onto skewers and serve over noodle bowls with shredded veggies and herbs for a vibrant, Instagram-worthy meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover grilled chicken skewers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the peanut sauce separate will help maintain its fresh texture.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken skewers, but for best flavor and texture, freeze the marinated raw chicken skewers instead. Place them in a freezer-safe bag and use within 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling.
Reheating
Reheat leftover skewers gently in an oven set at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it may dry out the chicken. Refresh with a drizzle of peanut sauce before serving.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and will add more richness to the skewers. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces and adjust grilling time slightly if needed.
How spicy is the Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce Recipe?
The spice level is flexible depending on how much chili paste you add. Start with less if you prefer mild and increase it to suit your heat tolerance.
Do I need to soak wooden skewers before grilling?
Yes, soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes helps prevent them from burning on the grill, ensuring safer and easier cooking.
Can I make the peanut sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! The peanut sauce stores well in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just stir well before serving, and add a little water if it thickens too much.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be, if you use gluten-free soy sauce and check that your chili paste does not contain gluten. Always read labels to be sure!
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce Recipe is a total winner for anyone who loves bold flavors but values quick, fuss-free cooking. It’s a dish that brings people together, creates smiles, and makes any meal feel like a special occasion. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and see how it becomes a cherished favorite in your kitchen too!
Print
Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes plus marinating time
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Thai
- Diet: Halal
Description
These Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers are packed with vibrant flavors from a tangy marinade featuring soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, ginger, and chili paste. Perfectly grilled to juicy tenderness, they’re served with a creamy, spicy peanut sauce that complements the chicken beautifully. A quick and easy recipe ideal for a flavorful weeknight dinner or an impressive backyard barbecue dish.
Ingredients
For the 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
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)
For the Peanut Sauce
- â…“ 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, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, fish sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, minced ginger, and chili paste. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is well blended.
- Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, making sure each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Make Peanut Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, and chili paste or sriracha. Gradually add water, a tablespoon at a time, 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 with vegetable oil and place it over medium heat to get hot.
- Assemble Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking and heat circulation.
- Grill Chicken: Place the skewers on the preheated grill or grill pan. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and develops flavorful grill marks.
- Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Serve Skewers: Remove the chicken skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Drizzle generously with the prepared peanut sauce and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
- Adjust chili paste quantity to make the dish more or less spicy based on your preference.
- Serve with steamed jasmine rice or a crunchy cucumber salad for a complete meal.
- The peanut sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Make sure to rest the chicken after grilling to keep it juicy.
