If you’re craving something that brings bold, vibrant flavors and a touch of exotic charm to your dinner table, then you are going to adore this Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce Recipe. Juicy, marinated chicken perfectly charred on the grill meets a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy peanut sauce for a dish that’s as fun to eat as it is to make. Whether you’re gathering friends for a casual barbecue or just treating yourself to a weeknight dinner that never feels ordinary, these skewers deliver an explosion of flavor that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and quality ingredients, each carefully chosen to build layers of authentic Thai flavors, vibrant textures, and that irresistible sweet-and-spicy kick. From the tender chicken breasts to the punchy garlic and zesty lime, every ingredient plays a role in this culinary symphony.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into 1-inch pieces, these are the tender protein base of the skewers.
- ¼ cup soy sauce: Provides savory depth and a salty umami punch.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Adds a gentle sweetness that balances the tang and spice.
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce: Infuses that classic Thai salty aroma and complexity.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Brings fresh acidity that brightens the marinade.
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced: Essential for a fragrant, savory foundation.
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced: Adds warm, peppery zest that complements the garlic.
- 1 teaspoon chili paste: Adjust to spice preference to bring a lively kick.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Helps the marinade cling to the chicken and keeps it juicy on the grill.
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish: Adds a refreshing herbal note and pops of green color.
- Wooden or metal skewers: If using wooden, be sure to soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- For Peanut Sauce: Creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, chili paste or sriracha, and water to thin bring irresistible creaminess and a punch of flavor.
How to Make Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by mixing up a lively marinade that will infuse the chicken with layers of savory, sweet, and tangy notes. Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, fish sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, ginger, and chili paste in a large bowl and stir until the sugar dissolves completely. This marinade is the heart of your delicious skewers, so make sure everything is well combined.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add your chicken pieces to the marinade, gently tossing to coat each piece thoroughly. Cover the bowl and let the chicken relax and soak up all those wonderful flavors in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinating for up to 2 hours will deepen the taste and make each bite even more sensational.
Step 3: Make the Peanut Sauce
While your chicken is marinating, whip up the irresistible peanut sauce. In a separate bowl, whisk together creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, and chili paste. Slowly add water a little at a time until you reach your preferred dipping consistency — smooth and just pourable is perfect. Set it aside to let the flavors meld.
Step 4: Preheat the Grill
Get your grill heating to a medium-high temperature so it’s ready to sear your skewers to juicy perfection. If you’re using a grill pan indoors, lightly grease it and warm it over medium heat. A hot grill is essential for those beautiful char marks and incredible smoky flavor.
Step 5: Assemble the Skewers
Thread the marinated chicken pieces evenly onto skewers, leaving a little breathing room between pieces. This spacing ensures the chicken cooks evenly and develops a lovely, caramelized crust on each side.
Step 6: Grill the Chicken
Place the chicken skewers on your preheated grill and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally to char all sides evenly. Keep an eye on the grill so your chicken stays juicy but gets those irresistible grill marks that add to the flavor and appearance.
Step 7: Check Doneness
The best way to be sure your chicken is perfectly cooked is to check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This guarantees tender, juicy chicken that’s safe and delicious.
Step 8: Serve the Skewers
Once off the grill, let your skewers rest for a few moments to lock in the juices. Drizzle generously with the creamy peanut sauce and sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top for that last burst of freshness. Get ready to enjoy every bite of this heavenly Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce Recipe!
How to Serve Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is the classic garnish here, bringing a bright, herbal lift that cuts through the richness of the peanut sauce. You can also scatter some toasted chopped peanuts for extra crunch and nutty flavor. A wedge of lime on the side invites a fresh squeeze of citrus that makes the dish pop even more.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with fragrant jasmine rice or sticky rice to soak up that luscious peanut sauce. For a lighter touch, serve alongside a crisp cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar and a pinch of sugar. Grilled vegetables or a simple crunchy slaw also complement the skewers perfectly, adding texture and balance to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, consider plating the skewers over a bed of shredded cabbage or lettuce leaves and letting guests wrap their chicken themselves for a fun interactive twist. Another idea is to serve the skewers with small bowls of peanut sauce as a dip, giving everyone the freedom to control how much they want with each bite. Colorful edible flowers or sliced red chili peppers add a visual wow factor to brighten your serving platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover grilled Thai chicken skewers with peanut sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the peanut sauce separate if possible to maintain freshness and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken skewers by placing them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. For best quality, use within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the chicken tender and avoid drying out. Rewarm the peanut sauce separately and drizzle before serving.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving on the grill, plus they carry the marinade flavors really well. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they’re fully cooked.
How spicy is this Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce Recipe?
The level of heat is entirely up to you since the chili paste can be adjusted. Start with a small amount if you prefer milder flavors, and add more for a bolder kick.
Can I make the peanut sauce dairy-free and vegan?
Yes! This peanut sauce recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan, using plant-based ingredients only. Just double-check your chili paste if you’re avoiding fish products.
What can I substitute for fish sauce?
If you’re not a fan or need a vegetarian alternative, soy sauce or tamari can be used. It won’t have quite the same depth, but it still adds a rich umami flavor to the marinade.
Do I have to use wooden skewers?
Nope! Metal skewers work great too and don’t require soaking. Wooden skewers just need to be soaked to prevent burning on the grill.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce Recipe truly hits all the right notes — it’s flavorful, colorful, and downright delightful. Once you try it, it’ll quickly become a staple for your cookout nights and easy dinners alike. So fire up the grill, get those skewers ready, and dive into a meal that feels like a celebration with every bite!
Print
Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Thai
Description
These Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers feature tender marinated chicken pieces infused with authentic Thai flavors, grilled to perfection, and served with a creamy, spicy peanut sauce. Perfect for a flavorful and easy-to-make meal that’s full of vibrant seasoning and a delightful balance of sweet, salty, and spicy tastes.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 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)
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
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, ginger, and chili paste. Stir the mixture until all ingredients are thoroughly blended.
- Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours to deepen the flavor.
- Make Peanut Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, and chili paste. Gradually add water a little at a time, stirring until the sauce reaches your preferred 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 to warm.
- Assemble Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked wooden or metal skewers, spacing them slightly apart to promote even cooking.
- Grill Chicken: Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally to achieve an even cook and attractive grill marks.
- Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), confirming it is safe to eat.
- Serve Skewers: Remove the chicken skewers from the grill and allow them to rest for a few minutes. Drizzle 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 burning.
- Adjust chili paste quantity depending on your desired spice level.
- Can be served with jasmine rice or fresh salad to make a complete meal.
- Leftover peanut sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Ensure chicken pieces are uniformly cut for even cooking.
