If you are craving a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that’s sure to impress at your next dinner or weekend cookout, this Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. Juicy, tender chicken pieces marinated in a fragrant blend of soy, lime, and ginger, then perfectly charred over the grill, come alive with the creamy, slightly spicy peanut sauce that complements every bite. This recipe is a fantastic balance of sweet, salty, tangy, and spicy flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to a bustling street market in Thailand. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a go-to recipe whether you’re cooking for friends or craving something special for yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients right is key to achieving those authentic flavors in this Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce Recipe. Each ingredient plays a unique role, adding layers of aroma, depth, and texture that make this dish unforgettable.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 pound): Tender and lean, perfect for quick grilling and soaking up the marinade.
- Soy sauce (¼ cup + 2 tablespoons): Adds savory umami richness to both the marinade and peanut sauce.
- Brown sugar (2 tablespoons): Balances the salty and spicy elements with subtle sweetness.
- Fish sauce (1 tablespoon): Gives an authentic Thai salty depth that enhances the marinade.
- Lime juice (2 tablespoons + 1 tablespoon): Brings refreshing acidity that brightens the dish.
- Garlic, minced (2 teaspoons): Offers pungent warmth and complexity.
- Ginger, minced (1 teaspoon): Provides a zesty, spicy note that lifts the flavor.
- Chili paste (1 teaspoon, plus 1–2 teaspoons for sauce): Add as much heat as you like to balance the creamy peanut sauce.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Keeps the chicken juicy and prevents sticking on the grill.
- Creamy peanut butter (â…“ cup): The star of the peanut sauce, creamy and rich.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): Lightly sweetens the peanut sauce for harmony.
- Water (as needed): Helps thin the peanut sauce to the perfect dipping consistency.
- Fresh cilantro: Adds a fresh herbaceous finish and color contrast.
- Wooden or metal skewers: Soak wooden ones to keep them from burning and for easy grilling.
How to Make Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by mixing together the soy sauce, brown sugar, fish sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, ginger, and chili paste in a large bowl. This marinade is the flavor powerhouse that tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with vibrant Thai-inspired notes.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add your chicken pieces to the bowl, making sure each piece is evenly coated with the marinade. Cover and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—if you have a little extra time, marinating up to two hours will deepen those incredible flavors even more.
Step 3: Make the Peanut Sauce
While the chicken marinates, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, and chili paste in a separate bowl. Slowly add water until the sauce reaches a smooth, dippable consistency. This sauce is the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy, making your skewers absolutely irresistible.
Step 4: Preheat the Grill
Set your grill to medium-high heat to get it hot and ready. If you’re using a grill pan, lightly grease it to prevent sticking, and heat over medium. The heat is important to get that lovely char and smoky flavor on the chicken.
Step 5: Assemble the Skewers
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto your soaked wooden or metal skewers, leaving a little space between each piece. This ensures even cooking and helps the heat circulate, giving you juicy, perfectly cooked chicken every time.
Step 6: Grill the Chicken
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally so each side develops those beautiful grill marks. The chicken should be cooked through but still juicy, which makes all the difference in taste and texture.
Step 7: Check for Doneness
Safety first! Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken hits an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This guarantees it’s completely cooked through and safe to enjoy.
Step 8: Serve with Peanut Sauce and Garnish
Once off the grill, let the skewers rest for a few minutes to lock in juices. Then drizzle with your homemade peanut sauce and sprinkle fresh cilantro on top. This final touch adds brightness and a pop of color that makes the dish as beautiful as it is delicious.
How to Serve Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is a classic garnish that adds freshness and a slight citrusy aroma which pairs perfectly with the rich peanut sauce. Lime wedges on the side give guests the option to add a spritz of zesty brightness. Thinly sliced red chili or chopped peanuts can also add a nice crunch and a touch of heat.
Side Dishes
These skewers are wonderfully versatile when it comes to sides. Serve them with a simple cucumber salad for a refreshing crunch or steamed jasmine rice that soaks up the extra peanut sauce beautifully. For something heartier, grilled vegetables or a light noodle salad with a tangy dressing work wonders.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party appetizer, serve individual skewers on a wooden board with small dipping bowls of peanut sauce. You can also turn this into a vibrant platter by arranging skewers on a bed of fresh greens and garnishing with chopped peanuts and herbs. Wrap leftovers in lettuce leaves with a drizzle of sauce for an easy handheld snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the chicken skewers and peanut sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken will stay tender and flavorful for up to three days, making for an easy quick meal or snack.
Freezing
You can freeze the marinated chicken pieces before grilling for up to one month. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before threading and grilling. Cooked skewers freeze well too; place them in freezer-safe bags and reheat gently when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the skewers in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid the microwave if possible to maintain the grilled texture. Reheat the peanut sauce gently on the stove or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring frequently to keep it smooth.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add even more flavor, but they may take a little longer to cook. Just keep an eye on them while grilling to avoid flare-ups.
How spicy is this recipe, and can I adjust the heat?
The recipe includes chili paste, but you can easily adjust the amount to suit your heat preference—use less for mild and add more if you love a spicy kick. The peanut sauce also balances the heat nicely.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute tofu or tempeh for the chicken and marinate and grill them in the same way. The peanut sauce pairs perfectly with these plant-based proteins too.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No grill? No problem! You can cook the skewers under the broiler or in a grill pan on your stovetop. Just watch them closely to avoid burning and turn often for even cooking.
Can I make the peanut sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! The peanut sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before serving and thin it with a little water if needed.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about this Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce Recipe—an irresistible combination of fresh, bold flavors and comforting creaminess that feels both exotic and familiar. Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight dinner or an impressive gathering, these skewers bring joy and excitement to the table. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a beloved staple in your recipe collection!
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: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Thai
Description
These Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish perfect for any occasion. Marinated in a delicious blend of soy sauce, lime, garlic, and chili paste, then grilled to perfection and served with a creamy, tangy peanut sauce. This recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors with fresh cilantro garnish for a bright finish.
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, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, ginger, and chili paste. Stir until well combined to create the marinade base.
- Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is coated evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to develop.
- Make Peanut Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, and chili paste. Gradually add water until you achieve your desired sauce consistency. Set aside for serving.
- Preheat Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a grill pan, lightly grease it and heat over medium heat to prepare for cooking the skewers.
- Assemble Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece to ensure even cooking and good heat circulation.
- Grill Chicken: Place the assembled skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken pieces have cooked through and show nice grill marks.
- Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Serve Skewers: Remove the skewers from the grill and allow the chicken to 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 burning.
- Adjust the amount of chili paste according to your preferred spice level.
- For an extra smoky flavor, cook the chicken over charcoal rather than gas grill.
- Leftover peanut sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- This recipe can be adapted with vegetables on skewers for a complete meal.
