Name: Thai Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 4 h 35 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: ¼ cup soy sauce; 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar, packed; Zest of one lime; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon curry powder; ½ teaspoon ground ginger; ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom; ½ teaspoon salt; 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 (13-oz) can coconut milk (do not use low fat); ⅓ cup peanut butter; ¼ cup dark brown sugar, packed; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon red curry paste; 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from 2 limes); 1 lime, cut into wedges (optional)

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If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and a perfect balance of savory and sweet, look no further than Thai Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce. This recipe combines tender, juicy chicken soaked in a fragrant, spiced marinade and grilled to perfection, all paired with a rich and creamy peanut sauce that brings a luscious finish. Every bite delivers a wonderful fusion of Thailand’s bold spices and comforting home-style goodness, making it a standout for any gathering or weeknight dinner.

Thai Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Thai Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce may seem simple, but each one plays a crucial role in layering the dish with complex flavors, vibrant colors, and perfect textures that come together beautifully.

Soy sauce: Adds salty umami depth to the marinade and sauce, grounding the flavors wonderfully.
Dark brown sugar: Brings rich sweetness and a slight molasses note that balances the heat and acidity.
Lime zest and juice: Infuses bright citrus brightness that enhances the freshness of the dish.
Vegetable oil: Creates a smooth base for the marinade to evenly coat the chicken.
Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic adds a pungent, aromatic punch that’s essential for Thai cuisine.
Curry powder: Provides warm, earthy spice that wakes up the palate.
Ground ginger: Brings subtle zing and a touch of warmth to the marinade.
Ground cardamom: Adds floral complexity and an exotic note to the flavor profile.
Salt: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the ingredients.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein that soaks up every bit of the marinade and grills beautifully.
Coconut milk: Provides creamy richness and tropical sweetness for the peanut sauce.
Peanut butter: Offers that nutty, creamy element that makes the sauce irresistibly luscious.
Red curry paste: Adds a gentle heat and authentic Thai spice to the sauce.
Lime wedges (optional): Perfect for squeezing over the finished skewers for an extra citrus kick.

How to Make Thai Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by pounding your chicken breasts to an even ½-inch thickness. This ensures that each piece cooks evenly and stays juicy. Once flattened, cut the chicken into bite-sized 1½-inch pieces. Setting this uniform size helps the chicken grill quickly and consistently, making every skewer a perfect little packet of flavor.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Next, prepare the marinade by whisking together soy sauce, dark brown sugar, lime zest, vegetable oil, minced garlic, curry powder, ground ginger, cardamom, and salt. Toss the chicken pieces in this fragrant, flavorful mixture until fully coated. Cover the bowl tightly and let the magic happen by refrigerating for at least 4 hours or overnight. This slow soak allows the chicken to absorb the spices deeply, ensuring each bite is bursting with layers of taste.

Step 3: Make the Peanut Sauce

While your chicken marinates, it’s time to make the sauce that steals the show. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the coconut milk, peanut butter, brown sugar, soy sauce, and red curry paste until smooth. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors thoroughly, and cook for about 3 minutes. Just before serving, stir in fresh lime juice to brighten the sauce with a tangy finish. This silky peanut sauce elevates the grilled chicken with its creamy, spicy, and citrusy notes.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

Heat your grill to high and prepare it by brushing with oil so the chicken doesn’t stick. Thread your marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, packing them just enough to hold but not crowd. Grill for about 10 minutes total, turning once halfway through to ensure an even cook and those irresistible grill marks. The chicken should cook through, tender and juicy, ready to be dunked in or drizzled with your homemade peanut sauce. Serving with lime wedges is a lovely optional touch that adds a fresh, zesty pop.

How to Serve Thai Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce

Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or toasted crushed peanuts over the skewers for a burst of color and texture that complements the creamy peanut sauce. Thinly sliced red chilies or green onions also add a fresh crunch and a little extra zing, turning your dish into a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

Side Dishes

Pair these skewers with a simple, fragrant jasmine rice or coconut rice for soaking up every drop of sauce. A crisp Asian-style slaw or steamed vegetables like broccoli and snap peas provide contrast and balance to the rich, savory flavors, making your meal feel complete and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Thai Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce on a bed of crunchy lettuce leaves to create mini wraps. Or arrange them alongside sliced cucumbers and mango for a refreshing, Thai-inspired platter perfect for entertaining. Even wrapped in warm flatbread with a drizzle of extra peanut sauce can turn this into a handheld delight!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Thai Marinated Grilled 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 preserve the texture of both components.

Freezing

You can freeze the grilled chicken skewers by wrapping them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to ensure tenderness.

Reheating

To reheat, place the skewers under the broiler or on a hot grill for just a few minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, heat gently in a skillet. Reheat the peanut sauce separately in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until smooth and heated but not boiling.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs have more fat, which means even juicier skewers. Just keep an eye on the grilling time as thighs might take a little longer to cook through.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute the chicken with firm tofu or large portobello mushrooms. Marinate and grill them the same way for a delightful vegetarian twist with the same delicious peanut sauce.

Can I make the peanut sauce less spicy?

Of course! Simply reduce the amount of red curry paste or substitute it with a milder chili paste to suit your heat preference without losing the essential flavor balance.

What kind of skewers should I use?

Metal skewers are great for even cooking and reuse. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken to prevent burning on the grill.

How long should I marinate the chicken for best flavor?

While 4 hours is sufficient for good flavor absorption, marinating overnight will deepen the taste and tenderness, making the skewers even more delicious.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with Thai Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce. The harmony of spices, sweetness, and creaminess wrapped around tender grilled chicken makes this recipe a definite keeper in your culinary repertoire. Give it a try for your next meal and watch how it quickly becomes a cherished favorite among friends and family!

Thai Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 24 reviews

Author: Aiden
Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

These Thai Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers feature tender, flavorful chicken pieces marinated in a vibrant blend of soy sauce, lime zest, and aromatic spices. Grilled to perfection and served with a creamy, tangy peanut sauce made from coconut milk, peanut butter, and red curry paste, this dish offers an irresistible combination of savory, sweet, and zesty flavors, perfect for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main course.

Instructions

Prep the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even ½-inch thickness between two pieces of wax or parchment paper to ensure uniform cooking. Then, cut the breasts into 1½-inch pieces and set them aside.
Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, dark brown sugar, lime zest, vegetable oil, minced garlic, curry powder, ground ginger, ground cardamom, and salt to create the marinade. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and mix thoroughly so each piece is evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate to marinate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor absorption.
Make the Peanut Sauce: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the coconut milk, peanut butter, dark brown sugar, soy sauce, and red curry paste until smooth and combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, and cook for about 3 minutes to meld the flavors. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh lime juice. Set the sauce aside until ready to serve.
Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to high heat and grease the grill grates lightly to prevent sticking. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers evenly. Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for about 10 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the chicken is fully cooked and has a nice charred exterior. Serve the grilled chicken skewers with the prepared peanut sauce on the side and lime wedges, if desired, for an extra burst of freshness.

Notes

For best results, marinate the chicken overnight to deepen the flavors.
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
You can substitute chicken thighs for juicier skewers if preferred.
The peanut sauce can be prepared in advance and refrigerated; reheat gently before serving.
Adjust the amount of red curry paste in the peanut sauce based on your preferred spice level.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Thai