Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers (With Peanut Sauce!) Recipe

I’ve got a new favorite with these chicken skewers. Juicy pieces marinated in coconut cream, zesty lime, ginger and garlic are char-grilled to perfection then smothered in a creamy peanut sauce. Each bite bursts with bold flavor and chill vibes that satisfy my craving for vibrant, tasty eats always irresistible.

I love making these easy grilled Thai Chicken Skewers with peanut sauce cause they turn out so packed with flavor and nutrition. I start with 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken cut into cubes and marinate it in a mix of 1/2 cup coconut cream, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated ginger, 1 tbsp lime juice and 1 tbsp brown sugar.

This marinade gives the chicken a rich, tangy taste that really holds up on the grill. My peanut sauce is a creamy blend of 1/2 cup peanut butter, 1/2 cup coconut milk, 2 tbsp soy sauce, lime juice, 2 tbsp brown sugar and 1 tsp red curry paste.

I usually thin it with a bit of water if needed. The combo of these ingredients gives you great protein with healthy fats which is perfect for a summer chicken dinner thats also ideal for a casual meal out or a laid back dinner night with friends.

Enjoy!

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe for a bunch of reasons. First, I like how simple and fun it is to make. The marinade of coconut cream, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce really fills the chicken with these amazing flavors that make every bite exciting. Second, I enjoy the peanut sauce because it adds a perfect mix of sweet and spice, sort of like a flavor explosion in my mouth. Finally, I appreciate how versatile it is; it’s great for a quick dinner on busy nights or when I want to impress my friends on the grill.

I recently tried out this chicken skewers recipe and it turned out awesome. Its grilled chicken is marinated in ginger, garlic, coconut cream and soy sauce, which gives it this really rich flavor. I mean, it might not be perfect every time, but honestly, its taste is just so satisfying. Every time I make it I feel like I’m getting the best chicken skewers ever, and it never fails to make my meal feel special.

Ingredients

• Chicken: Lean protein, filling, supports muscle building, key for a hearty and healthy meal.
• Coconut cream: Adds tropical richness and creaminess with healthy fats and subtle sweetness.
• Soy sauce: Provides salty umami flavor; enhances marinade depth, though watch sodium content.
• Garlic: Offers a punchy taste with potential antioxidants; adds zest and warmth to dishes.
• Ginger: Delivers a spicy kick and natural anti-inflammatory benefits, brightening the flavor balance.
• Lime juice: Imparts tangy, fresh citrus notes, infused with vitamin C for an uplifting finish.
• Peanut butter: Blends creamy texture with healthy fats, protein and a slight nutty, sweet flavor.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken (breasts or thighs) cut into cubes
• Marinade:
  • 1/2 cup coconut cream
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tbsp grated ginger
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar

• Peanut Sauce:
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk (or extra coconut cream for a thicker sauce)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp red curry paste
  • 1 to 2 tbsp water to thin it out if needed

• Skewers (wooden or metal)
• Optional: crushed peanuts and extra lime wedges for garnish

How to Make this

1. In a bowl, mix the coconut cream, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, lime juice and brown sugar to make the marinade. Toss your chicken cubes in it and let it sit for at least 15 minutes, or even a bit longer if you got the time.

2. In another bowl, stir together the peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar and red curry paste. Add water a tablespoon at a time until the sauce has a smooth, pourable consistency.

3. If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 15 minutes so they don’t burn on the grill.

4. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

5. Thread the marinated chicken cubes on your skewers evenly, making sure they are not too crowded so they can cook evenly.

6. Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until they are nicely charred.

7. Keep an eye on the chicken so it doesn’t get overcooked; you want the inside to reach 165°F.

8. Once done, take the skewers off the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes.

9. Drizzle the peanut sauce over the chicken or serve it on the side so everyone can dip their pieces.

10. For an extra crunch and burst of flavor, sprinkle some crushed peanuts and add a squeeze of lime over the top before serving. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. At least two mixing bowls – one for the marinade and one for the peanut sauce.
2. Measuring cups and spoons for getting the right amounts of each ingredient.
3. A spoon or whisk for stirring all your marinade and sauce ingredients together.
4. A cutting board with a knife for mincing garlic, grating ginger, and slicing lime if needed.
5. Skewers (wooden or metal), and if using wooden ones, a small bowl or container to soak them in water.
6. A grill that can reach medium-high heat, or a grill pan if you are cooking indoors.
7. Tongs for turning the skewers on the grill so the chicken cooks evenly.
8. A serving plate or bowl to present your finished dish with optional crushed peanuts and lime wedges on top.

FAQ

• Q: How long should I marinate the chicken?
  A: You should marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but if you got time, marinate up to 2 hours for more flavor.
• Q: Can I use both chicken breasts and thighs?
  A: Yep, you can use either breasts or thighs. Thighs might be juicier, but breasts work fine too.
• Q: Do I need to soak wooden skewers before grilling?
  A: Yes, its a good idea to soak wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes so they dont burn on the grill.
• Q: How do I adjust the consistency of the peanut sauce?
  A: If the sauce is too thick, add 1 or 2 tbsp of water until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Q: What grill temperature should I aim for?
  A: It’s best to grill these at a medium-high heat, around 400°F, to get a nice sear without overcooking the chicken.

Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers (With Peanut Sauce!) Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Instead of chicken, you could use shrimp or tofu cubes if you want a different twist. This works great with the marinade.
• If you don’t have coconut cream, try heavy cream or even a mix of heavy cream with a little coconut extract if available.
• Swap out soy sauce for tamari if you need a gluten-free option or use liquid aminos.
• If brown sugar is low, a drizzle of honey or a splash of maple syrup can do the trick, just adjust to taste.
• For the peanut sauce, almond butter works as a substitute for creamy peanut butter if you’re looking for an alternative flavour.

Pro Tips

1) If you got time, try marinating the chicken for a bit longer than 15 minutes. The extra time helps the flavors seep into the meat better so every bite tastes richer.

2) Be sure to use a thermometer to check your chicken when grilling. It doesn’t take much time and helps make sure you hit that safe 165°F without drying it out.

3) When making your peanut sauce, add water slowly until you get just the right smooth consistency. It can be tricky to get it exactly how you like so take your time and stir while you add the water.

4) Always soak your wooden skewers before grilling. This little trick stops them from burning and keeps your chicken pieces secure while they cook.

5) For that extra burst of flavor, don’t skip the crushed peanuts and extra lime squeeze when you’re about to serve. They add a nice crunch and a pop of tanginess to the dish.