Thai Grilled Chicken Skewers with Coconut Peanut Sauce Recipe

If you’re looking to wow friends and family with an irresistible appetizer or main, these Thai Peanut Grilled Chicken Skewers are guaranteed to steal the show. Each juicy morsel is infused with a vibrant, tangy-sweet marinade, then grilled to perfect char and dunked in silky homemade peanut sauce—complete flavor fireworks with every single bite!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients and a few fresh additions, you can achieve the crave-worthy taste of Thai Peanut Grilled Chicken Skewers right at home. Every component here adds something special—think rich umami, vibrant colors, and layers of aromatic flavor.

• Soy Sauce: This gives a deep, savory base to both the chicken marinade and the peanut sauce.
• Dark Brown Sugar: Adds caramel-like sweetness and helps the chicken caramelize beautifully on the grill.
• Lime Zest & Fresh Lime Juice: Freshens and brightens both marinade and sauce, balancing the richness.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the chicken juicy and prevents it from sticking to the grill.
• Garlic: Aromatic and essential for that punchy, classic Thai flavor.
• Curry Powder: Adds warmth and an unmistakable golden color to the chicken.
• Ground Ginger & Cardamom: Delivers subtle heat and floral undertones.
• Salt: Rounds out all the flavors.
• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: They cook quickly, stay tender, and soak up every bit of marinade.
• Coconut Milk (full fat): Brings creamy sweetness and that signature Thai richness to the peanut sauce.
• Peanut Butter: The centerpiece of the sauce—choose creamy for smoothness or crunchy for extra texture.
• Red Curry Paste: Packs a punch of heat and fragrant spice.

Variations

There’s so much room to make these Thai Peanut Grilled Chicken Skewers your own! Swap out what you have, ramp up the spice, or adjust to suit your crowd—these skewers are naturally flexible and welcome creative tweaks.

• Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts: Thighs add extra juiciness and hold up beautifully to the grill and bold marinade.
• Spicy Peanut Sauce: Kick up the heat by adding more red curry paste or even a splash of Sriracha for serious spice-lovers.
• Vegetarian Option: Use extra-firm tofu or portobello mushrooms in place of chicken for a delicious plant-based version.
• Nut-Free: Swap out peanut butter for sunflower seed butter—the sauce stays creamy and rich without nuts.

How to Make Thai Peanut Grilled Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even ½-inch thickness—this not only helps them cook evenly, but also makes every bite beautifully tender. Cut the breasts into bite-size 1½-inch pieces so they’ll pick up every bit of that incredible marinade.

Step 2: Make and Marinate

Mix together the soy sauce, dark brown sugar, lime zest, oil, garlic, curry powder, ginger, cardamom, and salt in a large bowl. Coat the chicken pieces well in this aromatic mixture, then cover and refrigerate. Be patient! Let them marinate at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can, to soak in all those flavors.

Step 3: Prepare That Dreamy Peanut Sauce

While the chicken works its magic in the fridge, whisk together the coconut milk, peanut butter, brown sugar, soy sauce, and red curry paste in a saucepan. Simmer gently for three minutes, then finish with fresh lime juice. The sauce should be glossy, creamy, and so tempting you’ll want to eat it by the spoonful!

Step 4: Skewer & Grill

Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers—don’t pack them too tightly so you get lovely char on all sides. On a heated, greased grill, cook for about 10 minutes, turning once, until the chicken is just cooked through and irresistibly golden. Serve immediately with plenty of warm peanut sauce and some lime wedges on the side.

How to Serve Thai Peanut Grilled Chicken Skewers

Garnishes

Sprinkle your Thai Peanut Grilled Chicken Skewers with chopped fresh cilantro, slivered green onions, and a handful of crushed peanuts for crunch. Add a few lime wedges so everyone can squeeze over that fresh zing right at the table—these little touches make every bite pop.

Side Dishes

Pair these skewers with jasmine rice or coconut rice to soak up extra sauce. Quick-pickled veggies, a crisp cucumber salad, or even grilled pineapple add freshness and a sweet contrast that brings the whole meal together beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Thread skewers onto platter-length bamboo sticks for dramatic, party-ready presentation, or serve as mini-skewers for bite-size cocktail appetizers. Create a vibrant “skewer board” with bowls of peanut sauce, pickled veggies, and crunchy toppings so guests can build their own plates.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place cooled, leftover Thai Peanut Grilled Chicken Skewers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For best texture, store the peanut sauce separately to keep the chicken from getting too soft.

Freezing

You can freeze the marinated, uncooked chicken pieces (without the sauce) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then skewer and grill. The peanut sauce doesn’t freeze as well, but it’s easy to whip up fresh while the chicken is cooking.

Reheating

For the juiciest results, reheat chicken skewers in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes, just until warmed through. Microwave gently if you’re in a hurry, but cover with a damp paper towel to keep the chicken moist. Warm the peanut sauce separately and drizzle or dip to your heart’s content!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something fun, flavorful, and just a touch adventurous, these Thai Peanut Grilled Chicken Skewers are the way to go. Whether you’re grilling for a casual weeknight or sharing with a crowd, this dish is all about bringing smiles to the table. Give them a try—you’ll be hooked from the first bite!

Print