Name: Thai Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 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; 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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Thai Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce are a festival of flavors, textures, and colors all on a single plate: tender chunks of chicken sing with a savory, spiced marinade, and they’re paired with an ultra-creamy peanut sauce with just enough tang and heat to keep you craving each bite. This dish brings a vibrant, street-food energy into your own backyard, and once that grill starts sizzling, you’ll know you’re about to serve up something extraordinary. Whether you’re hosting a laid-back summer cookout or just want to shake up a weeknight meal, these skewers are pure crowd-pleasers that never disappoint.

Ingredients You’ll Need

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Thai Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce is short, but each component pulls its weight for an unforgettable result. From bold spices to creamy coconut milk, every item levels up the flavor and makes this dish shine. Let’s break down what each one brings to the party!

Soy sauce: Savory and slightly salty, it gives the marinade its deep umami flavor.
Dark brown sugar: Adds richness and a touch of caramelized sweetness – don’t skip it!
Zest of one lime: The bright, citrus oils lift the whole dish and add a punch of freshness.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the chicken juicy and helps distribute the marinade evenly.
Garlic cloves: Three cloves minced add pungency and an irresistible aroma.
Curry powder: Brings warmth and subtle earthy flavor to the mix.
Ground ginger: Provides a gentle heat, balancing out the sweetness of the brown sugar.
Ground cardamom: Just a whisper, but it adds a delicate, floral note to the marinade.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and making all the other flavors pop.
Chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless, and trim to even pieces for perfect, juicy skewers.
Coconut milk: Go with full-fat! It delivers the creamy body and rich taste in the peanut sauce.
Peanut butter: Creamy is best for that classic satay sauce texture.
More dark brown sugar: Once again, adds mellow sweetness to balance the sauce.
More soy sauce: It ties the peanut sauce back to the marinade with salty depth.
Red curry paste: Just a little for color, gentle heat, and an aromatic boost.
Fresh lime juice: A splash of acidity brightens everything up at the finish.
Lime wedges (optional): For squeezing just before serving, adding fresh zing to every bite.

How to Make Thai Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by ensuring your chicken cooks evenly and comes out extra juicy. Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of wax or parchment paper, then gently pound them to an even ½-inch thickness—this guarantees your skewers won’t have dry bits or undercooked surprises. Slice the chicken into bite-sized 1½-inch pieces and set aside. This step is your golden ticket to tender, grill-ready chicken.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Next, it’s time to infuse maximum flavor. Grab a large bowl and whisk together the soy sauce, dark brown sugar, lime zest, vegetable oil, garlic, curry powder, ginger, cardamom, and salt. This heady marinade is bold and vibrant, the real heart of your Thai Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce. Toss the chicken pieces in until fully coated, cover with plastic wrap, and let them chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight if you can—that patience pays off in taste!

Step 3: Make the Peanut Sauce

While the chicken marinates, prepare the addictive peanut sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the coconut milk, peanut butter, brown sugar, soy sauce, and red curry paste. Whisk everything together over medium heat until smooth. Bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring now and then, for about 3 minutes to meld the flavors. Just before you’re done, stir in the fresh lime juice to add a welcome splash of acidity. Set this sauce aside—it’s the creamy dip and drizzle everyone will fight over.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

Time to fire up the grill! Heat it to high while you thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers. Lightly oil the grill grates (or your grill pan) to keep everything from sticking. Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for about 10 minutes, flipping once. You’re looking for beautiful, caramelized edges and fully cooked centers. Serve straight off the grill, heaped on a platter with a bowl of that luscious peanut sauce and plenty of lime wedges.

How to Serve Thai Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce

Garnishes

For a burst of color and a final hit of fresh flavor, serve your skewers with lime wedges, a sprinkle of chopped peanuts, and maybe a handful of fresh cilantro. These little touches add crunch and brightness, making your plate look as vibrant as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Thai Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce are right at home next to fragrant jasmine rice, a quick cucumber salad, or even grilled vegetables. Light sides balance the richness of the sauce and help soak up every drop of that peanuty goodness. And if you want a true feast, a side of sticky rice is always a winner!

Creative Ways to Present

Turn these skewers into party food by serving them appetizer-style on a platter with individual dipping cups of peanut sauce. Or, try piling the sliced chicken over a big salad with crunchy greens and a drizzle of sauce for a lighter meal. They’re stunning served family-style at the center of the table—just let everyone grab, dip, and devour.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Thai Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. The chicken and sauce should be kept separate if possible to prevent the chicken from getting soggy. Enjoy your leftovers within 3 days for the freshest results.

Freezing

You can freeze the marinated, uncooked chicken pieces for up to three months—just store them in a freezer bag and thaw in the refrigerator when you’re ready to grill. The peanut sauce also freezes beautifully in a separate container; just give it a good stir once thawed.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken skewers in a low oven or in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Warm up the peanut sauce in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of coconut milk or water if it’s too thick. Avoid microwaving the chicken, as it can dry out the meat.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Thighs are even juicier and more flavorful, though they may take a minute or two longer to grill. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces and follow the rest of the recipe as written.

What if I don’t have a grill?

Not a problem. You can easily use a grill pan on the stove or even broil the skewers in the oven. Just make sure to turn them halfway through and watch for that gorgeous caramelization!

Is this dish spicy?

The red curry paste in the peanut sauce adds a gentle warmth, but overall the dish is on the mild side. If you love heat, add a pinch of chili flakes or a bit more curry paste to the sauce for extra kick.

Can I prepare the marinade and sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make both up to a day before. Keep the marinade separate from the chicken until you’re ready to marinate, and store the peanut sauce covered in the fridge. Just stir and gently reheat the sauce when it’s time to serve.

How long do I need to marinate the chicken?

For the best flavor, aim for at least 4 hours. If you’re pressed for time, a quick 1 hour will work in a pinch, but overnight marinating makes Thai Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce truly spectacular.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to shake up your grilling game, Thai Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce deserve a spot on your table. With their irresistible flavors and beautiful presentation, they’re sure to become a favorite in your rotation. Fire up the grill, gather some friends, and dive in!

Thai Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 9 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Thai Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers are bursting with flavor from a zesty marinade, served with a creamy peanut sauce. Perfect for a barbecue or weeknight dinner!

Instructions

Prep the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even ½-inch thickness between two pieces of wax or parchment paper. Cut the breasts into 1½-inch pieces and set aside.
Marinate the Chicken: Combine soy sauce, dark brown sugar, lime zest, vegetable oil, garlic, curry powder, ginger, cardamom, and salt in a large bowl. Add chicken pieces, mix until coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Make the Peanut Sauce: Whisk coconut milk, peanut butter, brown sugar, soy sauce, and red curry paste in a saucepan. Simmer, then cook over medium heat for about 3 minutes. Stir in lime juice and set aside.
Grill the Chicken: Thread chicken onto skewers. Preheat grill, grease, and grill skewers for about 10 minutes, turning once, until cooked through. Serve with peanut sauce and lime wedges.