If you’re craving something tantalizingly savory with just the right touch of sweetness and a creamy, nutty finish, you’re about to fall head over heels for this Thai Grilled Chicken Skewers with Coconut Peanut Sauce Recipe. Juicy, marinated chicken sizzles on the grill, picking up smoky notes, then is paired with a silky, flavor-packed coconut peanut sauce that will have you licking your fingers and reaching for seconds. Quick enough for a weeknight but so impressive you’ll want to make it for every summer gathering, this dish truly brings the excitement of Thai street food right to your own home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Thai Grilled Chicken Skewers with Coconut Peanut Sauce Recipe is that it relies on a handful of simple, well-chosen ingredients. Each plays a starring role, whether it’s building layers of umami in the marinade or creating a sauce that’s creamy, fragrant, and just a little bit spicy. Here’s how they shine:
- Chicken thighs or breasts: Thighs give maximum juiciness, but breasts work too for a lighter bite!
- Soy sauce: Brings out that deep, savory flavor we all love.
- Fish sauce: Adds true Thai depth and irresistible umami, don’t skip it!
- Brown sugar: Provides balance by just gently sweetening the marinade and the sauce.
- Lime juice: Fresh and zippy, this lifts every bite of chicken and sauce.
- Sesame oil: Nutty aroma and richness that makes the marinade unforgettable.
- Garlic: Classic punch of flavor—minced for best texture and taste.
- Fresh ginger: A little zing goes a long way, use freshly grated for brightness.
- Chili flakes (optional): Go as bold or as mild as you like with the heat!
- Wooden skewers: Soak these so they don’t burn—such an easy but essential prep step.
- Creamy peanut butter: The heart of the sauce, creamy texture makes for perfect dunking.
- Coconut milk: For lushness and a dreamy tropical touch.
- Red curry paste: Just a bit wakes up the sauce—add more if you love extra spice.
- Warm water: Use as needed to make the sauce your preferred consistency.
How to Make Thai Grilled Chicken Skewers with Coconut Peanut Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Gather your marinade ingredients—soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes—and whisk them together until everything’s beautifully combined and smelling irresistible. Toss in the chicken pieces and mix until they’re thoroughly coated, then cover the bowl and let it marinate in the fridge for at least an hour. Trust me, the longer the chicken sits, the deeper the flavor will be, so if you have time, let it go overnight for next-level deliciousness.
Step 2: Prep the Skewers and Grill
Once the chicken has marinated, thread the pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers, keeping a little space between each piece for even cooking. Fire up your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, and lay the skewers across. Grill for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning every few minutes so you get those gorgeous grill marks and a hint of char, which is what really sets this Thai Grilled Chicken Skewers with Coconut Peanut Sauce Recipe apart. The chicken should be cooked through and perfectly juicy when finished.
Step 3: Make the Coconut Peanut Sauce
While the chicken is sizzling, pull together your coconut peanut sauce. In a small saucepan, whisk the peanut butter with coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, and just a touch of red curry paste for that signature Thai flavor. Warm over low heat, stirring gently until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and heated through. Add a splash of warm water to thin it to your preferred consistency—perfect for drizzling or dipping!
Step 4: Serve and Savor
To bring the whole Thai Grilled Chicken Skewers with Coconut Peanut Sauce Recipe together, arrange the skewers on a platter and either drizzle the sauce right over the top, or serve it alongside for dunking. The colors will be vibrant, the aromas mouthwatering, and your taste buds will be ready for an adventure.
How to Serve Thai Grilled Chicken Skewers with Coconut Peanut Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Take your serving game to the next level with fresh garnishes! Chopped roasted peanuts give a satisfying crunch, chopped cilantro throws in fresh flavor, and lime wedges make it easy for everyone to adjust their tang. A sprinkle of sliced green onions isn’t just pretty—it adds extra punch, too!
Side Dishes
This recipe absolutely shines when paired with fluffy jasmine rice, which soaks up every drop of that luscious peanut sauce. If you want something lighter, a crisp cucumber salad or quick pickled veggies bring cool balance. Even a fragrant Thai noodle salad will make the meal feel like an authentic Thai feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Skewers always look stunning on a big platter, especially if you fan them out over banana leaves or on a wooden board and scatter extra herbs and lime all around. For parties, try serving the chicken as bite-sized appetizers with mini dipping bowls of coconut peanut sauce! Family-style or passed around at a picnic, each presentation turns these skewers into the showstopper of the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), store the chicken skewers and coconut peanut sauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Both will keep well for up to three days, and the flavors mingle even more beautifully with time. Just be sure to keep the sauce separate for best texture when reheating.
Freezing
This Thai Grilled Chicken Skewers with Coconut Peanut Sauce Recipe is fantastic for meal prep. The marinated, uncooked chicken can be frozen on the skewers—just defrost and grill when cravings strike! Grilled chicken leftovers also freeze well for up to a month; the sauce can be frozen separately, just whisk it back together after thawing for a smooth consistency.
Reheating
To enjoy the chicken again, warm skewers in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or pop them in the microwave for a quicker fix. The peanut sauce gently reheats on the stove or in the microwave; if it thickens too much, loosen it with a splash of water or coconut milk before serving.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving on the grill, chicken breast cooks up beautifully as well—just keep an eye on them so they don’t dry out. Either cut of chicken is delicious in this Thai Grilled Chicken Skewers with Coconut Peanut Sauce Recipe.
Is the coconut peanut sauce spicy?
The base sauce is mild with just a touch of red curry paste for background warmth, but you can easily make it as mild or as spicy as you like. Add more curry paste or chili flakes for extra heat, or scale back for a kid-friendly version.
What can I use instead of fish sauce?
If you need a vegetarian or fish-free alternative, swap the fish sauce for extra soy sauce and a splash of lime. While it won’t be exactly the same, you’ll still have a vibrant, tasty result!
Can I grill these in the oven or on a stovetop grill pan?
Yes! These skewers adapt perfectly to an oven broiler or stovetop grill pan if you don’t have an outdoor grill. Broil close to the heat source for those charred edges, or use a well-oiled grill pan on medium-high heat for similar results.
How far in advance can I marinate the chicken?
You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead of time. This longer marinating time makes the chicken even more flavorful and tender. It’s perfect for prepping in advance to save time before grilling.
Final Thoughts
This Thai Grilled Chicken Skewers with Coconut Peanut Sauce Recipe brings big flavor and a joyful spirit to any table. It’s easy enough for weeknight grilling, yet special enough for a celebration. I can’t wait for you to savor it and share it with your favorite people—let your kitchen be filled with irresistible Thai aromas and happy faces! Give it a try, and you just might find it becomes your new go-to dish for every occasion.
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Thai Grilled Chicken Skewers with Coconut Peanut Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour marinating time)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Thai
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Thai grilled chicken skewers are marinated in a flavorful blend of soy sauce, fish sauce, and aromatic spices, then grilled to juicy perfection. Served with a creamy coconut peanut sauce, this dish is a delicious blend of savory and sweet flavors that will transport you to the streets of Bangkok.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
- wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
For the Coconut Peanut Sauce:
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup coconut milk
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp red curry paste (or more to taste)
- warm water (as needed to thin)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes. Add chicken, toss to coat, and marinate.
- Prepare Skewers: Thread chicken onto skewers. Grill over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until cooked through.
- Make the Sauce: In a saucepan, whisk together peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, and curry paste. Warm until smooth.
- Serve: Serve chicken skewers with coconut peanut sauce on the side or drizzled on top.
Notes
- Pair with jasmine rice or cucumber salad
- Adjust spice level of sauce with more curry paste or chili flakes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers with sauce
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
