Easy Thai Peanut Chicken Skewers Recipe For Summer Grilling

Tantalizing Thai peanut chicken skewers reimagine ordinary dinners into extraordinary culinary adventures.

Vibrant flavors dance across your palate with each succulent bite of marinated meat.

Clever spice combinations elevate this dish beyond typical weeknight meals.

Nutty undertones complement rich, tender chicken pieces that promise maximum satisfaction.

Global influences merge seamlessly in this crowd-pleasing recipe that feels both familiar and exotic.

Complex marinades infuse each morsel with depth and character, creating a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy notes.

Grilling techniques ensure maximum flavor development and irresistible caramelized edges.

You’ll want to make these skewers again and again for family and friends.

Thai Peanut Chicken Skewers Packed with Flavor and Crunch

• Burst with Exotic Thai Flavors: Dive into a mouthwatering fusion of creamy peanut butter, zesty lime, and spicy red pepper flakes that transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of Thailand.
• Master Flexible Cooking Techniques: Enjoy the freedom of broiling or grilling these skewers, making it a perfect recipe for both indoor and outdoor cooking enthusiasts with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Maximize Flavor Through Marinating: Lock in incredible taste by letting the chicken soak up the rich marinade for up to 8 hours, ensuring every bite is packed with intense, complex flavor profiles that'll impress family and friends.
• Quick and Convenient Meal Solution: Whip up these delicious skewers in under 30 minutes of active preparation time, making it an ideal option for busy weeknight dinners or spontaneous weekend gatherings.

Essentials for Making Thai Peanut Chicken Skewers

• Chicken Thighs: Boneless and skinless meat that provides tender and juicy texture, best when cut into uniform bite-sized chunks for even cooking.

• Peanut Butter: Creamy base that creates rich, nutty flavor and helps thicken the marinade.
• Coconut Milk: Full-fat variety adds smooth, tropical richness and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Lime Juice: Bright, citrusy element that adds freshness and helps balance the rich sauce.
• Soy Sauce, Fish Sauce: Umami-rich condiments that provide depth and saltiness to the marinade.

• Dark Brown Sugar: Provides subtle sweetness and helps caramelize the chicken during cooking.
• Ground Ginger: Warm, spicy notes that complement the Thai-inspired flavor profile.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds intense, savory undertones to the dish.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Adds gentle heat and can be adjusted based on spice preference.

Grill Up Thai Peanut Chicken Skewers the Right Way

Step 1: Craft The Flavor-Packed Marinade

• Peanut butter
• Coconut milk
• Lime juice
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Fresh ginger
• Garlic
• Red pepper flakes

Whisk all ingredients in a medium bowl until creamy and smooth. The combination creates a silky sauce bursting with tangy and sweet notes.

Step 2: Marinate And Infuse Chicken

Separate one cup of marinade into a small bowl and refrigerate. Place chicken chunks in a large baking dish, then pour remaining marinade over them. Gently toss to ensure every piece gets completely coated. Cover and let chicken soak in refrigerator for minimum 1 hour, though 8 hours will intensify flavors dramatically.

Step 3: Prepare Skewers Or Baking Setup

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water first to prevent burning. Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers carefully. Alternatively, arrange chicken on a wire rack positioned over a baking sheet for even cooking.

Step 4: Choose Your Cooking Method

• Preheat broiler on high
• Position chicken 4-6 inches from heat source
• Cook 6 minutes
• Check internal temperature reaches 160°F

• Heat grill to medium-high (375-450°F)
• Cook skewers over indirect heat
• Turn once during cooking
• Grill 6-16 minutes
• Ensure chicken is thoroughly cooked

Step 5: Serve And Enjoy

Allow chicken to rest 5 minutes after cooking. Plate skewers and drizzle reserved cold marinade sauce on top. Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions for extra zest.

Quick Fixes and Helpful Tips for Thai Skewers

• Soak Wooden Skewers: Prevent burning by submerging wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before threading chicken.
• Maximize Marinade Flavor: Allow chicken to marinate overnight for deeper, more intense taste sensation.
• Perfect Chicken Doneness: Use meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exact 165°F internal temperature for safe, juicy results.
• Prevent Burning: Place aluminum foil underneath skewers when broiling or grilling to catch drippings and avoid charring.
• Sauce Consistency Hack: Warm reserved marinade slightly before serving to create smoother, more pourable texture for drizzling over chicken.

Reheat Thai Peanut Chicken Skewers Without Losing Juiciness

• Refrigeration: Store leftover Thai peanut chicken skewers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, they'll stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezing: Wrap skewers individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
• Reheating: Warm skewers in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, or reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Add a splash of extra peanut sauce to prevent dryness and revive the original zesty flavors.

Sides That Complement Thai Peanut Chicken Skewers

• Pair with Zesty Slaw: Create a tangy Asian-inspired coleslaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, cilantro, and a lime-rice vinegar dressing to cut through the rich peanut sauce.
• Cool Beverage Companion: Serve with an ice-cold Thai iced tea or a crisp lager beer to balance the spicy and creamy flavors of the chicken skewers.
• Rice Bed Partner: Spread the skewers over fragrant jasmine or coconut rice to soak up the delicious peanut sauce and create a complete meal experience.
• Fresh Herb Boost: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro, mint, and green onions over the skewers to add bright, fresh notes that complement the deep, nutty marinade.

Flavor Changes That Elevate Thai Skewers Even More

• Tropical Coconut Shrimp Skewers: Swap chicken for large shrimp, keeping the same marinade. The seafood absorbs the peanutty coconut flavors beautifully, creating a lighter protein option perfect for summer gatherings.
• Vegetarian Tofu Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu cubes, pressing out excess moisture before marinating. Grill or broil the tofu skewers until golden brown, maintaining the recipe's signature Thai-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Pork Satay Style: Use lean pork tenderloin cut into chunks as an alternative protein. Increase red pepper flakes for extra heat, creating a bolder version that brings more intense flavors to the classic recipe.
• Quick Oven-Baked Version: Skip the skewers and transform this into a sheet pan meal. Spread marinated chicken pieces on a lined baking sheet, roast at 425°F for 15-20 minutes for an easy weeknight dinner solution.

Thai Peanut Chicken Skewers Recipe

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4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Thai peanut chicken skewers bring exotic street market flavors directly to your grill. Marinated tender chicken pieces glisten with a spicy-sweet peanut sauce that whisks you to Bangkok’s bustling culinary landscape.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks

Sauce and Flavoring Ingredients:

• ½ cup (120 milliliters) creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) full-fat coconut milk, well-stirred
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) soy sauce or fish sauce
• 1 ½ tablespoons (22.5 milliliters) packed dark brown sugar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (add more to taste for extra heat)

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Instructions

1. Craft a luscious marinade by vigorously whisking peanut butter, coconut milk, lime juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes into a silky, aromatic blend that promises to elevate the chicken’s flavor profile.
2. Partition the sauce, reserving one cup in a separate container for later use as a dipping companion. Submerge chicken chunks thoroughly in the remaining marinade, ensuring each morsel is generously coated.
3. Refrigerate the marinating chicken for a minimum of one hour, though allowing it to luxuriate in the sauce for up to eight hours will intensify its taste dimensions.
4. Prepare skewers by carefully threading the marinated chicken pieces, or alternatively, arrange the chunks on a wire rack positioned over a baking sheet to facilitate even heat distribution.
5. For broiling, position the rack close to high-temperature heat source, cooking for approximately 6 minutes until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 160°F, with edges caramelizing beautifully.
6. Grilling enthusiasts can opt for medium-high heat, positioning skewers over indirect flames and rotating once during the 6-16 minute cooking window to achieve perfect doneness.
7. Allow the cooked skewers to rest momentarily, permitting juices to redistribute and flavors to settle.
8. Present the skewers accompanied by the chilled reserved sauce, creating a tantalizing Thai-inspired culinary experience that balances creamy, spicy, and savory notes.

Notes

• Perfect for summer barbecues and outdoor gatherings, these Thai-inspired chicken skewers pack a punch of sweet, spicy, and nutty flavors.
• Marinating transforms ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering dish that promises tender, juicy bites bursting with exotic Southeast Asian seasonings.
• Versatile cooking methods like broiling or grilling ensure you can enjoy these skewers year-round, whether indoors or outside.

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg