If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances smoky grilled flavor with a rich, creamy sauce, then the Thai Grilled Chicken Skewers with Coconut Peanut Sauce Recipe is a must-try. Packed with juicy, tender chicken marinated in authentic Thai ingredients and complemented by a luscious coconut peanut sauce, this recipe brings the vibrant tastes of Thailand right to your table. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply want a quick, healthy weeknight dinner, these skewers offer simplicity, bold flavors, and a touch of exotic flair that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its straightforward yet essential ingredients. Each element plays a vital role in building layers of taste, texture, and color, making your Thai grilled chicken skewers burst with flavor and character.
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Choose thighs for juiciness or breasts for leaner bites, cut into 1-inch pieces for even grilling.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce: Adds savory depth and a touch of saltiness.
- 1 tbsp fish sauce: A classic umami booster that enriches the marinade with authentic Thai flavor.
- 1 tbsp brown sugar: Balances savory with a subtle sweetness and helps caramelize the chicken on the grill.
- 1 tbsp lime juice: Provides bright acidity that refreshes the palate.
- 1 tbsp sesame oil: Brings a nutty aroma and smooth finish.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Essential for pungency and warmth.
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger: Offers a zingy spice note and fresh brightness.
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional): Adds a subtle heat kick, customizable to your spice preference.
- Wooden skewers (soaked for 30 minutes): Prevents burning and makes for easy grilling on sticks.
How to Make Thai Grilled Chicken Skewers with Coconut Peanut Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes in a large bowl. The combination of these ingredients creates a marinade that’s both tangy and savory, infusing the chicken pieces with flavor and tenderness. Toss the chicken chunks in the marinade, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate it for at least one hour, but overnight is even better to allow the flavors to soak in deeply.
Step 2: Prepare the Skewers and Grill
Once your chicken has soaked up all those delicious flavors, thread the pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers, leaving a little space between each one for even cooking. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat — the secret to beautifully charred chicken lies in a hot surface. Grill the skewers for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking and a lovely smoky crust. The chicken should be cooked through but still juicy inside.
Step 3: Make the Coconut Peanut Sauce
While the chicken grills, stir together the peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, and red curry paste in a small saucepan over low heat. This rich and velvety sauce scoring a balance between creamy sweetness and savory spice is the perfect partner for the grilled skewers. Keep stirring until smooth and heated through, adding a bit of warm water if the sauce feels too thick for drizzling or dipping.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Plate your grilled chicken skewers alongside a generous helping of the warm coconut peanut sauce. You can drizzle it over the skewers or serve it on the side for dipping, letting everyone enjoy the combination however they like. This step brings all the elements together into a colorful, fragrant dish that screams street food done right.
How to Serve Thai Grilled Chicken Skewers with Coconut Peanut Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Add a little fresh crunch and vibrant color by sprinkling chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, and crushed roasted peanuts over your skewers. These garnishes not only enhance the visual appeal but also provide a delightful contrast in textures that make every bite exciting.
Side Dishes
For a complete meal, pair your skewers with fragrant jasmine rice that soaks up the peanut sauce beautifully. Alternatively, a cool cucumber salad dressed with lime and a pinch of sugar offers a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the chicken and sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Thai Grilled Chicken Skewers with Coconut Peanut Sauce Recipe into delightful appetizers at your next party by serving bite-sized skewers on a wooden platter with small dipping bowls of the sauce. Or go for a vibrant Thai-inspired bowl by plating the grilled chicken over rice noodles, fresh herbs, and shredded vegetables for a colorful, healthy meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover grilled chicken skewers and coconut peanut sauce in airtight containers and refrigerate promptly. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy your favorite Thai flavors even on busy days.
Freezing
If you want to save some for much later, freeze the cooked chicken skewers and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers or bags. The skewers keep well for up to 2 months while the sauce may last about a month. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the skewers gently on a grill pan or in an oven to retain their smoky flavor and prevent drying out. Warm the coconut peanut sauce on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid microwaving the sauce to keep its silky texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving on the grill, chicken breasts work well too if you cut them into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Just be careful not to overcook, as breasts dry out faster.
How spicy is the coconut peanut sauce?
The sauce has a mild to moderate spice level thanks to the red curry paste, but you can easily adjust it by adding more or less curry paste or chili flakes depending on your heat preference.
Can I prepare the marinade and sauce in advance?
Yes! Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the flavor beautifully, and the sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Just warm it gently before serving.
What if I don’t have a grill or grill pan?
You can bake the skewers in a hot oven or cook them under a broiler. Keep a close eye on them to get a nice caramelized finish without drying out the chicken.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Always check labels on sauces and pastes to be sure.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the combination of smoky grilled chicken paired with a silky, tangy coconut peanut sauce, and the Thai Grilled Chicken Skewers with Coconut Peanut Sauce Recipe captures this magic in every bite. This recipe is not only full of flavor but also easy enough to make any night of the week. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own — your taste buds will thank you for this delightful, vibrant journey to Thailand!
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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: Dairy-Free
Description
Delight in the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine with these tender and juicy Thai Grilled Chicken Skewers served alongside a creamy, rich coconut peanut sauce. Marinated in a perfect balance of soy, fish sauce, lime, and spices, the chicken is grilled to smoky perfection and complemented by a luscious sauce infused with coconut milk, peanut butter, and red curry paste. Ideal for a flavorful main course that impresses at any gathering or weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
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
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
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chili flakes if using, creating a flavorful marinade base.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss until well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to deeply permeate the chicken.
- Thread the Skewers: Drain the soaked wooden skewers and thread the marinated chicken pieces onto them evenly, being careful not to overcrowd the pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat to get it ready for cooking the skewers.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally to achieve an even, slightly charred finish while cooking the chicken through.
- Make the Coconut Peanut Sauce: While the chicken grills, combine peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, and red curry paste in a small saucepan. Warm gently over low heat, stirring frequently until smooth and heated through. Add a splash of warm water to adjust the consistency if it’s too thick.
- Serve: Plate the grilled chicken skewers and serve warm with the coconut peanut sauce either on the side for dipping or drizzled on top to enjoy a rich, flavorful bite.
Notes
- These skewers pair excellently with jasmine rice or a fresh cucumber salad.
- Adjust the heat level of the peanut sauce by adding more red curry paste or chili flakes according to your spice preference.
- Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning on the grill.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
