These Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers are juicy and flavorful, packed with spices that give them a tasty kick! The peanut sauce adds a rich and creamy touch that’s simply irresistible.
Grilling these skewers is a fun way to enjoy a meal outdoors. Plus, do yourself a favor and drizzle that peanut sauce over everything—it’s like a party in your mouth! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Chicken breast is ideal for skewers because it cooks quickly and stays juicy. If you prefer, you can switch to thighs for a richer flavor, or use tofu for a plant-based option.
Soy Sauce: This adds umami and depth. If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, opt for tamari sauce instead. Light soy sauce can be used for a milder taste.
Fish Sauce: Fish sauce gives a traditional Thai kick. If you’re vegetarian, consider using a bit of soy sauce with a squeeze of lime as a substitute, or use a vegan fish sauce available in stores.
Peanut Butter: Use creamy peanut butter for smooth sauce texture. If you’re nut-free, sunflower seed butter is a good allergy-friendly option. Just note that it will change the flavor a bit.
Coconut Milk: Full-fat coconut milk creates a rich sauce. If you want a lighter version, you can use light coconut milk, but it may be less creamy. Non-dairy milk can work in a pinch, though the taste will differ.
What’s the Best Way to Marinate Chicken for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating chicken is essential for tender and flavorful skewers. Here’s how to do it right:
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, lime juice, and sesame oil. This combination ensures a deep flavor.
- Add the chicken pieces and coat well. The longer you marinate (up to 2 hours), the more flavor it absorbs, so don’t rush this blend!
- Cover and refrigerate. Remember, the acids in lime juice will start to cook the chicken if you marinate too long, so watch the clock!
Patience here pays off big time in taste! Enjoy your grilling!
Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers (With Peanut Sauce)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes if wooden)
For the Peanut Sauce:
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Chopped peanuts and cilantro for garnish
For the Salad (optional):
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup diced cucumbers
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes of prep time and at least 30 minutes for marinating the chicken. The grilling itself will only take about 15 minutes. In total, you can expect to spend around 1 hour, including cooking and preparing the salad. Perfect for a flavorful meal without too much hassle!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Start by taking a large bowl and mixing together the soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, ginger, lime juice, and sesame oil. Once mixed, add your bite-sized chicken pieces and toss them around to coat evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for a more robust flavor.
2. Prepare the Peanut Sauce:
While your chicken is marinating, let’s whip up the peanut sauce! In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the peanut butter and coconut milk. Stir it until it’s smooth and well-blended. Then, add in the soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes (if you’re feeling spicy!). Keep stirring until everything is nicely combined and the sauce thickens a little. Once it’s ready, remove it from the heat and set it aside.
3. Skewer the Chicken:
Once the chicken has marinated, it’s time to grill! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Take those soaked skewers and thread the marinated chicken pieces onto them. Make sure to leave a little gap between each piece so they cook evenly.
4. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the grill and cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You’ll want to make sure the chicken is cooked through and has those beautiful grill marks. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C) for safety.
5. Prepare the Salad:
To complement your skewers, let’s make the salad! In a separate bowl, toss together the shredded carrots, chopped green onions, and diced cucumbers. Give it a light toss to mix everything nicely.
6. Serve:
All done! Serve the grilled chicken skewers hot off the grill, drizzling the peanut sauce on top or serving it on the side for dipping. Don’t forget to garnish with some chopped peanuts and cilantro for that extra flair. Enjoy your delicious grilled Thai chicken skewers with the fresh salad for a complete meal!
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken breast is a popular choice for skewers, you can also use chicken thighs for a juicier option. Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking. You can also substitute with firm tofu for a vegetarian option!
Can I Make the Peanut Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! The peanut sauce can be made a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. If it thickens up, simply stir in a little extra coconut milk or water to reach your desired consistency before serving.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken skewers and peanut sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat the chicken, place it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, and it’s best to give the peanut sauce a quick stir on the stovetop or microwave.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level of the Peanut Sauce?
Yes, you can easily customize the spice level! If you prefer less heat, simply omit the red pepper flakes. Alternatively, for extra heat, you can add Sriracha or a finely chopped chili. Adjust according to your taste preference!
