Creamy Thai Peanut Chicken Skewers Recipe for Flavorful Dinners

Sizzling with Southeast Asian flair, these Thai peanut chicken skewers bring a burst of vibrant flavors to your dinner table.

The marinade infuses tender chicken with a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and nutty notes.

Aromatic spices dance alongside creamy peanut sauce, creating a mouthwatering experience that transports you straight to the bustling streets of Bangkok.

Grilled to golden perfection, each skewer promises a delightful combination of charred edges and juicy meat.

The recipe combines simple ingredients with explosive taste, making it an instant crowd-pleaser for any gathering.

Dive into this culinary adventure and let your taste buds embark on a delicious journey through Thai-inspired cuisine.

Thai Peanut Chicken Skewers Ingredient Rundown

• Chicken Thighs: Tender and juicy meat that absorbs marinade beautifully, choose boneless and skinless cuts for easy skewering and maximum flavor absorption.

• Coconut Milk, Lime Juice: Creamy base that tenderizes chicken and adds tropical brightness, select full-fat coconut milk for richest texture.
• Soy Sauce, Fish Sauce: Umami-rich seasoning agents that provide deep savory depth, choose low-sodium versions if watching salt intake.

• Peanut Butter, Dark Brown Sugar, Ginger, Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes: Powerful combination creating sweet, spicy, and nutty profile that transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy dish. Select freshly minced garlic for most intense flavor, and adjust red pepper flakes based on heat preference. Organic peanut butter works wonderfully for more natural taste.

Tools and Essentials for Thai Peanut Chicken Skewers

• Mixing Bowl: Medium-sized bowl for creating the flavorful marinade.
• Whisk: Essential for blending marinade ingredients smoothly.
• Baking Dish: Large dish for marinating chicken pieces.
• Skewers: Wooden or metal skewers for threading chicken (pre-soak wooden ones).
• Baking Sheet: Greased sheet for arranging chicken skewers or pieces.
• Wire Rack: Optional, helps ensure even cooking if not using skewers.
• Grill or Broiler: Cooking equipment for preparing the chicken.
• Tongs: Helpful for turning skewers during cooking.
• Meat Thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature.

Making Thai Peanut Chicken Skewers at Home

• Peanut Sauce Magic

Blend zesty ingredients like creamy peanut butter, tangy coconut milk, and zingy lime juice into a smooth, mouthwatering sauce that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

• Chicken Flavor Bath

Submerge chicken pieces in the luscious sauce, allowing them to soak up delicious flavors for at least an hour, creating a tender and flavor-packed protein ready for cooking.

• Skewer Setup

Thread marinated chicken onto wooden sticks or arrange directly on a cooking surface, preparing for a delightful grilling or broiling experience that will make taste buds dance.

• Cooking Techniques

Choose between two exciting methods: blazing hot grill with perfect char marks or intense broiler creating crispy edges, cooking chicken until it reaches golden perfection and safe internal temperature.

• Delicious Finale

Drizzle reserved cool sauce over sizzling hot skewers, creating a temperature contrast that elevates the entire dish into a restaurant-worthy meal bursting with Southeast Asian inspiration.

Sauce Variations and Cooking Notes for Thai Peanut Chicken Skewers

• Flavor Boosting Tricks: Crush some roasted peanuts and sprinkle them over the skewers for extra crunch and nutty depth right before serving.
• Marinade Magic: For maximum flavor penetration, poke small holes in the chicken chunks using a fork before marinating, helping the sauce seep deeper into the meat.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust the red pepper flakes to match your heat preference – use less for mild flavor or add more if you love a fiery kick.
• Veggie Companion Swap: Transform this recipe into a complete meal by replacing chicken with tofu or adding colorful bell peppers and zucchini chunks alongside the protein for a vibrant skewer mix.
• Sauce Rescue Hack: If the marinade seems too thick, thin it out with a little extra coconut milk or lime juice to achieve the perfect drizzling consistency for serving.

Ideas for Serving Thai Peanut Chicken Skewers

• Tropical Island Party Platter: Create a vibrant display by arranging skewers on a large bamboo board with fresh pineapple chunks, sliced cucumber, and sprinkled chopped cilantro for a burst of color and complementary flavors.
• Noodle Nest Presentation: Nestle the skewered chicken atop a bed of cold rice noodles or vermicelli, drizzling extra peanut sauce over the dish for added moisture and taste excitement that transforms the meal into a complete culinary experience.
• Fresh Crunch Companions: Serve alongside a crisp Asian-inspired slaw made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a light sesame dressing to provide textural contrast and a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, creamy chicken skewers.
• Cocktail Hour Appetizer Style: Cut chicken into smaller bite-sized pieces, arrange on a platter with toothpicks, and offer the peanut sauce as a dipping option perfect for casual gatherings or elegant cocktail parties where guests can enjoy easy, flavorful nibbles.

Storage Tips for Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers

• Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare double the chicken skewers and store extras in airtight containers for quick weekday lunches or dinner shortcuts. These flavor-packed morsels reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven, maintaining their delicious taste.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store cooked chicken skewers in sealed containers for up to 3-4 days. Keep the reserved peanut sauce separately in a refrigerated container, which helps maintain the chicken's moisture and prevents soggy textures.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap uncooked marinated chicken skewers tightly in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air. These can stay frozen for 2-3 months, offering convenient meal prep for busy weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
• Sauce and Marinade Management: Reserve extra marinade for future recipes or quick dipping sauces. Always discard marinade that has been in direct contact with raw chicken to prevent potential foodborne illnesses. Fresh sauce ensures both safety and maximum flavor enjoyment.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 1 hour

Cook Time: 6-16 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 6 minutes – 1 hour 16 minutes

Calories: 610 kcal

Servings: 5

Tantalizing Thai Peanut Chicken Skewers

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 6 minutes – 1 hour 16 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering Thai peanut chicken skewers combine zesty marinade with grilled protein for an irresistible meal. Tangy peanut sauce and charred chicken create a perfect balance of flavors that will delight your palate.

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Ingredients

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• 2 lbs (907 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
• ½ cup (120 mL) creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup (240 mL) full-fat coconut milk, well-stirred
• 2 tbsps (30 mL) fresh lime juice
• 2 tbsps (30 mL) soy sauce or fish sauce
• 1 ½ tbsps (22.5 mL) packed dark brown sugar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (add more to taste for extra heat)

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Instructions

1. Marinade Fusion: Whisk peanut butter, coconut milk, lime juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes into a harmonious, silky sauce that promises robust flavor complexity.
2. Sauce Preparation: Divide the marinade, setting aside one cup for dipping. Immerse chicken chunks completely, ensuring thorough and even coating with the aromatic mixture.
3. Marination Process: Refrigerate the chicken for 1-8 hours, allowing the flavors to deeply penetrate and transform the meat’s texture and taste profile.
4. Cooking Preparation: Thread marinated chicken onto skewers or arrange on a wire rack over a baking sheet to optimize heat circulation and cooking efficiency.
5. Broiling Technique: Position rack near high-heat source, cooking for 6 minutes until chicken reaches 160°F internal temperature, developing a caramelized exterior with perfectly cooked interior.
6. Grilling Alternative: Utilize medium-high heat, positioning skewers over indirect flames and rotating once during the 6-16 minute cooking window to ensure uniform doneness and maximum flavor development.
7. Serving Presentation: Allow cooked skewers to rest briefly, enabling juice redistribution and flavor integration. Plate with reserved chilled sauce, creating a vibrant Thai-inspired culinary masterpiece that balances creamy, spicy, and savory elements.

Notes

• Customize Marinade Strength: Adjust red pepper flakes and ginger to match your heat tolerance, creating a personalized spice level that suits your palate.
• Marinate Strategically: Longer marination (up to 8 hours) develops deeper flavor complexity, transforming ordinary chicken into an extraordinary dish.
• Prevent Cross-Contamination: Use separate containers for raw chicken marinade and reserved dipping sauce to ensure food safety and prevent bacterial spread.
• Monitor Cooking Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 160°F internally, guaranteeing perfectly cooked, juicy skewers without overcooking.

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 6-16 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 610
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 48 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg