Grilled Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce

Grilled chicken skewers with peanut sauce are a flavorful and satisfying dish featuring juicy, marinated chicken skewered and grilled to perfection, then served with a creamy, nutty peanut sauce. Perfect for a summer barbecue, weeknight dinner, or party appetizer, these skewers are packed with bold flavors and easy to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Juicy, well-seasoned chicken with a rich and creamy peanut sauce.
  • Easy to prepare and great for grilling or indoor cooking.
  • Perfect as a main dish or an appetizer for gatherings.
  • Pairs well with rice, noodles, or fresh vegetables.
  • Customizable with different spices and protein options.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken Skewers:

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • Soy sauce
  • Lime juice
  • Garlic (minced)
  • Ginger (grated)
  • Honey or brown sugar
  • Olive oil
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
  • Wooden or metal skewers

For the Peanut Sauce:

  • Peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
  • Soy sauce
  • Coconut milk or water
  • Lime juice
  • Honey or brown sugar
  • Garlic (minced)
  • Ginger (grated)
  • Sriracha or chili flakes (optional, for heat)

Directions

Marinate the Chicken:

  1. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, ginger, honey, olive oil, and red pepper flakes.
  2. Add chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for more flavor).

Make the Peanut Sauce:

  1. In a saucepan over low heat, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, coconut milk, lime juice, honey, garlic, and ginger.
  2. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously until smooth. Adjust consistency with more coconut milk or water if needed.
  3. Remove from heat and set aside.

Grill the Chicken Skewers:

  1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers.
  3. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly charred.
  4. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes.

Serve:

  1. Drizzle or dip the skewers in peanut sauce.
  2. Garnish with chopped cilantro, crushed peanuts, and lime wedges if desired.
  3. Serve with rice, salad, or grilled vegetables.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4-6
  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Marinating Time: 30 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

  • Spicy Version: Add extra sriracha or chili flakes to the peanut sauce.
  • Vegetarian Alternative: Use tofu or mushrooms instead of chicken.
  • Oven-Baked: Bake skewers at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway.
  • Nut-Free Sauce: Substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.
  • Extra Crunch: Top with chopped peanuts or toasted sesame seeds.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store cooked skewers and peanut sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze marinated raw chicken skewers for up to 2 months; thaw before grilling.
  • Reheating: Warm skewers in a skillet or oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Microwave peanut sauce for 15-20 seconds and stir before serving.

FAQs

Can I use wooden skewers?

Yes, but soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.

What type of chicken works best?

Chicken thighs stay juicier, but chicken breasts also work well.

Can I make the peanut sauce ahead of time?

Yes, store it in the fridge for up to a week and reheat before serving.

How do I prevent chicken from sticking to the grill?

Oil the grill grates and avoid flipping too early.

Can I cook these skewers on the stovetop?

Yes, cook in a grill pan over medium-high heat for the same amount of time.

What side dishes go well with this dish?

Steamed rice, quinoa, grilled vegetables, or a fresh cucumber salad complement the skewers well.

Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?

Yes, almond butter works as a great substitute.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer—chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Can I marinate the chicken overnight?

Yes, marinating overnight enhances the flavor, but don’t exceed 12 hours to prevent the chicken from becoming too soft.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make it gluten-free.

Conclusion

Grilled chicken skewers with peanut sauce are a delicious, easy-to-make meal packed with bold flavors. Whether you’re grilling for a casual dinner or serving as an appetizer, this dish is sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy a perfect balance of smoky, savory, and nutty goodness

 

 

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Grilled Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce

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  • Author: Mariem
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 12 mins
  • Total Time: 27 min
  • Yield: 4 skewers 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Thai-Inspired

Description

Juicy Grilled Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce make the perfect appetizer or meal, packed with bold flavors and a creamy dipping sauce!


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 lb chicken breast (cubed)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp paprika

Instructions

  • In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika.
  • Toss chicken in the marinade and let sit for 15 minutes.
  • Thread chicken onto skewers and grill over medium heat for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally.
  • Mix all peanut sauce ingredients until smooth.
  • Serve skewers with peanut sauce for dipping.

Notes

  • Soak wooden skewers in water before grilling to prevent burning.
  • Add chili flakes for a spicy kick.

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