These Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers are packed with flavor! Marinated in a tasty mix of spices and grilled to juicy perfection, they’re perfect for a barbecue or weeknight dinner.
And who can resist that creamy peanut sauce? It’s like the cherry on top of a delicious sundae! I love dipping those skewers in it—it takes them to the next level!
Making these is a breeze; just marinate the chicken, skewer it, and grill. It feels like a fun summer party every time I whip these up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I love using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their rich flavor and tenderness. If you prefer, you can substitute chicken breasts, but they may dry out faster, so adjust grilling time accordingly.
Fish Sauce: This adds a unique umami taste to dishes. If you want a vegetarian option, a good substitution is soy sauce mixed with a bit of lime juice. It won’t be exactly the same but still delicious!
Coconut Milk: This keeps the peanut sauce creamy. If you’re looking for a lighter substitution, try using low-fat coconut milk or even Greek yogurt for a different taste. Just note that yogurt can change the flavor profile.
Red Chili Flakes: You can adjust the heat in the recipe! If you like it spicier, use fresh chilies or sriracha. For a milder flavor, omit them or use paprika instead.
How Do I Ensure the Chicken is Juicy and Well-Cooked?
Getting juicy chicken on skewers is all about marinating and proper cooking technique. Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes; this infuses flavor and keeps the meat moist.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat so the chicken cooks evenly.
- Turn the skewers often to prevent burning and check for doneness. Chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- If you notice they’re cooking too fast, move them to a cooler part of the grill to finish cooking gently.
Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers (With Peanut Sauce)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken Skewers:
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)
For The Peanut Sauce:
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- Water (to thin the sauce if necessary)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 15 minutes of prep time and at least 30 minutes for marination. You’ll also spend about 12 minutes grilling the chicken. Total time including marination is about 1 hour, but if you marinate longer, the flavors will be even better!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, fish sauce, minced garlic, minced ginger, lime juice, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the brown sugar is mostly dissolved to create a tasty marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the marinade. Make sure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for richer flavor.
3. Prepare the Peanut Sauce:
While your chicken is soaking up all those yummy flavors, you can whip up the peanut sauce! In a small bowl, combine the peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, and red chili flakes. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth sauce. If it feels too thick, splash in a bit of water to reach your desired consistency.
4. Get the Grill Ready:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to get it nice and hot. If you’re using wooden skewers, don’t forget they need to be soaked to prevent burning!
5. Skewer and Grill the Chicken:
Once the grill is ready, take the marinated chicken and thread it onto the skewers. Grill the chicken skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning them every few minutes so they cook evenly and get those lovely grill marks.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
When the chicken is cooked through and nicely charred, take the skewers off the grill. Serve them hot with the creamy peanut sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your flavorful meal!
Can I Use Chicken Breast Instead of Thighs?
Yes, chicken breast can be used in place of thighs! Just keep in mind that chicken breast can dry out more quickly, so be sure to monitor the grilling time closely. Cooking for about 8-10 minutes should be sufficient, depending on the size of your pieces.
What If I Don’t Have Fish Sauce?
If you don’t have fish sauce on hand, you can substitute it with soy sauce for a vegetarian option or a combination of soy sauce and a few drops of Worcestershire sauce. This will keep the salty umami flavor intact while catering to your needs!
Can I Make the Peanut Sauce in Advance?
Absolutely! The peanut sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If it thickens in the fridge, simply add a little water and whisk again before serving to get it back to your desired consistency.
How Should I Store Leftover Skewers?
Leftover skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them on the grill or in a skillet to avoid drying them out, or you can microwave them for a quick option, but be careful not to overheat!
