Description
These Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers are bursting with authentic Southeast Asian flavors, featuring marinated chicken thighs grilled to perfection and served with a creamy, tangy peanut sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or summer barbecue, this recipe blends sweet, savory, and spicy elements with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- Skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes if wooden)
For the Peanut Sauce
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon chili paste (like sambal oelek)
- 1/4 cup warm water (more for desired consistency)
Instructions
- Make the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, lime juice, and chili flakes until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well blended.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss thoroughly to coat every piece. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to penetrate, or overnight for best taste.
- Prepare the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces evenly onto the soaked wooden or metal skewers, ensuring they are tightly packed but not overlapping excessively.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your outdoor grill or grill pan over medium-high heat, making sure the grilling surface is clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken Skewers: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10 to 12 minutes total, turning occasionally for even cooking and to achieve a nice char. Check to ensure the chicken is fully cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Prepare the Peanut Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, sesame oil, chili paste, and warm water until smooth. Add more warm water as needed to reach your preferred consistency for dipping.
- Serve: Serve the grilled chicken skewers hot with the peanut sauce on the side for dipping and garnished with lime wedges for an extra zesty flavor boost.
Notes
- Soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes prevents them from burning on the grill.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of chili flakes in the marinade or chili paste in the peanut sauce.
- These skewers can also be cooked under a broiler or on a grill pan if outdoor grilling is not available.
- Marinating overnight significantly enhances the flavor and tenderness of the chicken.
- Serve with steamed jasmine rice or a crisp cucumber salad for a complete Thai-inspired meal.
