These Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers are packed with flavor and super fun to eat! Juicy chicken gets a delicious Thai twist, especially when dipped in creamy peanut sauce.
Making these skewers is a breeze! Just marinate the chicken, grill them up, and enjoy the tasty peanut dipping sauce. Perfect for a summer BBQ or a cozy night at home!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I suggest using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for tenderness and flavor. If you prefer, chicken breast is a leaner option, but ensure you don’t overcook it as it can dry out.
Soy Sauce: The recipe calls for regular soy sauce, but you can opt for low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt. If you’re gluten-free, tamari is a great alternative!
Fish Sauce: This adds a distinctive umami flavor. If you’re vegetarian, you can substitute it with soy sauce or a splash of mushroom sauce.
Brown Sugar: Use light or dark brown sugar, but honey or coconut sugar can also work! These options give a nice sweetness without changing the dish too much.
Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter is preferred for the sauce. However, if you’re allergic to peanuts, try sunflower seed butter or almond butter for a similar texture.
How Do You Make Sure the Chicken Stays Juicy on the Grill?
A common concern with grilling chicken is keeping it juicy. Here are a few tips to achieve great results:
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes; longer helps deepen flavor and moisture.
- Soak the wooden skewers beforehand to prevent burning. This helps them hold up better on the grill.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers—leave some space between chicken pieces for even cooking.
- Turn the skewers occasionally to ensure they grill evenly, about 10-12 minutes total.
- Let the skewers rest for a few minutes off the grill. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the chicken.
Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers (With Peanut Sauce)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8-10 wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning)
For the Peanut Sauce:
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- Water to thin (as needed)
- Crushed peanuts and lime wedges for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and requires at least 30 minutes to marinate the chicken. You will also need about 10-12 minutes to grill the skewers. Overall, you should budget around 1 hour to enjoy these tasty Thai chicken skewers from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinating the Chicken:
Begin by preparing the marinade. In a large mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, vegetable oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, ground coriander, ground cumin, turmeric powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed. Then, add the bite-sized chicken pieces, ensuring they are evenly coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes—if you have more time, marinate for up to 4 hours to enhance the flavor!
2. Preparing the Peanut Sauce:
While the chicken is marinating, get started on the peanut sauce! In a small bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey (or brown sugar), minced garlic, and minced ginger. Gradually add water to achieve your desired sauce consistency—smooth and drizzly is perfect! Set the sauce aside for later.
3. Grilling the Skewers:
Once the chicken is marinated, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Take the soaked wooden skewers and thread the marinated chicken pieces onto them, leaving slight spaces between each piece to ensure they cook evenly. Grill the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and has a lovely char on the outside.
4. Serving Your Delicious Skewers:
After grilling, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve the skewers drizzled with the creamy peanut sauce or with the sauce on the side for dipping. If you like, garnish with crushed peanuts and fresh lime wedges for an extra zing. Enjoy your delicious Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers!
Can I Use Chicken Breast Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used in place of thighs, but keep in mind that they may cook faster and can dry out more easily. To prevent dryness, marinate the chicken for the full time and consider grilling on medium heat to maintain a juicy texture.
What If I Don’t Have Fish Sauce?
If you don’t have fish sauce, you can substitute with an equal amount of soy sauce for a vegetarian option. Alternatively, mix soy sauce with a dash of lime juice or apple cider vinegar to mimic the salty, tangy flavor of fish sauce.
How to Make This Recipe Spicier?
To add some heat, include red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha in the marinade or peanut sauce. You can also serve the skewers with sliced fresh chili peppers on the side for an extra kick!
Can I Make the Peanut Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! The peanut sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to use, simply give it a good stir or add a little water to loosen it up if it has thickened.
