Savor the irresistible allure of these grilled chicken skewers crafted with a vibrant marinade of coconut cream, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and lime. Each succulent piece is perfectly charred and paired with a delightfully creamy peanut sauce enriched by a hint of spice and sweetness. Enjoy a flavorful culinary adventure.

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I love making these Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers because they pack a punch of flavor and are super simple. I use 1 1/2 pounds of boneless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces and marinate them in a mix of 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon grated ginger, 1/2 cup coconut cream, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons fish sauce, brown sugar, and the juice of 1 lime.

This marinade really infuses the chicken with flavor and provides a good dose of protein while keeping it low in fat. I then grill the skewers until they have a nice char and serve them with a delicious, creamy peanut sauce made with 1/2 cup peanut butter, 1/4 cup coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, another garlic clove, red curry paste, a bit more brown sugar, and water to thin as needed.

This recipe is perfect for a casual summer dinner or a vacation meal that feels special yet easy.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe because it mixes a ton of cool flavors that work together perfectly. Firstly, I love how the marinade packs a punch with ginger, garlic, coconut cream, and soy sauce. The way these ingredients blend creates this really unique taste that makes the chicken so flavorful.

Secondly, I’m a fan of the peanut sauce. It’s tangy, creamy, and has a little kick from the red curry paste or sriracha. It totally elevates the dish and makes every bite interesting.

Also, I appreciate how simple it is to prepare. I mean, marinating the chicken, threading it onto skewers, and then grilling it all makes for such a fun cooking experience. Even if you’re a bit clumsy in the kitchen like me, it’s pretty hard to mess up.

Lastly, the whole process of grilling the chicken and getting those nice charred marks reminds me of cool summer nights with friends. It’s a recipe that not only tastes amazing but also brings back awesome memories.

Ingredients

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Chicken Thighs: Rich source of protein and give the meal a savory bite.
Garlic: A small powerhouse with antioxidants and a tasty aroma.
Ginger: Fresh spice that adds a zesty heat and lots of aromatic depth.
Coconut Cream: Creamy, rich ingredient thats adds a sweet depth and smooth texture.
Lime Juice: A bright, tangy citrus burst that brings a sour kick.
Soy Sauce: Salty, umami magic that help balance out the flavors nicely.
Peanut Butter: Nutty, protein rich ingredient thats adds creaminess and a bit of sweetness.
Fish Sauce (optional): Adds a deep, savory umami flavor when you want extra zing.

Ingredient Quantities

1 1/2 pounds boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

1/2 cup coconut cream

3 tablespoons soy sauce

2 tablespoons fish sauce (optional, but adds a real nice depth of flavor)

1 tablespoon brown sugar

Juice of 1 lime

Skewers for grilling

For the Peanut Sauce:

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

1/4 cup coconut milk

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon lime juice

1 garlic clove, minced

1 teaspoon red curry paste (or sriracha if you like a bit of heat)

2 teaspoons brown sugar

2 to 3 tablespoons water to thin the sauce, as needed

How to Make this

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1. In a big bowl, mix the minced garlic, grated ginger, coconut cream, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice. Add the chicken pieces and stir so they are well covered in the marinade. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, but if you can manage a couple of hours it tends to be even tastier.

2. While the chicken is marinating, soak your skewers (if they’re wooden) in water so they dont burn on the grill.

3. Preheat your grill to a medium-high heat. This way the skewers cook fast enough without drying out.

4. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers evenly.

5. In a separate bowl, mix together the creamy peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, red curry paste or sriracha, and brown sugar. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of water gradually until you get a smooth sauce consistency.

6. Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook them for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning them every few minutes so they get nice grill marks all around.

7. Once the chicken is completely cooked and nicely charred, take them off the grill and serve with the peanut sauce drizzled over. Enjoy your meal!

Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl for blending the minced garlic, grated ginger, coconut cream, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice.
2. Another bowl for combining the peanut sauce ingredients.
3. Cutting board and sharp knife to prep garlic, ginger, and chicken pieces.
4. Measuring spoons and cups for accurately portioning the sauces and spices.
5. A container or bowl to soak wooden skewers.
6. Grill set to medium-high heat.
7. Tongs to turn the chicken skewers during grilling.

FAQ

Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

A: Yep, you can use chicken breast, but they tend to dry out fast so keep an eye on them and maybe marinate a bit longer.

Q: What if I don't have fish sauce?

A: No worries at all. The fish sauce really adds a depth of flavor but you can simply skip it or add a bit more soy sauce if you like.

Q: How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

A: The best way is to check that the inside is no longer pink and if you have a meat thermometer, it should hit 165°F. Sometimes it's hard to tell so just be a bit careful.

Q: Can I make the peanut sauce ahead of time?

A: Sure thing! You can make the peanut sauce ahead, but if it thickens up after sitting a bit, just stir in a few extra tablespoons of water till you get the right consistency.

Q: Any tips for threading the chicken onto skewers?

A: Definitely! Try not to overcrowd the skewers so the heat can reach every piece evenly. Also, if you're using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes before grilling so they don't burn on the grill.

Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers (With Peanut Sauce!) Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you dont have chicken thighs, you can use boneless chicken breasts – they are leaner but still work fine.
Instead of coconut cream, try using full-fat coconut milk or even heavy cream if thats what you have.
No fish sauce? You can use a little Worcestershire sauce or simply skip it for a milder flavor.
For the peanut butter in the sauce, almond butter or cashew butter can be good substitutes.
If you’re out of brown sugar, honey or maple syrup can be used instead to add that sweetness.

Pro Tips

1. If you can let the chicken marinate for a few extra hours its totally worth it, because the meat really soaks up all that spicy, tangy flavor creating a richer taste.
2. While grilling, make sure your grill is properly preheated to medium-high so the chicken gets those nice grill marks without drying out.
3. When mixing the peanut sauce, add the water little by little until its the consistency you want, this helps avoid ending up with a sauce that’s too runny or too thick.
4. Dont forget that if you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water ahead of time so they dont burn on the grill and mess up your presentation.