Easy Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers with Spicy Peanut Sauce
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These easy Thai chicken skewers are marinated in mix of spicy Thai yellow curry paste and creamy coconut milk. Grilled or cooked in the oven, these chicken skewers are perfect as an appetizer or paired with sides.
If you're looking for more simple grilled chicken recipes, you'll want to check out my honey garlic chicken, Moroccan chicken, grilled chicken salad, and Korean BBQ grilled chicken burger.
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⭐️ Why this recipe works
- Flavorful and Aromatic: The Thai yellow curry paste and coconut milk create a rich, savory marinade that enhances the chicken's flavor.
- Versatile Cooking Methods: Suitable for both grilling and broiling, making it perfect for year-round cooking.
- Customizable Heat Levels: The spicy peanut sauce can be adjusted to suit personal spice preferences.
🧾 Ingredients overview
- Chicken Thighs: Provide tenderness and hold up well during grilling or broiling.
- Thai Yellow Curry Paste: Adds depth with its complex combination of herbs and spices.
- Coconut Milk: Brings creaminess to the marinade and sauce, balancing the spices.
- Fish Sauce: Gives a burst of umami flavor.
- Peanut Butter: Forms the base of the peanut sauce, offering a creamy texture and nutty flavor.
- Soy Sauce: Enhances the umami depth of the peanut sauce.
- Lime Juice: Adds a touch of acidity to brighten the flavors.
- Honey: Offers sweetness to counterbalance the heat.
- Ginger and Garlic: Provide a pungent spice that complements the chicken.
- Chili Sauce: Allows customization of the heat level in the peanut sauce.
- Wooden Skewers: Used to hold the chicken pieces for even cooking.
For precise measurements and additional ingredients, refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
👩🏻🍳 Here's how to make it
Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers with Spicy Peanut Sauce recipe step-by-step
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine chicken thighs with curry paste, coconut milk, and fish sauce in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 45 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Peanut Sauce: Whisk peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, ginger, garlic, and chili sauce in a bowl. Adjust consistency with warm water as needed.
- Preheat the Broiler (or Grill): Set to 485ºF (250ºC) and prep a baking tray with foil and oil, or preheat your grill to medium-high.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread marinated chicken onto soaked skewers evenly.
- Cook: Either broil on the prepared tray for 15-20 minutes or grill for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until fully cooked.
- Serve: Drizzle with or dip into the spicy peanut sauce.
📖 Substitutions and variations
For a fresh take on this recipe, try these easy tweaks. They add new flavors and bringing variety without having to learn a whole new meal.
- Meat Alternatives: Substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp for a different twist.
- Sauce Variations: Use almond butter instead of peanut butter for a different nut profile.
- Spice Adjustments: Increase or decrease the amount of chili sauce to cater to various spice preferences.
💡 Chef's Guide: Expert Tips
Drawing from a decade in Michelin-starred kitchens and Cordon Bleu training, here are my top tips for recipe success.
- Marinating Time: marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator to maximize the infusion of flavors.
- Sauce Consistency: Adjust the sauce with water to suit whether it is used as a dip or a drizzle.
- Grilling Tips: If using a grill, ensure it's adequately preheated to avoid sticking and achieve perfect char marks.
🍯 Storing and reheating leftovers
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze skewers separately from sauce for up to a month.
- Reheat: Thaw if frozen, then reheat in an oven at 350ºF until warmed through.
❓Recipe FAQ's
Absolutely! Marinating the chicken overnight can significantly enhance the flavors. Just ensure it's refrigerated the whole time.
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs. Just be aware that breasts may cook quicker and can be less moist than thighs, so keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
Cucumber salad, sticky rice, or a fresh slaw complement the flavors well.
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Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers with Spicy Peanut Sauce
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced
- ⅓ cup Thai yellow curry paste
- ⅓ cup full-fat coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning
For the Spicy Peanut Sauce:
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1-2 teaspoons chili sauce, adjust to taste
- 2-3 tablespoons warm water, to adjust consistency
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken thighs, curry paste, coconut milk, and fish sauce. Stir until the chicken is evenly coated. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 45 minutes.
Prepare the Peanut Sauce:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, ginger, garlic, and chili sauce. Gradually add warm water until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Set aside.
Prepare for Cooking:
- Preheat your broiler to 485ºF (250ºC) and line a baking tray with foil and lightly oil it to prevent sticking.
- Alternatively, preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Assemble the Skewers:
- Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers, dividing evenly.
Cooking:
- Oven: Place the skewers on the prepared baking tray. Broil for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Grill: Place the skewers on the grill. Cook for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is nicely charred and fully cooked.
Serve:
- Serve the chicken skewers hot, drizzled with the spicy peanut sauce or with the sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is cut into uniform pieces to promote even cooking.
- Adjust the chili sauce in the peanut sauce based on your preference for spice.
Nutrition
Meet the Chef!
Hi, I'm Debs. Cordon Bleu trained chef and recipe developer. I help you get incredible dinners on the table fast with fool-proof recipes and step-by-step instructions along with tips and tricks that I've learned over a 10-year career in professional kitchens.
Absolutely declicious easy to and always a big hit
So happy you love this recipe! So great for summer grilling. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment and a rating. 🙂