Spicy Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce Recipe

Sizzling summer nights call for these mouthwatering Thai coconut chicken skewers with peanut sauce that dance between sweet and savory.

Marinated tender chunks of chicken absorb rich coconut milk and aromatic spices, creating an irresistible flavor profile.

Every skewer promises a delightful blend of tropical ingredients that transport you straight to Southeast Asian street markets.

The peanut sauce adds a creamy, nutty complexity that perfectly complements the juicy grilled chicken.

Fragrant herbs and a hint of lime bring brightness to each bite, making these skewers a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Grab your grill and get ready to experience a culinary adventure that will become your new summer obsession.

These skewers are about to become the star of your next backyard gathering.

How to Make Thai Coconut Chicken Easily

• Flavor Fusion Marinade

Blend creamy coconut milk with aromatic curry powder, zesty red curry paste, sweet granulated sugar, and a touch of salt in a mixing bowl. This magical mixture will infuse the chicken with incredible Thai-inspired flavors.

• Chicken Preparation

Slice chicken thighs into chunky pieces. Lovingly bathe the meat in the flavor-packed marinade, making sure every morsel gets coated. Let the chicken soak up the goodness for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to dance and mingle.

• Dreamy Peanut Sauce

In a saucepan, whisk together remaining coconut milk, rich peanut butter, water, sugar, red curry paste, tangy apple cider vinegar, salty soy sauce, and a pinch of salt. Simmer and stir until the sauce transforms into a silky, luxurious dream.

• Skewer Assembly

Carefully thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, packing them snugly to keep all those delicious juices locked in. Aim for 5-7 pieces per skewer for the perfect bite.

• Grilling Magic

Fire up the grill or broiler to high heat. Cook the skewers for about 5 minutes on each side, ensuring they reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F. The result? Juicy, flavor-packed chicken with a gorgeous charred exterior.

Flavor Balancing Tips for Peanut Sauce

• Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before threading chicken to prevent burning during high-heat cooking.
• Adjust the red curry paste amount to control spiciness – less for mild, more for adventurous palates who love bold flavors.
• Replace chicken thighs with shrimp, tofu, or lean chicken breasts for versatile meal variations that suit different dietary preferences.
• Marinate chicken overnight in the refrigerator to intensify flavor absorption and save precious prep time before grilling.
• Thin out leftover peanut sauce with extra coconut milk or water to create a delicious salad dressing or dipping sauce for vegetables and spring rolls.

Serving Skewers at Dinner or Parties

• Tropical Party Platter: Arrange the grilled Thai coconut chicken skewers on a large wooden board with fresh herbs like cilantro and mint scattered around for a vibrant, restaurant-style presentation.
• Balanced Meal Companion: Serve alongside steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice to soak up the delicious peanut sauce, creating a complete and satisfying meal with complementary flavors.
• Fresh Veggie Crunch: Add a side of quick-pickled cucumber slices or a crisp Asian slaw to provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, spicy chicken skewers and creamy peanut sauce.
• Sauce Drizzling Magic: Keep extra peanut sauce in a small dipping bowl for guests to add more sauce as desired, allowing everyone to customize their flavor intensity.

Save Skewers Without Drying Them Out

• Advance Prep: Marinate chicken up to 8 hours before cooking for deeper flavor infusion, storing covered in the refrigerator.
• Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare extra skewers and sauce for quick weeknight meals, refrigerating components separately for easier reheating.
• Refrigerate Wisely: Store cooked skewers in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days, keeping sauce in a separate sealed container to maintain optimal texture.
• Freeze for Future: Wrap uncooked marinated skewers in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, storing in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in refrigerator before grilling.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 660 kcal

Servings: 5

Thai Skewer Ingredient Essentials

• Chicken Thighs: Juicy, tender cut that absorbs flavors beautifully and stays moist during grilling, choose boneless and skinless for easy preparation.
• Coconut Milk: Creamy base that tenderizes meat and adds rich tropical essence, select full-fat version for maximum flavor depth.
• Curry Powder: Warm, complex spice blend that introduces aromatic layers to the chicken, opt for fresh ground for most vibrant taste.
• Red Curry Paste: Concentrated Thai seasoning providing bold, spicy undertones, seek authentic brands for genuine zesty kick.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances marinade's heat and enhances caramelization, use pure cane sugar for clean sweetness.
• Salt: Essential flavor enhancer that amplifies other ingredients' profiles, select fine sea salt for smooth distribution.

• Peanut Butter: Creamy base creating luxurious sauce texture, choose natural unsweetened variety for authentic taste.
• Water: Helps achieve ideal sauce consistency, use filtered water for pure flavor.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds tangy brightness and balances rich sauce, select unpasteurized for deeper complexity.
• Soy Sauce: Introduces umami depth and salty notes, pick low-sodium version for better control.

• Skewers: Wooden or metal supports for easy grilling and elegant presentation, soak wooden skewers beforehand to prevent burning.

Tools That Help with Peanut Chicken Skewers

• Mixing Bowl: Medium-sized vessel for combining marinade ingredients and mixing.
• Whisk: Essential for blending coconut milk and spices smoothly.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for cutting chicken thighs safely.
• Sharp Knife: Precise tool for cutting chicken into even pieces.
• Saucepan: Medium-sized pot for preparing peanut sauce on stovetop.
• Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring sauce while cooking.
• Skewers: Metal or wooden sticks for threading marinated chicken.
• Grill or Broiler: High-heat cooking surface for perfectly charred skewers.
• Meat Thermometer: Crucial for checking chicken's safe internal temperature.

Aromatic Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers With Peanut Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent Thai coconut chicken skewers deliver exotic flavors from Southeast Asian cuisine. Grilled marinated chicken paired with creamy peanut sauce offers you a delightful culinary experience that transports senses to Thailand’s street markets.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) boneless skinless chicken thighs
• ¾ cup (177 ml) creamy peanut butter
• 15 oz (443 ml) can coconut milk, divided
• ¾ cup (177 ml) water
• 2 tbsps red curry paste
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 2 tsps curry powder
• 2 tsps red curry paste
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup (59 ml) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Marinade Preparation: Whisk coconut milk, curry powder, red curry paste, sugar, and salt in a medium bowl until seamlessly blended, creating an aromatic base for the chicken.
2. Chicken Preparation: Slice chicken thighs into uniform 4-inch pieces, ensuring consistent cooking and flavor absorption throughout the meat.
3. Marinating Process: Immerse chicken pieces completely in the prepared marinade, gently massaging to guarantee thorough coating and spice infusion, then allow to rest at room temperature for 20 minutes.
4. Peanut Sauce Creation: Combine remaining coconut milk, peanut butter, water, sugar, red curry paste, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and salt in a saucepan, heating over medium temperature while stirring consistently for 5 minutes until achieving a smooth, thickened consistency.
5. Skewering Technique: Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, positioning 5-7 pieces per skewer and ensuring tight packing to maintain moisture and prevent movement during cooking.
6. Grilling Method: Preheat grill or broiler to high heat, then cook chicken skewers for 5 minutes per side, rotating carefully to achieve even caramelization and reach a core temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Serving Preparation: Remove skewers from heat, let rest for 2-3 minutes to redistribute juices, then serve alongside the freshly prepared peanut sauce for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Optimize Marination Time: Let chicken rest in marinade for exactly 20 minutes to maximize flavor absorption without compromising meat texture.
• Master Skewering Technique: Pack chicken pieces tightly on skewers, using 5-7 pieces per skewer to prevent sliding and maintain moisture during grilling.
• Nail Perfect Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), guaranteeing safe and juicy results.
• Sauce Consistency Matters: Stir peanut sauce continuously while heating to achieve a smooth, perfectly thickened texture that complements the grilled chicken.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 660
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 910 mg
• Fat: 43 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 28 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 125 mg