If you’re searching for a vibrant, mouthwatering dish that brings together the juicy tenderness of grilled chicken with the exotic flavors of Thailand, the Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish perfectly balances the creamy sweetness of coconut, the savory depth of soy and oyster sauces, and the rich, nutty bite of a homemade peanut sauce that will have you coming back for seconds. It’s simple enough for a weekend BBQ and impressive enough to wow any dinner guest.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each carefully chosen to contribute flavor, texture, and that signature Thai flair. From the aromatic ginger and garlic to the luscious coconut cream and vibrant spices, every component plays a key role in creating a symphony of tastes on your grill.
- Chicken (1 kg dark meat): Dark meat gives a juicier, more flavorful result perfect for grilling.
- Ginger (4-5 slices, about 2 tablespoons): Adds a fresh, peppery warmth that brightens the marinade.
- Garlic (2 cloves, approx. 1½ tablespoons): Infuses the chicken with classic aromatic depth.
- Soy sauce (multiple steps): Brings a salty, umami backbone to both marinade and glaze.
- Dark soy sauce (1 tablespoon): Contributes rich color and slightly sweet flavor intensity.
- Coconut cream (multiple uses, total around 10 tablespoons): Imparts a creamy, tropical softness to glaze and marinade.
- Sugar (2 tablespoons): Balances savory flavors with gentle sweetness.
- Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon): Enhances the savory, slightly briny notes.
- Honey (1 ½ tablespoons and optional for glaze): Gives natural sweetness and caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
- Natural peanut butter (¼ cup unsweetened): Central to the peanut sauce’s rich, creamy texture.
- Rice vinegar (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle tang to brighten the peanut sauce.
- Thai red curry paste (1 teaspoon): Delivers authentic heat and complex spice layers.
- Maple syrup or honey (2 teaspoons): Helps temper the curry’s heat with a touch of sweetness.
- Sesame oil and chili oil (optional, 1 teaspoon each): For added aroma and a mild kick.
- Crushed peanuts (optional): A crunchy finish that adds texture and enhances the peanut flavor.
How to Make Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Sauce
Start by mixing all the peanut sauce ingredients in a small bowl: natural peanut butter, rice vinegar, Thai red curry paste, maple syrup or honey, soy sauce, water to thin, and sesame and chili oils if you like some heat. This sauce is your creamy, spicy, and sweet companion, and making it first lets the flavors meld while the chicken marinates.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Cut the chicken into 1×1 inch chunks for even cooking and maximum flavor absorption. Finely chop ginger and garlic, then combine them with soy sauce, dark soy sauce, coconut cream, sugar, oyster sauce, and honey to create the marinade. Toss the chicken pieces in this mixture, allowing them to soak in all the fragrant notes. Marinate for at least 1-2 hours, though overnight takes the flavor to the next level.
Step 3: Skewer the Chicken
Thread your marinated chicken pieces onto skewers tightly but not cramped. This keeps them juicy and allows the edges to get beautifully charred on the grill. Bamboo skewers work best, but remember to soak them in water beforehand to prevent burning.
Step 4: Prepare the Coconut Cream Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together coconut cream, honey, and soy sauce. This glaze will be brushed on the chicken during grilling, building layers of sweet, creamy flavor that complements the smoky char from the grill perfectly.
Step 5: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill to around 500°F (260°C) for a hot, direct heat perfect for cooking these skewers evenly. Grill the chicken skewers, turning every 2 to 3 minutes to get an even caramelization on all sides. While grilling, generously brush the coconut cream glaze over each skewer—this step helps keep the chicken moist and infuses a delicious sheen of flavor. Grill for about 15 to 18 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and beautifully charred.
How to Serve Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle crushed peanuts over the finished skewers for an irresistible crunch and a boost of nutty flavor. Fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil also brighten the dish and add an herbaceous aroma that complements the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve these skewers over a bed of crisp lettuce or alongside steamed jasmine rice to soak up every drop of that luscious peanut sauce. Fresh cucumber salad or pickled vegetables bring a refreshing contrast, cutting through the richness with their tang.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive meal, arrange the skewers on a platter lined with banana leaves and surround with lime wedges and fresh chili slices. Another fun idea is to serve as part of an interactive DIY bowl, letting everyone build their own combination of chicken, rice, peanut sauce, and fresh veggies.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooked, allow the chicken skewers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, preserving that wonderful flavor and texture.
Freezing
If you want to save them longer, you can freeze the cooked skewers. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They maintain their best quality for up to 1 month, making them perfect for future quick meals.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the skewers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 10–12 minutes. Reapply a little peanut sauce or coconut cream glaze if desired to refresh the moisture and flavor. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of dark meat?
You can, but dark meat is recommended because it stays juicier and more flavorful during grilling. Chicken breast tends to dry out faster, so if you use it, marinate longer and watch closely while grilling.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to this recipe?
Absolutely! Firm tofu or tempeh can be marinated and grilled using the same coconut glaze and peanut sauce for a satisfying plant-based version with similar flavors and texture contrasts.
How spicy is the peanut sauce in this recipe?
The peanut sauce has a gentle heat from the Thai red curry paste and optional chili oil, balanced by the sweetness of maple syrup and coconut cream. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less curry paste or skipping chili oil altogether.
Do I need to soak the skewers before grilling?
Yes, if you’re using bamboo or wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This prevents burning and helps the skewers hold together well while cooking.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead for a party?
Definitely! Marinate the chicken a day ahead to deepen the flavors, and prepare the peanut sauce in advance. Assemble skewers just before grilling for an easy, crowd-pleasing dish.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with tropical richness, bold Thai flavors, and that perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory, the Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce Recipe is your new go-to. It’s a recipe I love sharing because it’s as fun to make as it is to eat, and guaranteed to wow at any gathering. Give it a try and watch these skewers disappear fast!
Print
Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 33 minutes (includes 1–2 hours marinating)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Thai
Description
These Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers are a delectable fusion of tender chicken marinated in fragrant ginger, garlic, and an umami-rich soy and oyster sauce blend. Finished with a luscious coconut cream glaze and an optional quick peanut sauce, these skewers burst with authentic Thai flavors. Perfect for grilling enthusiasts looking for a vibrant, easy-to-make dish that’s great for gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 kg chicken dark meat, cut into 1×1 inch chunks
- 4–5 slices ginger (approx. 2 tablespoons), finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic (approx. 1½ tablespoons), finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons coconut cream
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
Coconut Cream Glaze
- 6 tablespoons coconut cream
- 1½ tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
Quick & Easy Peanut Sauce (Optional)
- 2 tablespoons coconut cream
- ¼ cup natural peanut butter (unsweetened)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Thai red curry paste
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 2–3 tablespoons water (to thin consistency)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- 1 teaspoon chili oil (optional)
- Crushed peanuts (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Peanut Sauce: In a small bowl, combine coconut cream, natural peanut butter, rice vinegar, Thai red curry paste, maple syrup (or honey), soy sauce, water, and optional sesame and chili oils. Mix well until smooth and set aside while preparing the chicken.
- Marinate Chicken: Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes. Finely chop the garlic and ginger and mix with soy sauce, dark soy sauce, coconut cream, sugar, and oyster sauce to form the marinade. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are well coated. Marinate for 1-2 hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Skewer the Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken pieces tightly onto skewers, ensuring even spacing to allow for thorough cooking.
- Prepare Coconut Cream Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together coconut cream, honey, and soy sauce to make the glaze that will be brushed on the chicken while grilling.
- Grill the Skewers: Preheat grill to direct heat at approximately 500°F (260°C). Place the skewers on the grill and cook, turning every 2-3 minutes for even charring, for a total of 15-18 minutes. During grilling, generously brush the coconut cream glaze over the chicken skewers to add moisture and flavor.
- Serve: Arrange grilled skewers over a bed of fresh lettuce and serve alongside the prepared peanut sauce. Sprinkle crushed peanuts on top if desired for added texture and taste.
Notes
- Marinating overnight intensifies the flavors, but 1-2 hours is sufficient for a quick meal.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan on stovetop or broil the skewers in the oven.
- The peanut sauce is optional but highly recommended for authentic Thai flavor contrast.
- Adjust the chili oil and red curry paste according to your preferred spice level.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent burning.
- Dark meat chicken is preferred for juiciness, but you can use breast meat if you prefer leaner cuts.
