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Crispy Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe with Easy Creamy Peanut Sauce

crispy grilled chicken skewers - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for crispy grilled chicken skewers paired with a rich and creamy peanut sauce, perfect for weeknights or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 ½-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (canola or sunflower)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
  • ½ cup creamy peanut butter (natural, unsweetened)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • ½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
  • Water, to thin sauce as needed
  • Red pepper flakes or Sriracha, to taste
  • Optional garnishes: chopped cilantro, chopped peanuts, thinly sliced green onions

Instructions

  1. Cut chicken thighs into 1 ½-inch pieces.
  2. In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, vegetable oil, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.
  3. Toss chicken pieces in the marinade until evenly coated. Let sit for at least 15 minutes at room temperature or up to 2 hours in the fridge.
  4. Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
  5. Thread chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving space between pieces.
  6. Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and brush with oil to prevent sticking.
  7. Grill skewers for 4-5 minutes per side until golden-brown, slightly charred, and juices run clear.
  8. While chicken cooks, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, toasted sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Add water a tablespoon at a time to thin sauce to desired consistency. Adjust heat with red pepper flakes or Sriracha.
  9. Serve skewers warm with peanut sauce drizzled or on the side. Garnish with cilantro, peanuts, or green onions.
  10. Let chicken rest for a couple of minutes before serving to redistribute juices.

Notes

Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning. Use chicken thighs for juicier results. Marinate for 15-30 minutes to avoid mushy texture. Let chicken rest after grilling to keep it tender. Adjust peanut sauce thickness with water and spice level with red pepper flakes or Sriracha.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken skewers, peanut sauce, easy dinner, quick recipe, chicken thighs, creamy peanut sauce, BBQ skewers