Name: Thai Peanut Chicken Skewers with Rich Coconut Peanut Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: ½ cup creamy peanut butter; 1 cup unsweetened, full-fat coconut milk (from can, not carton; stirred well); 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (juice from approximately 1 medium lime); 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or fish sauce); 1 ½ packed tablespoons brown sugar (dark preferred); 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic (approximately 3 large cloves); ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (plus more to taste); 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized chunks); Cooked white or brown rice; 1 cup prepared peanut sauce (made from ingredients above); Lime wedges (to garnish); Whole or chopped peanuts (to garnish); Chopped green onions (to garnish); Chopped cilantro (to garnish)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 11 reviews

If you are craving a dish that bursts with bold, nutty flavors and tender, juicy chicken, you are going to love this Thai Peanut Chicken Skewers with Rich Coconut Peanut Sauce Recipe. Imagine perfectly marinated chicken thighs threaded onto skewers, grilled or broiled to smoky perfection, then paired with a luscious, creamy peanut sauce richly infused with coconut milk and a hint of spice. This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings the vibrant tastes of Thailand right into your kitchen with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with a smooth, thick light brown batter with small white specks inside. The batter clings slightly to the sides of the bowl, showing some uneven edges where it has been stirred. The bowl sits on a soft beige cloth, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this Thai Peanut Chicken Skewers with Rich Coconut Peanut Sauce Recipe. Each component plays an important role—creating a balance of creaminess, tang, sweetness, and heat that keeps every bite exciting.

Creamy peanut butter: This forms the luscious base of your sauce, delivering that signature nutty depth.
Full-fat coconut milk: Adds a silky richness and subtle tropical aroma, essential for that authentic texture.
Fresh lime juice: Brings bright acidity to cut through the richness and brighten the flavors.
Soy sauce (or fish sauce): Provides salty umami notes that enhance every other ingredient.
Brown sugar (dark preferred): Adds warmth and a slight caramel sweetness that balances the savory and spicy elements.
Ground ginger: Offers aromatic spice warmth to elevate the sauce.
Fresh garlic: Sharp and fragrant, it amplifies the savory punch of the marinade.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Give just the right kick of heat without overpowering.
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Juicy and tender, these pieces soak up the marinade perfectly and remain moist when cooked.

How to Make Thai Peanut Chicken Skewers with Rich Coconut Peanut Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Sauce

Start by blending all the sauce ingredients—creamy peanut butter, coconut milk, lime juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes—in a medium bowl. Whisk until smooth and well combined. Then, set aside one cup of this sauce to chill in the refrigerator for serving later, while saving the rest to marinate the chicken. The flavors will meld wonderfully as the sauce chills, enhancing your dish’s complexity.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized chunks and toss them thoroughly in the remaining peanut sauce. This marinade works its magic by infusing every morsel with that rich, creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor. Cover and refrigerate the chicken for at least one hour, allowing those delicious notes to penetrate deeply — and if you can, give it up to eight hours for an even more intense flavor profile.

Step 3: Skewer the Chicken

Once marinated, thread the chicken pieces onto skewers to get them ready for cooking. This step not only makes for visually appealing servings but also helps with even cooking, locking in those juicy juices. If you choose not to use skewers, don’t worry — just arrange the pieces on a wire rack over a baking sheet for broiling.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

You have two options here depending on your preference and weather. Broil the chicken under high heat for about six minutes until cooked through and slightly caramelized. Or, grill the skewers over medium-high heat, turning once, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160° Fahrenheit and easily pulls away from the grill grates. Both methods produce that satisfying char and smoky flavor that pairs so elegantly with the peanut sauce.

Step 5: Rest and Prepare to Serve

After cooking, let the skewers rest for about five minutes. This small step ensures the chicken’s juices redistribute, keeping every bite moist and tender. Meanwhile, take the peanut sauce from the fridge to come to room temperature so it’s creamy and ready to drizzle or dip.

How to Serve Thai Peanut Chicken Skewers with Rich Coconut Peanut Sauce Recipe

Two white bowls each have two layers: the bottom layer is white rice with a fluffy texture, and on top are charred grilled chicken pieces covered with a creamy light brown sauce. The chicken is sprinkled with crushed peanuts and green cilantro leaves. Each bowl has two lime wedges on the side of the chicken. Around the bowls, there are two glasses filled with iced orange liquid, a small white bowl of light brown sauce topped with crushed peanuts, and some scattered cilantro leaves and red chili slices on a white marbled surface. A woman's hand is holding the top bowl from the upper left. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Elevate your presentation by sprinkling chopped green onions and fresh cilantro over the skewers for a fresh, herbal brightness. Add whole or chopped peanuts on top for an irresistible crunch that complements the creamy sauce beautifully. And don’t forget a wedge of lime on the side—just a little squeeze adds a lively zest to each bite.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs effortlessly with steamed white or brown rice, which is perfect for soaking up every drop of that rich coconut peanut sauce. Alternatively, consider serving alongside a crisp cucumber salad or lightly sautéed green beans for a refreshing contrast in textures and flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the chicken off the skewers in a colorful bowl layered over fluffy jasmine rice. Drizzle extra peanut sauce overhead, then scatter garnishes in an artful pattern. If hosting a party, these skewers can also double as perfect finger foods — just arrange them on a platter with small bowls of peanut sauce for dipping and watch them disappear!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover grilled or broiled chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping the peanut sauce separate in a small jar prevents it from making the chicken soggy, preserving that delightful texture when reheated.

Freezing

If you want to save portions for later, freeze the marinated chicken pieces (before cooking) in a sealed freezer bag for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then cook as directed for fresh, flavorful skewers anytime you want.

Reheating

Reheat cooked chicken skewers gently in a preheated oven at 325° Fahrenheit for 10–12 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain juicy tenderness. Rewarm the peanut sauce separately over low heat, adding a splash of coconut milk if needed to loosen the sauce consistency.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

You can substitute chicken breasts, but keep in mind they tend to be leaner and can dry out more easily. Marinating well and careful cooking will help keep them tender, but chicken thighs are preferred for this recipe because of their juicy texture and richer flavor.

Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can swap out the chicken for firm tofu or large mushrooms like portobello. Marinate and cook them the same way, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian twist on the Thai Peanut Chicken Skewers with Rich Coconut Peanut Sauce Recipe.

How spicy is this recipe?

The crushed red pepper flakes provide a mild to moderate heat that can easily be adjusted. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce or omit the flakes. For more heat, add extra crushed red pepper or a dash of sriracha to the peanut sauce.

Can I prepare this recipe without skewers?

Yes! Simply marinate and cook the chicken pieces on a wire rack over a baking sheet when broiling, or cook them directly on the grill using a grill basket. Skewers help with presentation and even cooking but are not mandatory.

What type of peanut butter should I use?

Using creamy peanut butter is best for a smooth sauce and marinate. Avoid natural peanut butter that separates unless you whisk it well to combine the oils. Also, steer clear of peanut butter with added sugars or flavors to keep the authentic taste.

Final Thoughts

This Thai Peanut Chicken Skewers with Rich Coconut Peanut Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that turns everyday ingredients into an extraordinary meal. It’s vibrant, creamy, spicy, and utterly satisfying—a perfect way to impress friends or treat yourself on any night. I encourage you to give it a try and savor the delicious harmony of bold flavors and tender chicken in every skewer. Trust me, this will quickly become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection!