The Sizzling Spicy Peanut Chicken Skewers Recipe You’ll Adore

Grilling season calls for these mouthwatering spicy peanut chicken skewers that pack a serious flavor punch.

The combination of bold spices and creamy peanut sauce creates an irresistible blend that will make your taste buds dance.

Tender chicken pieces marinate in a rich, zesty blend of ingredients that promises maximum deliciousness.

Each skewer offers a perfect balance of heat and nutty complexity that elevates your backyard barbecue experience.

The marinade infuses deep, robust flavors into every single bite of juicy chicken.

Simple ingredients transform ordinary grilled chicken into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

FAQs

• Why marinate the chicken in peanut sauce?

Marinating helps infuse flavor deep into the chicken, making it more tender and delicious. The combination of peanut butter, coconut milk, and spices creates a rich, complex taste that penetrates the meat during marination.

• Can I use chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe?

Both work great! Chicken breasts will be leaner, while thighs offer more moisture and flavor. Just ensure you cut them into uniform chunks for even cooking and consistent marination.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes give a moderate heat level, but you can easily adjust by reducing or increasing the amount. For less heat, use fewer pepper flakes; for more kick, add extra or include some sriracha sauce.

Spicy Peanut Chicken Skewers That Impress

• Boost Flavor Fusion: Packed with bold, tangy ingredients like lime juice, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes that create an explosion of mouth-watering taste sensations.
• Simplify Meal Prep: Minimal kitchen equipment needed, straightforward marinating process, and flexible cooking methods (broiling or grilling) make this recipe super accessible for home cooks.
• Customize Your Dish: Easily adaptable with optional sides and serving styles, perfect for personalizing according to individual preferences and dietary needs.
• Quick Protein Solution: Delivers a protein-packed meal that can be prepared in advance, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends and family.

Key Ingredients for Spicy Peanut Chicken Skewers

• Chicken: A lean and versatile protein that absorbs the delicious peanut sauce marinade perfectly.

• Peanut Butter: Provides a rich, creamy base with nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Coconut Milk: Adds a smooth, tropical creaminess to the marinade.
• Soy Sauce: Brings a salty and umami depth to the overall flavor profile.
• Lime Juice: Offers a bright, tangy acidity that balances the rich sauce.

• Brown Sugar, Ginger, Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes: Combine to create a complex sweet, spicy, and aromatic sauce that elevates the chicken's taste.

• Skewers, Baking Sheet, Wire Rack: Optional tools for preparing and cooking the chicken.

Steps to Prepare Spicy Peanut Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Whip Up the Flavor-Packed Marinade

In a medium mixing bowl, combine all sauce ingredients – peanut butter, coconut milk, lime juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes.

Whisk everything together until the mixture becomes smooth and well-blended.

Step 2: Prepare Sauce Portions

Separate one cup of the sauce into a small container and seal it in the refrigerator.

This will be your serving sauce.

Keep the remaining sauce for marinating.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Place chicken chunks into a large baking dish and pour the remaining peanut sauce over them.

Gently toss the chicken to ensure complete coating.

Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 to 8 hours.

Stir the chicken once during marination to distribute flavors evenly.

Step 4: Prepare for Cooking

Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator.

Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers if desired.

Alternatively, place chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet or a lightly greased baking sheet.

Step 5: Broiling Method

Preheat the broiler to high heat.

Position the chicken about 4-6 inches from the heat source.

Broil for approximately 6 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Use a meat thermometer to check doneness.

Step 6: Grilling Method

Heat the grill to medium-high (375° to 450°F).

Place chicken skewers over indirect heat.

Grill for 6 to 10 minutes on each side, ensuring the internal temperature hits 160°F.

Rotate skewers occasionally for even cooking.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the chicken skewers with your favorite side dishes.

Retrieve the reserved room temperature peanut sauce and serve alongside the chicken for dipping or drizzling.

Expert Tips for Peanut Chicken Skewers

• Let chicken soak in the peanut sauce for at least an hour, but no more than 8 hours to prevent the meat from becoming mushy.
• Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before threading chicken to stop them from charring during cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 160°F for safe and perfectly cooked protein every time.
• Adjust red pepper flakes according to your heat tolerance, starting with less and adding more gradually for personalized kick.
• Make the peanut sauce a day ahead to let flavors meld, creating a more robust and delicious coating for the chicken.

Flavor Twists on Spicy Peanut Skewers

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, marinating and cooking similarly for a plant-based alternative.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive diets.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener and serve over cauliflower rice for reduced carbohydrate intake.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Swap peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for those with nut allergies, maintaining similar creamy texture and flavor profile.

Serving Ideas for Peanut Chicken Skewers

• Tropical Picnic Platter: Spread skewers over a banana leaf with fresh pineapple chunks, creating a vibrant island-inspired presentation that enhances the peanut chicken's zesty flavors.
• Protein Power Bowl: Layer skewered chicken over coconut rice, garnish with chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, and drizzle reserved peanut sauce for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Party Appetizer Style: Cut chicken into smaller bite-sized pieces, serve on mini skewers with toothpicks, perfect for cocktail parties or game night gatherings with friends.
• Salad Fresh Twist: Slice skewered chicken and arrange over mixed greens, add cucumber ribbons, crushed peanuts, and warm peanut sauce as a delicious dressing for a light lunch option.

Best Storage for Spicy Peanut Skewers

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent moisture and maintain flavor.
• Wrap chicken skewers individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months, labeling with the date for easy tracking.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature until warmed through.
• Warm chicken in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Drizzle reserved peanut sauce over the top to restore moisture and enhance flavor.

Spicy Peanut Chicken Skewers Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Fiery spicy peanut chicken skewers blend Indonesian and Thai flavors for a mouth-watering grilling experience. Zesty marinades and rich peanut sauce create irresistible bites you won’t be able to resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) boneless skinless chicken thighs

Sauce Base:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) full-fat coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) soy sauce
• 1 1/2 tablespoons (22.5 milliliters) dark brown sugar

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Garnish and Serving Options:

• Cooked white or brown rice
• Whole or chopped peanuts
• Chopped green onions
• Chopped cilantro
• Lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Craft a zesty marinade by whisking peanut butter, coconut milk, lime juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes until smooth and fully incorporated.
2. Divide the sauce, reserving 1 cup in a chilled container for later serving, while keeping the remaining sauce for marinating.
3. Submerge chicken chunks in the prepared peanut sauce, ensuring thorough coating. Refrigerate for 1-8 hours, gently stirring midway through marination to distribute flavors evenly.
4. Prepare cooking surface by lightly greasing a baking sheet or positioning a wire rack over a baking tray.
5. For broiling: Position oven rack 4-5 inches from heat source. Preheat broiler to high, then arrange marinated chicken skewers on prepared surface.
6. Broil chicken for 5-7 minutes, rotating once halfway through cooking. Verify internal temperature reaches 160°F using a meat thermometer for safe consumption.
7. Alternatively, for grilling: Heat grill to medium-high (375°-450°F). Cook skewers over indirect heat, turning occasionally, until chicken reaches 160°F internally, approximately 6-10 minutes per side.
8. Plate skewers with optional accompaniments, drizzling reserved room temperature peanut sauce alongside for enhanced flavor profile.

Notes

• Marinate chicken for maximum flavor absorption, ensuring every bite is packed with delicious peanut sauce complexity.
• Use wooden skewers soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling or broiling.
• Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing red pepper flakes to suit personal heat tolerance.
• Consider alternative protein options like tofu or shrimp for dietary flexibility and variety.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
• Method: Broiling
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 469 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 628 mg
• Fat: 33 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 112 mg