Name: Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 1 h 38 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 kg chicken (dark meat preferably), 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; 6 tablespoons coconut cream; 1 ½ tablespoons honey; 1 teaspoon soy sauce; 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 to desired consistency); 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional); 1 teaspoon chili oil (optional); Crushed peanuts (optional, for garnish)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 9 reviews

If you are searching for a vibrant, flavor-packed dish to brighten up your next meal, the Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce Recipe is an absolute must-try. These skewers are the perfect balance of juicy, tender chicken infused with a rich coconut marinade, enhanced by the smoky char from the grill, and complemented beautifully by a creamy, nutty peanut sauce. Every bite bursts with warmth and layers of traditional Thai flavors that feel both exotic and comforting at the same time. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a fun weekend barbecue, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites to make and share.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two metal skewers with marinated dark brown meat pieces on a white round plate, placed on a white marbled surface. To the right, there is a metal bowl filled with more marinated meat, glossy and thick with sauce. Above the plate is a clear glass holding several wooden skewers standing upright. The scene is lit with soft, natural light giving a fresh look to the marinated meat and utensils. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this recipe lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the authentic taste, the enticing texture, and the delightful color that makes these grilled Thai coconut chicken skewers irresistible.

1 kg chicken (dark meat preferably): Dark meat stays juicy and tender on the grill, perfect for skewering.
4-5 slices ginger: Fresh ginger adds a zesty, aromatic kick to the marinade.
2 cloves garlic: Garlic infuses savory depth and balances the sweetness.
2 tablespoons soy sauce: Provides essential saltiness and umami richness.
1 tablespoon dark soy sauce: Adds color and a deeper flavor complexity.
2 tablespoons coconut cream: Brings creamy tropical notes to both marinade and glaze.
2 tablespoons sugar: Sweetens and helps with caramelization on the grill.
1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Enhances the savory, slightly sweet flavors.
6 tablespoons coconut cream (for glaze): Used to create a luscious, sticky coconut glaze.
1 ½ tablespoons honey: Natural sweetness for the glaze’s beautiful shine.
1 teaspoon soy sauce (for glaze): Balances the glaze’s sweetness with a hint of saltiness.
2 tablespoons coconut cream (for peanut sauce): Adds buttery richness.
¼ cup natural peanut butter (unsweetened): The star of the peanut sauce, providing creamy texture and nutty flavor.
1 teaspoon rice vinegar: Gives the peanut sauce a mild tanginess that brightens it up.
1 teaspoon Thai red curry paste: Brings a gentle heat and vibrant color.
2 teaspoon maple syrup (or honey): Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
2 teaspoon soy sauce (for peanut sauce): Rounds out the flavor with umami.
2-3 tablespoons water: Used to thin out the peanut sauce to the perfect consistency.
1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional): Adds a toasty, nutty aroma to the sauce.
1 teaspoon chili oil (optional): For those who like a little extra heat.
Crushed peanuts (optional): A crunchy topping to elevate presentation and texture.

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

Step 1: Prepare the Quick & Easy Peanut Sauce

Before you even touch the chicken, get your peanut sauce ready. It’s a breeze to make and lets those flavors mingle while you work on the chicken. Just combine the coconut cream, natural peanut butter, rice vinegar, Thai red curry paste, maple syrup, soy sauce, and the optional oils in a small bowl. Stir it up until smooth and set it aside to allow the flavors to marry—it will make the perfect accompaniment when your skewers come off the grill.

Step 2: Marinating and Skewering the Chicken

Hydrate your wooden skewers by soaking them in water so they don’t burn, then cut the chicken into bite-sized 1×1 inch pieces. The key here is to get a really fine mince or mash of the ginger and garlic to infuse the meat properly. Mix the ginger, garlic, soy sauces, coconut cream, sugar, and oyster sauce with the chicken and let it sit in the fridge for at least 1-2 hours, or overnight if you have the time, for maximum flavor penetration. When ready, remove from the fridge to come to room temperature and thread the chicken onto the skewers snugly to ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Make the Coconut Cream Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut cream, honey, and soy sauce to create a glaze that will bring a luscious, caramelized finish to the skewers. Keep this ready so you can brush it on as soon as the chicken starts to char on the grill.

Step 4: Grill the Skewers to Perfection

Preheat your grill to about 500F or 260C for a beautiful direct heat sear. Cook the skewers on the grill, turning every 2-3 minutes to develop even charring and cook through thoroughly, which should take around 15-18 minutes. Once the chicken has browned nicely, brush on the coconut cream glaze a few times while flipping frequently to get that sweet, sticky caramelization everyone dreams about in grilled food. Keep your eyes on the grill because the sweet glaze can burn quickly!

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

Five grilled meat skewers with a shiny dark brown glaze rest on bright green lettuce leaves arranged on a white plate with a textured edge. The skewers show a mix of crispy and juicy textures with some charred spots. To the plate’s side is a small white bowl filled with a creamy orange sauce drizzled with dark red oil. The plate and bowl sit on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, and a sprinkle of crushed peanuts add freshness and texture that contrast the tender, juicy chicken and creamy peanut sauce wonderfully. A wedge or two of lime on the side can brighten the whole experience with a squeeze of citrus at the table.

Side Dishes

These grilled skewers pair beautifully with simple jasmine rice or coconut rice to keep the theme tropical and fragrant. For a lighter option, serve over crunchy green lettuce leaves to make mini chicken wraps, which also helps soak up that delicious peanut sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the chicken skewers on a long platter lined with banana leaves to enhance the Thai vibe. Offer dipping bowls filled with peanut sauce alongside crisp veggies like shredded carrots and cucumber ribbons for color and crunch, turning your meal into an interactive experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover grilled chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen as the meat sits, making them just as enjoyable the next day cold or reheated.

Freezing

You can freeze uncooked marinated skewers by placing them on a tray until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. For best results, defrost overnight in the fridge before grilling.

Reheating

When reheating, avoid microwaving to keep the chicken juicy and tender. Instead, warm the skewers gently in a preheated oven at 350F (175C) until heated through, about 8-10 minutes. You can brush on some additional coconut cream glaze before reheating to refresh that sticky, sweet finish.

FAQs

Can I use white meat chicken instead of dark meat?

Absolutely, white meat is fine, but keep in mind it can dry out faster on the grill so watch the cooking time closely to maintain juiciness.

Is the peanut sauce necessary?

The peanut sauce is optional but highly recommended because it adds a creamy, slightly spicy dimension that complements the coconut-flavored chicken perfectly.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

While 1-2 hours is a minimum, marinating overnight will give you the deepest flavor infusion, making the skewers even more delicious.

Can I cook these skewers indoors?

Yes, you can use a grill pan or broiler on high heat; just be sure to turn the skewers frequently and watch closely to get that lovely char without burning.

What can I substitute for coconut cream?

Coconut cream is key for the authentic flavor and richness, but in a pinch, full-fat coconut milk can work, though it’s slightly thinner and less creamy.

Final Thoughts

There is something incredibly satisfying about the Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce Recipe that makes it a joy to prepare and an absolute delight to eat. The combination of sweet, savory, spicy, and creamy elements brings out the best in every ingredient. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and discover how easy it is to bring a vibrant taste of Thailand right to your own backyard grill. Enjoy every sticky, tender, and flavor-packed bite!