Easy Grilled Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce for Weeknight Dinners 2025
Summer cookouts, family dinners, or weekend gatherings—there’s nothing quite like grilled chicken skewers to bring people together. Bursting with flavor, tender and juicy, and enhanced with a tropical coconut glaze and optional peanut sauce, these skewers are more than just food—they’re an experience. This recipe is designed to be easy enough for weeknight meals yet impressive enough for entertaining.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything from ingredient selection and preparation to grilling techniques, serving suggestions, variations, and storage tips. By the end, you’ll have a foolproof method for creating perfect grilled chicken skewers every time.
Why You’ll Love These Chicken Skewers
- Smoky, juicy flavor – The high-heat grill ensures a delicious char without drying out the meat.
- Sweet and savory glaze – Coconut cream and honey create a tropical, rich finish.
- Optional peanut sauce – Adds a nutty, creamy layer that enhances every bite.
- Versatile serving options – Serve over rice, salad, or as lettuce wraps.
- Easy entertaining – Prep ahead, skewer, and grill when guests arrive.
Essential Ingredients for Grilled Chicken Skewers
Chicken
- Thighs are ideal for grilling—they stay moist and tender.
- Chicken breasts can be used if you prefer leaner meat, but watch closely to avoid overcooking.
Aromatics
- Garlic and ginger – Freshly minced or pounded for maximum aroma.
Marinade Essentials
- Soy sauce and dark soy sauce – Adds depth and umami.
- Oyster sauce – Boosts savory richness.
- Coconut cream – Creates a silky, tropical base.
- Honey or sugar – Balances savory flavors with a hint of sweetness.
Optional Peanut Sauce
- Peanut butter – Creamy, rich, and slightly sweet.
- Coconut cream – Adds tropical smoothness.
- Red curry paste – Mild kick and color.
- Rice vinegar – Adds acidity and balance.
Garnishes and Serving
- Crisp lettuce leaves – For handheld wraps.
- Pickled vegetables – Brightens the dish.
- Chili oil or lime wedges – Optional for heat or zest.
Step 1: Preparing the Peanut Sauce (Optional)
Although optional, the peanut sauce elevates the flavor profile of these skewers. Here’s how to make it:
- In a small mixing bowl, combine:
- ¼ cup peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons coconut cream
- 1 teaspoon red curry paste
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, to achieve your preferred consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning—more curry paste for spice, more peanut butter for richness.
- Set aside while you prepare the chicken.
Pro tip: Make this sauce a few hours in advance to allow flavors to meld.
Step 2: Marinating the Chicken
A flavorful marinade is key to juicy, aromatic skewers.
- Prepare the skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Cut the chicken: Into 1-inch chunks for even cooking.
- Mix the marinade: Combine minced garlic, ginger, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, coconut cream, and honey in a large bowl.
- Toss the chicken: Ensure every piece is coated in the marinade.
- Refrigerate: Marinate for 1–2 hours, ideally overnight for deeper flavor.
Pro tips:
- Keep the chicken pieces snug on the skewers to avoid overcooking.
- Remove chicken from fridge 30 minutes before grilling to bring to room temperature.
Step 3: Preparing the Coconut Glaze
This glaze adds a sweet, caramelized finish to your skewers:
- In a small bowl, whisk together:
- 3 tablespoons coconut cream
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- Set aside to brush on the skewers during the final grilling stage.
Step 4: Skewering the Chicken
- Thread chicken chunks onto soaked skewers, keeping them tightly packed.
- Avoid uneven spacing; loose pieces may cook unevenly or burn.
- Optional: Alternate chicken with vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or cherry tomatoes for color and added flavor.
Step 5: Grilling the Skewers
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 450°F / 232°C).
- Place skewers over direct heat and grill:
- Flip every 2–3 minutes for even cooking.
- Total cook time: 12–15 minutes, depending on chicken thickness.
- Brush coconut glaze over skewers in the last 1–2 minutes of grilling.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Pro tip: Keep a spray bottle of water handy to manage flare-ups from dripping glaze.
Step 6: Serving and Presentation
- Serve skewers hot with:
- Crisp lettuce leaves for wraps
- Steamed jasmine rice as a base
- Pickled vegetables for tangy contrast
- Peanut sauce drizzled on top
Pro tip: Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for vibrant color and flavor.
Delicious Variations and Substitutions
- Chicken breast – Leaner, quicker-cooking option.
- Add heat – Sprinkle chili flakes into marinade or glaze.
- Alternative sauces – Hoisin or fish sauce can replace oyster sauce.
- Maple syrup – Can substitute for honey in glaze.
- Vegetable skewers – Mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers for a vegetarian twist.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Marinate ahead – Chicken can marinate overnight for convenience.
- Refrigerate cooked skewers – Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- Freeze marinated chicken – Up to 2 months; thaw overnight in fridge before grilling.
- Reheating – Oven or grill recommended to maintain texture; microwave may make chicken rubbery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I bake instead of grill?
A: Yes! Bake at 425°F (218°C) for 20–25 minutes, then broil 1–2 minutes per side to achieve char.
Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
A: Use tamari instead of soy sauce, and ensure other condiments are gluten-free.
Q: How can I prevent skewers from burning?
A: Soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes. Keep glaze brushing toward the end to prevent sugar from burning.
Q: Is the peanut sauce spicy?
A: It has a mild kick from red curry paste; adjust to your taste.
Q: Can I use coconut milk instead of cream?
A: Yes, but the glaze will be slightly thinner and less rich.
Serving Ideas for Maximum Impact
- Summer BBQ Platter – Skewers with grilled corn, rice salad, and citrus wedges.
- Lettuce Wrap Party – Set out skewers, lettuce leaves, and peanut sauce for DIY wraps.
- Meal Prep Friendly – Serve with steamed rice and roasted vegetables for weekday lunches.
- Tropical Twist – Garnish with diced pineapple or mango for sweetness.
Tips for Perfect Skewers Every Time
- Use high-quality chicken – Fresh, organic, or free-range for the best flavor.
- Room temperature chicken – Helps cook evenly and avoid tough meat.
- Char and caramelization – Brush glaze at the end; sugars burn if applied too early.
- Keep an eye on flare-ups – Avoid excessive smoke by trimming fat and managing grill heat.
- Let skewers rest – 5 minutes after grilling keeps juices locked in.
Why This Recipe Works
- The marinade deeply flavors the chicken with savory, sweet, and aromatic notes.
- Coconut glaze adds rich tropical sweetness without overpowering.
- Optional peanut sauce introduces creamy texture and nutty flavor that balances the charred chicken.
- Versatile serving options make it suitable for casual dinners, meal prep, or entertaining.
Nutritional Notes
- High-protein – Chicken thighs provide essential amino acids.
- Healthy fats – From coconut cream and optional peanut sauce.
- Balanced flavors – Sweet, salty, savory, and mildly spicy for a satisfying meal.
- Customizable portions – Adjust ingredients to fit dietary preferences (GF, dairy-free, low-carb).
Final Thoughts
These Grilled Chicken Skewers with Coconut Glaze and Peanut Sauce are the ultimate summer dish. With their smoky char, juicy interior, tropical sweetness, and optional nutty richness, they’re sure to impress both family and friends. Whether served as handheld lettuce wraps, over steaming rice, or on a festive BBQ platter, this recipe guarantees unforgettable flavor in every bite.
Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining, this recipe is flexible, easy to prep, and endlessly customizable. Follow these steps, embrace the bold flavors, and enjoy your grilled masterpiece.
