Spicy Peanut Chicken Skewers

Featured in: Seasonal Family Dinners

These succulent chicken pieces are marinated in a vibrant blend of creamy peanut butter, soy, lime, and spices. After soaking skewers and marinating for an hour, the chicken is threaded and grilled until charred and juicy. Finished with a brush of reserved sauce and garnished with roasted peanuts, cilantro, and lime wedges, this dish bursts with Southeast Asian flavors and offers a perfect balance of heat and freshness. Ideal for summer gatherings or a flavorful starter.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 09:25:00 GMT
Juicy Spicy Peanut Satay Chicken Skewers, charred from the grill, ready to be served. Save
Juicy Spicy Peanut Satay Chicken Skewers, charred from the grill, ready to be served. | pumpkinvale.com

Tender chicken skewers marinated in a flavorful, spicy peanut sauce and grilled to perfection. Perfect for summer barbecues or as a delicious appetizer.

This recipe has become a favorite at my family gatherings, always impressing guests with its bold flavors and tender chicken.

Ingredients

  • Chicken Skewers: 600 g boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 2.5 cm (1-inch) cubes; 8 wooden or metal skewers
  • Spicy Peanut Marinade: 4 tbsp creamy peanut butter; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp lime juice (about 1 lime); 1 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tbsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste); 2 cloves garlic minced; 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 tsp ground coriander; 1 tsp ground cumin; 2 tbsp water
  • Garnish: 2 tbsp chopped roasted peanuts; 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro; Lime wedges

Instructions

Soak Skewers:
Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes if using to prevent burning.
Make Marinade:
In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter soy sauce lime juice brown sugar sriracha garlic ginger vegetable oil coriander cumin and water until smooth.
Reserve Marinade:
Reserve 3 tablespoons of marinade for serving.
Marinate Chicken:
Add chicken cubes to the remaining marinade toss well and cover. Marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
Thread Chicken:
Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers.
Preheat Grill:
Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Oil the grates lightly.
Grill Chicken:
Grill skewers for 12 15 minutes turning every few minutes until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
Brush Marinade:
Brush with reserved marinade during the last minute of grilling.
Serve:
Remove from grill garnish with chopped peanuts cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
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This recipe always brings the family together, sparking great conversations around the barbecue.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with jasmine rice, cucumber salad, or flatbread for a complete meal.

Allergen Information

Contains peanuts and soy (soy sauce). May contain gluten (use tamari for gluten-free). Double-check ingredient labels for allergen safety.

Pairings

This dish pairs well with a light lager or Riesling wine to enhance the flavors.

A close-up of beautifully grilled Spicy Peanut Satay Chicken Skewers garnished with fresh cilantro. Save
A close-up of beautifully grilled Spicy Peanut Satay Chicken Skewers garnished with fresh cilantro. | pumpkinvale.com

Try this recipe for your next summer event and enjoy the delicious blend of flavors.

Recipe FAQs

How should I prepare the skewers before use?

Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling. Metal skewers do not require soaking.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into even cubes work well and grill quickly, though thighs remain juicier.

How spicy is the peanut sauce, and can I adjust it?

The sauce has a gentle heat from sriracha or chili garlic sauce, which you can reduce or increase to taste, even adding red pepper flakes for extra heat.

What side dishes pair well with these skewers?

Jasmine rice, crisp cucumber salad, or warm flatbread complement the rich, spicy flavors beautifully.

Is it possible to substitute peanut butter?

Almond butter can be used as an alternative for those avoiding peanuts, offering a slightly different but delicious flavor.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Chicken skewers are cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the meat is opaque and slightly charred on the surface.

Spicy Peanut Chicken Skewers

Grilled chicken pieces marinated in a spicy peanut sauce, garnished with peanuts and fresh cilantro.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Time Needed
35 minutes
Created by Emma Wallace


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Southeast Asian

Makes 4 Serving Size

Diet Information No Dairy

Ingredient List

Chicken Skewers

01 1.32 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
02 8 wooden or metal skewers

Spicy Peanut Marinade

01 4 tbsp creamy peanut butter
02 2 tbsp soy sauce
03 2 tbsp lime juice (about 1 lime)
04 1 tbsp brown sugar
05 1 tbsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
06 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
08 2 tbsp vegetable oil
09 1 tsp ground coriander
10 1 tsp ground cumin
11 2 tbsp water

Garnish

01 2 tbsp chopped roasted peanuts
02 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
03 Lime wedges

How to Make

Step 01

Prepare Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.

Step 02

Make Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, sriracha, minced garlic, grated ginger, vegetable oil, coriander, cumin, and water until smooth.

Step 03

Reserve Marinade: Set aside 3 tablespoons of the marinade for basting and serving.

Step 04

Marinate Chicken: Add chicken cubes to the remaining marinade, toss to coat evenly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Step 05

Assemble Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers evenly.

Step 06

Preheat Grill: Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.

Step 07

Grill Chicken: Grill the skewers for 12 to 15 minutes, turning every few minutes until chicken is fully cooked and slightly charred.

Step 08

Baste Skewers: Brush reserved marinade onto the skewers during the last minute of grilling to enhance flavor and moisture.

Step 09

Serve: Remove skewers from the grill, garnish with chopped peanuts and cilantro, and serve with lime wedges.

Equipment Needed

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Grill or grill pan
  • Skewers
  • Tongs

Allergy Details

Review ingredients for allergens and ask a healthcare expert if unsure.
  • Contains peanuts and soy; soy sauce may contain gluten—use tamari for gluten-free option.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

Details shown are for general guidance and aren't a medical substitute.
  • Caloric Content: 385
  • Fats: 21 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Proteins: 37 g