Spicy Peanut Chicken Skewers

Featured in: Fun & Easy Meals

These chicken skewers are marinated in a vibrant spicy peanut sauce featuring peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and warming spices. After soaking skewers to prevent burning, the chicken cubes are threaded, grilled to a perfect char, and brushed with reserved marinade for extra flavor. Finished with roasted peanuts, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges, they offer a balance of spice, tang, and nuttiness ideal for casual outdoor meals or appetizers.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 11:51:00 GMT
Grilled Spicy Peanut Satay Chicken Skewers, charred and glistening, served with fresh cilantro. Save
Grilled Spicy Peanut Satay Chicken Skewers, charred and glistening, served with fresh cilantro. | kookycrunch.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 quickly became a favorite at my summer gatherings where everyone loved the peanut satay sauce combined with grilled 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

Step 1:
Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes if using, to prevent burning.
Step 2:
In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, sriracha, garlic, ginger, vegetable oil, coriander, cumin, and water until smooth.
Step 3:
Reserve 3 tablespoons of marinade for serving.
Step 4:
Add chicken cubes to the remaining marinade, toss well, and cover. Marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
Step 5:
Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers.
Step 6:
Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Oil the grates lightly.
Step 7:
Grill skewers for 12&ndash15 minutes, turning every few minutes, until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
Step 8:
Brush with reserved marinade during the last minute of grilling.
Step 9:
Remove from grill, garnish with chopped peanuts, cilantro, and serve with lime wedges.
Juicy Spicy Peanut Satay Chicken Skewers ready to eat, with bright lime wedges on the side. Save
Juicy Spicy Peanut Satay Chicken Skewers ready to eat, with bright lime wedges on the side. | kookycrunch.com

My family loves gathering around the grill to enjoy these flavorful skewers, making every summer meal memorable.

Notes

For extra heat increase the amount of sriracha or add crushed red pepper flakes. Can be served with jasmine rice cucumber salad or flatbread. Substitute almond butter for peanut butter if preferred. Pairs well with a light lager or Riesling.

Required Tools

Mixing bowls whisk knife and cutting board grill or grill pan skewers tongs

Allergen Information

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

Aromatic Spicy Peanut Satay Chicken Skewers smoking on the grill, ready for your summer feast. Save
Aromatic Spicy Peanut Satay Chicken Skewers smoking on the grill, ready for your summer feast. | kookycrunch.com

This dish is a perfect balance of spicy and savory enhancing any barbecue or appetizer menu.

Recipe FAQ

How long should the chicken marinate?

Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to deeply infuse.

Can I use a different nut butter?

Yes, almond butter can substitute peanut butter for a slightly different but equally creamy taste.

How do I prevent the wooden skewers from burning on the grill?

Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to help prevent burning.

What can I serve alongside these skewers?

They pair well with jasmine rice, cucumber salad, or flatbread to complement the bold flavors.

How can I make the dish spicier?

Increase the sriracha amount or add crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade for extra heat.

Is it necessary to brush the skewers with reserved marinade?

Brushing with reserved marinade during the last grilling minute enhances moisture and intensifies flavor.

Spicy Peanut Chicken Skewers

Grilled chicken skewers coated with a zesty peanut sauce and finished with fresh herbs and lime.

Prep duration
20 min
Cook duration
15 min
Complete duration
35 min
Created by Jake Peterson


Skill level Easy

Heritage Southeast Asian

Output 4 Portions

Diet considerations No dairy

Components

Chicken Skewers

01 1.3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
02 8 wooden or metal skewers

Spicy Peanut Marinade

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

Garnish

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

Directions

Phase 01

Prepare Skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning if using wooden skewers.

Phase 02

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.

Phase 03

Reserve Marinade: Set aside 3 tablespoons of the marinade for basting during cooking.

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

Assemble Skewers: Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers evenly.

Phase 06

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

Phase 07

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

Phase 08

Baste with Marinade: Brush reserved marinade over the chicken during the last minute of grilling for extra flavor.

Phase 09

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

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each component carefully for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're uncertain about any ingredient.
  • Contains peanuts and soy. May contain gluten due to soy sauce; use tamari for gluten-free option.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 385
  • Fats: 21 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Proteins: 37 g