If you’re craving a delicious, exotic, and flavorful dish, these Thai Curry Chicken Skewers served with a creamy coconut peanut sauce are a must-try! This recipe combines the aromatic spices of Thai cuisine with the smoky goodness of grilled chicken. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, preparing for a weeknight dinner, or exploring new culinary adventures, this dish will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Thai cuisine is renowned for its balance of sweet, spicy, tangy, and savory flavors. These Thai Curry Chicken Skewers capture that magic, offering a delectable blend of coconut milk, Thai red curry paste, and lime juice. The dish is elevated by a creamy, rich coconut peanut sauce that perfectly complements the smoky, charred chicken.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Easy to prepare: With minimal prep time and grilling involved, this recipe is perfect for busy days.
- Packed with flavor: The marinade and dipping sauce are a harmonious symphony of bold Thai spices.
- Crowd-pleaser: Whether served as an appetizer or main dish, these skewers are always a hit.
- Healthy: Lean chicken breast combined with natural ingredients makes this a wholesome choice.
Ingredients Breakdown (See Full Recipe Card Below):
For the Chicken:
- Chicken Breast: Lean and tender, it soaks up the marinade beautifully.
- Thai Red Curry Paste: Adds a spicy and aromatic kick.
- Coconut Milk: Provides a creamy base that balances the spice.
- Soy Sauce: Enhances the umami flavor.
- Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness.
- Garlic and Lime Juice: Bring in a fresh and tangy zing.
For the Coconut Peanut Sauce:
- Peanut Butter: Creamy and nutty, it’s the foundation of the sauce.
- Coconut Milk: Ensures the sauce is smooth and luxurious.
- Thai Red Curry Paste: Ties the sauce to the marinade for a cohesive flavor.
- Honey and Lime Juice: Balance sweetness and acidity.
- Grated Ginger: Adds warmth and depth.
Essential Thai Cooking Tips:
- Marinate Properly: For maximum flavor, let the chicken marinate for at least one hour, though overnight is even better.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lime juice and garlic make a huge difference in flavor.
- Balance the Sauce: Taste as you go when making the sauce to adjust sweetness, acidity, and spice to your liking.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Preparing the Marinade:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together Thai red curry paste, coconut milk, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken strips and ensure they’re fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Grilling the Skewers:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a small gap between each strip for even cooking.
- Place skewers on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and slightly charred.
Making the Coconut Peanut Sauce:
- In a bowl, combine peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, Thai red curry paste, and grated ginger.
- Whisk until smooth, adding water a tablespoon at a time to achieve the desired consistency.
Secrets to Perfect Grilled Chicken:
- Preheat the Grill: Ensure the grill is hot to achieve beautiful char marks.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Skewers: Leave space for heat to circulate, ensuring even cooking.
- Oil the Grill Grates: Prevent sticking by lightly oiling the grates before cooking.
- Cook to Perfection: Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches 165°F internally.
Mastering the Coconut Peanut Sauce:
The sauce is the star of this dish! For the best results:
- Consistency: Adjust with water; the sauce should be smooth but not runny.
- Taste Test: Add more honey for sweetness or lime juice for tang if needed.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the skewers on a platter with the coconut peanut sauce on the side for dipping.
- Garnish with chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, or a sprinkle of chili flakes for added flair.
- Pair with jasmine rice, a fresh cucumber salad, or a Thai-inspired slaw.
Variations to Try:
- Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken for tofu or portobello mushrooms.
- Spicy Upgrade: Add extra red curry paste or a dash of sriracha.
- Nut-Free Version: Substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.
- Wrap It Up: Turn the skewers into wraps with lettuce leaves or flatbreads.
These Thai Curry Chicken Skewers with Coconut Peanut Sauce are a true celebration of Thai flavors. The smoky grilled chicken paired with the creamy, nutty sauce is a combination that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet meal at home, this dish promises to impress. Fire up your grill and treat yourself to this exotic culinary adventure today!
More Recipe Suggestions:
Simple Spicy Summer Coconut Chicken Curry
30 Minute Creamy Thai Turmeric Chicken and Noodles
Grilled Salmon Skewers with Creamy Dill Yogurt Sauce
Thai Curry Chicken Skewers
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. chicken breast, cut into strips
- 1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lime juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Coconut Peanut Sauce:
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon Thai red curry paste
- 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
- Water as needed to thin the sauce
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together Thai red curry paste, coconut milk, soy sauce, honey, garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Add chicken strips and marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Thread chicken strips onto skewers.
- Grill skewers for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until chicken is thoroughly cooked and slightly charred.
For the sauce:
- Whisk together peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, Thai red curry paste, and grated ginger in a bowl. Add water as needed until the desired consistency is reached.
- Serve chicken skewers hot with the coconut peanut sauce on the side.
