Spicy Peanut Chicken Skewers

Featured in: Rustic Family Dinners

This dish features tender chicken pieces soaked in a rich, spicy peanut marinade and grilled until perfectly charred. The balance of creamy peanut butter, zesty lime, and aromatic spices delivers bold Southeast Asian flavors. Garnished with roasted peanuts and fresh cilantro, these skewers offer both texture and vibrant taste, ideal for summer gatherings or flavorful appetizers.

Preparation involves marinating chicken cubes for an hour, threading them onto skewers, and grilling while brushing with reserved marinade for added moisture and flavor. The combination of heat from sriracha and fragrant spices like cumin and coriander creates a memorable dish that pairs beautifully with rice or fresh salad.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 13:43:00 GMT
Grilled Spicy Peanut Satay Chicken Skewers, a flavorful dish with charred edges and vibrant garnish. Save
Grilled Spicy Peanut Satay Chicken Skewers, a flavorful dish with charred edges and vibrant garnish. | hazeldish.com

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

I first served this to my friends on a sunny weekend and everyone loved the rich, spicy flavor combined with the smoky grill taste.

Ingredients

  • 600 g boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: cut into 2.5 cm (1-inch) cubes
  • 8 wooden or metal skewers:
  • 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:
  • 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.
Savory Spicy Peanut Satay Chicken Skewers, beautifully presented with lime and cilantro, ready to eat. Save
Savory Spicy Peanut Satay Chicken Skewers, beautifully presented with lime and cilantro, ready to eat. | hazeldish.com

This recipe always brings the family together around the grill, sharing stories and enjoying the bold flavors.

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.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 385, Total Fat: 21 g, Carbohydrates: 13 g, Protein: 37 g per serving.

Juicy, marinated Spicy Peanut Satay Chicken Skewers, perfect for a summer cookout with family and friends. Save
Juicy, marinated Spicy Peanut Satay Chicken Skewers, perfect for a summer cookout with family and friends. | hazeldish.com

Enjoy these spicy peanut satay chicken skewers fresh off the grill for the best flavor and texture.

Recipe Help & Answers

How long should the chicken marinate?

Marinate the chicken cubes for at least 1 hour to let the spicy peanut flavors penetrate deeply.

Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?

Yes, almond butter can be substituted to provide a similar creamy texture with a different nutty flavor.

What is the best way to prevent skewers from burning on the grill?

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

How do I achieve a good char on the chicken?

Grill the skewers over medium-high heat, turning every few minutes, and brush with reserved marinade during the last minute.

What side dishes pair well with these skewers?

These skewers go well with jasmine rice, cucumber salad, or flatbread to complement the spicy, nutty flavors.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep the marinade gluten-free.

Spicy Peanut Chicken Skewers

Tender chicken cubes in a spicy peanut marinade, grilled and garnished with peanuts and fresh cilantro.

Prep Time
20 min
Time to Cook
15 min
Overall Time
35 min
Created by Isabel Grant


Skill Level Easy

Inspired By Southeast Asian

Makes 4 Number of servings

Dietary Details No Dairy

What You Need

Chicken Skewers

01 1.32 lb 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 It

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

Reserve marinade portion: Set aside 3 tablespoons of the marinade for 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

Thread chicken on skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces evenly onto the skewers.

Step 06

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

Step 07

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

Step 08

Apply reserved marinade: Brush the reserved marinade onto the skewers during the final minute of grilling.

Step 09

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

Tools You’ll Need

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

Allergy Details

Review each ingredient for allergens. Always reach out to a healthcare professional for help if you’re unsure.
  • Contains peanuts and soy (soy sauce).
  • May contain gluten due to soy sauce; use tamari for gluten-free option.

Per-Serving Nutrition

Nutritional data is for general reference only. It shouldn't replace advice from your doctor.
  • Calorie Count: 385
  • Fats: 21 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Proteins: 37 g