Name: Coconut Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce and Coconut Cream Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 1 h 33 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 kg chicken (dark meat preferably), cut into 1×1 inch chunks; 4-5 slices ginger (approx. 2 tablespoons), finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic (approx. 1½ tablespoons), finely chopped; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce; 2 tablespoons coconut cream; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 6 tablespoons coconut cream; 1 1/2 tablespoons honey; 1 teaspoon soy sauce; 2 tablespoons coconut cream; 1/4 cup natural peanut butter (unsweetened); 1 teaspoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon Thai red curry paste; 2 teaspoons maple syrup; 2 teaspoons soy sauce; 2-3 tablespoons water (or enough to thin to desired consistency); 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional); 1 teaspoon chili oil (optional); Crushed peanuts (optional, for garnish); Wooden skewers (soaked in water to prevent burning); Green lettuce leaves (for serving)

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If you love tropical flavors mingling beautifully with savory chicken, then this Coconut Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce and Coconut Cream Glaze Recipe is exactly what you need to try next. Juicy, tender chicken pieces soak up a fragrant marinade full of ginger, garlic, and soy, then get grilled to caramelized perfection. The luscious peanut sauce and sweet coconut cream glaze add layers of indulgent richness that turn a simple skewer into a celebration on your plate. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any casual gathering or brightening up a weeknight dinner with a little flair.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a wooden table with several ingredients arranged neatly. At the top center, raw chicken thighs with skin on rest in a round wooden bowl lined with white paper. Below to the right, a large piece of fresh ginger with pale brown skin lies close to the bowl. Near the ginger, a small white square dish holds a thick dark sauce. In the middle left, peeled garlic cloves with their papery skins are scattered near a partial garlic bulb. A small white measuring cup filled with coarse light brown sugar sits below the garlic. At the bottom center, there is a small square wooden bowl containing a white solid ingredient. To the edges of the image, two small round metal cups filled with dark sauces or liquids are placed. The whole scene is set on a rustic wooden table surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients for this dish is straightforward, and each one plays an essential role in balancing the flavors and textures that make it unforgettable. From the creamy coconut cream to the zesty ginger and the nutty peanut butter, every element brings something special to the table.

Chicken (1 kg dark meat): Dark meat stays juicy and tender through grilling, ideal for skewers that remain flavorful.
Ginger (4-5 slices): Adds a fresh, warming punch that cuts through richness beautifully.
Garlic (2 cloves): Provides a fragrant base for the marinade essential in deep flavor development.
Soy sauce (regular and dark): Brings saltiness and umami depth, crucial for that savory balance.
Coconut cream (multiple uses): Enhances creaminess in marinade and glaze, tying tropical flavors together.
Sugar & honey: These sweeteners caramelize nicely on the grill and balance the salty components.
Oyster sauce: Adds a subtle earthiness and complexity to the marinade.
Natural peanut butter (¼ cup): The star in the peanut sauce, lending richness and that unmistakable nuttiness.
Rice vinegar: Introduces mild acidity to brighten the peanut sauce.
Thai red curry paste: Offers a gentle hint of spice and aromatic heat.
Maple syrup & soy sauce: Work together to perfect the sweet-savory peanut sauce taste.
Sesame and chili oils (optional): Add extra layers of flavor and a slight kick if you like things a little bolder.
Crushed peanuts (optional): For garnish, adding crunch and visual appeal.

How to Make Coconut Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce and Coconut Cream Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Quick & Easy Peanut Sauce

This sauce is the perfect companion to your skewers, creamy with a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and spice. Simply mix the natural peanut butter, rice vinegar, Thai red curry paste, maple syrup, soy sauce, water, and optional oils in a small bowl until smooth. Set it aside to let the flavors meld while the chicken marinates.

Step 2: Marinading & Skewering the Chicken

Start by soaking wooden skewers in water if you’re using them to prevent burning on the grill. Cut your chicken into bite-sized chunks about 1×1 inch. Finely chop or grate the garlic and ginger for the marinade. Toss the chicken with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, coconut cream, sugar, and oyster sauce. Allow the chicken to soak up all those vibrant flavors in the fridge for at least 1-2 hours, or ideally overnight for maximum deliciousness. When ready, thread the chicken onto the skewers firmly, making sure the meat pieces are snug to avoid burning loose bits.

Step 3: Making the Coconut Cream Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together coconut cream, honey, and soy sauce. This glaze will add a sweet, sticky finish to your skewers and should be applied near the end of grilling for that irresistible caramelized coat.

Step 4: Grilling Your Skewers to Perfection

Heat your grill to about 500°F (260°C). Place the skewers directly over the heat and grill, turning every few minutes to ensure even cooking. After about 15-18 minutes, the chicken should be beautifully charred and cooked through. Brush on the coconut cream glaze and continue turning the skewers every minute or so, allowing the glaze to caramelize and form a glossy, flavorful crust.

How to Serve Coconut Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce and Coconut Cream Glaze Recipe

Seven long skewers of grilled meat with a shiny, dark brown glazed surface are laid out side by side on a wooden board with a natural bark edge. Each skewer is fully covered with irregular chunks of meat that show slight charring and juicy textures. The meat pieces vary slightly in size and shape, giving a rustic look. The wooden board has warm tones and contrasts with the rich colors of the meat, highlighting the glossy caramelized coating on the meat pieces. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle crushed peanuts on top for that satisfying crunch and a burst of nutty flavor that complements the peanut sauce perfectly. Fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil also lift this dish with their aromatic brightness.

Side Dishes

Serve these skewers on a bed of crisp green lettuce leaves, which aren’t just pretty – they allow you to make delightful mini chicken wraps drenched in peanut sauce. Steamed jasmine rice or a light cucumber salad with lime and chili also make great accompaniments to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, consider serving skewers on a large platter with small bowls of peanut sauce for dipping alongside lime wedges. Alternatively, slide the chicken off the skewers onto rice bowls topped with crispy shallots and sliced fresh chilies for a vibrant twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can refrigerate any leftover cooked skewers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the peanut sauce and glaze separate until ready to serve to maintain their freshness and texture.

Freezing

If you want to save a batch for later, freeze uncooked marinated chicken skewers by placing them on a tray first to freeze individually, then transferring them into a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months and cook beautifully straight from frozen with a bit more grill time.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the grill or under a broiler to crisp back up the edges without drying out the meat. Brush with a little extra coconut cream glaze or peanut sauce to bring back that luscious moisture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of dark meat for the Coconut Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce and Coconut Cream Glaze Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken breast will work fine, though dark meat tends to stay juicier during grilling. Just be mindful not to overcook breast meat to avoid dryness.

Is the peanut sauce necessary for this recipe?

The peanut sauce adds a wonderful, creamy nutty contrast, but feel free to enjoy the skewers without it or experiment with other dipping sauces if you prefer.

How spicy is this recipe?

It’s generally mild, but the Thai red curry paste and optional chili oil can add a gentle heat. Adjust the amount of curry paste to suit your spice tolerance.

Can these skewers be cooked indoors?

Yes, if you don’t have access to a grill, broiling in your oven or using a grill pan on the stovetop works well. Watch closely to get that char and caramelization.

What can I substitute for coconut cream if I don’t have any?

You can try replacing coconut cream with full-fat coconut milk but use slightly less liquid. For the glaze, a mix of cream with a touch of shredded coconut might approximate the flavor but coconut cream is best for authenticity.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the way the Coconut Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce and Coconut Cream Glaze Recipe brings tropical, nutty, and savory elements together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re grilling for friends or treating yourself on a weeknight, this recipe is sure to hit all the right notes and become one of your favorites. Don’t hesitate to make it your own and savor every sticky, flavorful bite.