Thai Peanut Chicken Skewers

Wanting to make something special, I remembered a peanut sauce I loved but knew it needed a little something extra to make it pop. On a complete whim, I ditched the sugar, doubled down on the garlic, and squeezed in the juice of an entire lime. The moment I tasted it, I knew I’d struck gold. The brightness completely transformed the rich, savory sauce.

That night, these skewers were born. My friend didn’t just like them; she asked for the recipe before she even left. Now, they’re my go-to for everything from quick weeknight meals to backyard cookouts, and I promise they’ll be a game-changer for you, too.

Why This Recipe Works

You’re going to absolutely fall in love with this recipe, and here’s why:

• Insanely Flavorful: This isn’t your average marinade. It’s the perfect balance of savory, nutty, tangy, and rich. The combination of peanut butter, lime, tamari, and toasted sesame oil creates a flavor that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
• Simple, One-Bowl Prep: All the magic happens in a single mixing bowl. Just whisk the ingredients together, toss the chicken, and let it marinate. It’s minimal effort for maximum reward.
• Naturally Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly: Made with unsweetened peanut butter and no added sugar, these skewers are perfect for anyone following a keto or low-carb lifestyle. It’s healthy food that feels indulgent!

What You’ll Need

Here’s a quick look at the ingredients. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity and flexibility.

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: I highly recommend thighs for this—they stay so much juicier than breasts on the grill or in the oven!
• Natural, Unsweetened Creamy Peanut Butter: This is the key to keeping the recipe low-carb and keto-friendly. Always check the label for no added sugars.
• Tamari or Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Use tamari to keep the recipe gluten-free.
• Toasted Sesame Oil: Adds a wonderful, nutty depth of flavor. A little goes a long way!
• Fresh Lime Juice: Please don’t skip this! Freshly squeezed juice provides the perfect zesty kick that brightens everything up.
• White Vinegar & A Touch of Sweetener: A splash of vinegar and an optional teaspoon of erythritol or monk fruit sweetener balances the sauce perfectly.
• Garlic, Green Onions & Ginger: The aromatic dream team. Fresh is always best, but ground ginger works perfectly here.
• Fresh Cilantro: Adds a burst of freshness. If you’re not a fan, you can leave it out or substitute it with fresh parsley.
• Roasted Peanuts & Avocado Oil: For that final crunchy garnish and for keeping things from sticking to the grill.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Glaze

• Make the Base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the unsweetened peanut butter, tamari, toasted sesame oil, lime juice, and white vinegar until the mixture is completely smooth.
• Add the Aromatics: Next, stir in the optional sweetener, minced garlic, the white parts of the sliced green onions, the chopped cilantro, ground ginger, and salt. Mix until everything is well combined.

2. Marinate the Chicken Add your chicken cubes right into the bowl with the glaze. Use a spatula to toss everything together, ensuring every single piece of chicken is generously coated. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 45 minutes, but for a truly deep, rich flavor, let it marinate for up to 8 hours!

3. Assemble the Skewers Once marinated, thread the chicken pieces onto your prepared skewers. You’ll want to pack them together snugly to ensure they stay moist and juicy while cooking. Divide the chicken evenly among all 8 skewers.

4. Cook the Skewers You’ve got two great options here. For both methods, the chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the skewers in a single layer on an oiled wire rack set inside a baking sheet. Roast for 15-18 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the edges are beautifully browned and caramelized.
• Grill Method: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400-450°F / 200-230°C). Place the skewers on the oiled grates and grill for 4-6 minutes per side, flipping just once, until the chicken is cooked through.

5. Serve and Garnish Transfer the hot, delicious skewers to a serving platter. Sprinkle generously with the chopped roasted peanuts, the reserved fresh green onion tops, and a few extra cilantro leaves. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Don’t Have Peanut Butter? Natural, unsweetened almond butter is a fantastic substitute.
• Protein Swaps: This marinade is also incredible on pork tenderloin cubes, shrimp, or even extra-firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Avoid the #1 Mistake: Don’t skip the marination time! Even 30-45 minutes makes a huge difference, as this is where all the flavor infusion happens.
• Storage: Leftovers are amazing! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They are fantastic served cold the next day over a salad or gently reheated.

Serving & Pairing Ideas

These skewers are incredibly versatile. For a perfect keto-friendly meal, serve them alongside a crisp cucumber and tomato salad, some grilled asparagus, or a creamy coleslaw. If you’re not counting carbs, they are an absolute dream with fluffy coconut rice to soak up any extra sauce. For drinks, a cold lager or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness beautifully. They are the star of any summer BBQ!