Quick Skewered Chicken with Peanut Sauce

Thai Quick Skewered Chicken with Peanut Sauce Recipe

Region / culture: Thailand | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 4 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

This Quick Skewered Chicken with Peanut Sauce recipe is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. The combination of tangy lime juice, savory soy sauce, and spicy crushed red pepper creates a marinade that infuses the chicken with amazing flavor. The creamy peanut sauce adds a rich and nutty element that pairs perfectly with the grilled chicken.

History

Skewered chicken dishes are popular in many cultures around the world, with variations of this recipe found in Thai, Indonesian, and Vietnamese cuisines. The use of peanut sauce as a dipping sauce or marinade is common in Southeast Asian cooking, adding a creamy and nutty flavor to grilled meats.

Ingredients

Chicken Recipe

juice of 2 limes
2 tbsp of soy sauce
2 tbsp of fish sauce
1 tsp of crushed red pepper
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, each cut lengthwise into 3 strips
2 cloves of garlic
0.5 cup of cilantro leaves
1 tbsp of dark brown sugar
0.5 cup of crunchy peanut butter

How to prepare

In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, soy sauce, fish sauce, and crushed red pepper; set aside.
Place chicken strips in a medium bowl; set aside.
Using a food processor, process garlic, cilantro, and brown sugar until cilantro is finely chopped; then pulse in 2 tbsp of the soy sauce mixture.
Add the mixture to the chicken and toss to combine.
In the same food processor bowl, combine the remaining soy sauce mixture and peanut butter; puree until smooth, adding water, 1 tbsp at a time, to reach a thick consistency.
Transfer the peanut sauce to a small serving bowl.
Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat; thread the chicken onto 12 skewers.
Grill the chicken, turning once, until cooked through and browned, about 2 minutes per side.
Serve the grilled chicken skewers with fish sauce for dipping.

Variations

Substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp for a vegetarian or seafood option.
Add chopped peanuts or sesame seeds for extra crunch.
Use different herbs like basil or mint for a fresh twist on the marinade.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cut the chicken into evenly sized strips to ensure even cooking on the grill.

- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to fully develop.

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

- Use a food processor to easily blend the ingredients for the marinade and peanut sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Quick Skewered Chicken with Peanut Sauce with steamed rice and a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling the chicken adds a smoky flavor to the dish, but you can also bake or pan-fry the chicken if you don't have a grill.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use almond butter or sunflower seed butter as a substitute for peanut butter for a nut-free option.

- Substitute coconut aminos for soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the chicken and prepare the peanut sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to grill.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the grilled chicken skewers on a platter with a drizzle of peanut sauce and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a crisp and refreshing cucumber salad or a tangy green papaya salad for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

320 per serving

Carbohydrates

12g per serving

Fats

18g per serving

Proteins

25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains peanuts and soy, which are common allergens.

Summary

This dish is a balanced meal with a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious option for a meal.

Summary

This Quick Skewered Chicken with Peanut Sauce recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight meal. The tangy marinade and creamy peanut sauce create a flavorful combination that will have your taste buds dancing. Serve with rice and vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still picture the first time I came across this recipe for Quick Skewered Chicken with Peanut Sauce. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Martha in her quaint little cottage by the sea. Martha was known for her delicious and inventive recipes, and she always made sure to share them with me whenever I came to visit.

On that particular day, Martha had planned a barbecue in her backyard, and she decided to make this mouth-watering chicken dish for us to enjoy. As I watched her prepare the marinade and skewer the chicken, I couldn't help but be intrigued by the combination of flavors and spices she used. The aroma wafting from the grill was enough to make my stomach rumble in anticipation.

As we sat down to eat, I took my first bite of the tender, juicy chicken coated in the rich and creamy peanut sauce. The flavors exploded in my mouth, and I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this dish for myself. Martha was more than happy to share her recipe with me, and she patiently guided me through the steps as I scribbled down notes in my tattered recipe book.

Over the years, I have made this Quick Skewered Chicken with Peanut Sauce countless times, tweaking and perfecting the recipe to suit my own tastes. Each time I take a bite of the savory chicken smothered in the velvety peanut sauce, I am transported back to that sunny day at Martha's cottage, surrounded by good food and even better company.

I have shared this recipe with friends and family alike, and it has become a staple at gatherings and potlucks. The simplicity of the dish belies its complex and bold flavors, making it a crowd pleaser every time. I have even had strangers come up to me at parties, asking for the recipe after tasting a skewer of this delectable chicken.

The secret to the success of this dish lies in the marinade. A blend of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a hint of honey infuses the chicken with a savory and slightly sweet flavor that is simply irresistible. The peanut sauce, made with creamy peanut butter, coconut milk, and a splash of lime juice, adds a rich and nutty dimension to the dish that ties everything together perfectly.

The act of skewering the chicken and grilling it over an open flame adds a smoky and charred element that elevates the dish to a whole new level. The combination of textures – the tender meat, the crunchy peanuts, and the silky sauce – creates a symphony of flavors in every bite.

As I sit in my cozy kitchen, surrounded by the comforting aroma of the chicken sizzling on the grill, I can't help but feel grateful for the serendipitous encounter that led me to discover this recipe. It has become a part of my culinary repertoire, a cherished memory of a sunny day spent with a dear friend, and a testament to the joy of sharing good food with those we love.

So the next time you find yourself craving a quick and delicious meal that is sure to impress, give this recipe for Quick Skewered Chicken with Peanut Sauce a try. I guarantee you won't be disappointed. And who knows, perhaps this dish will become a cherished tradition in your own kitchen, just as it has in mine. Bon appétit!