Peanut Chicken Kabobs

Juicy, marinated chicken skewers coated in a flavorful peanut sauce, grilled to perfection. Perfect for weeknight dinners, BBQs, or entertaining guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tender, flavorful chicken with a slightly sweet and nutty peanut sauce
• Quick and easy to prepare with simple ingredients
• Great for grilling, broiling, or oven roasting
• Fun and versatile — serve with rice, salad, or grilled veggies
• Perfect for casual dinners or meal prep

Ingredients

For the Chicken Kabobs

• 1 ½ lbs (about 680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Skewers (wooden skewers soaked in water for 30 minutes or metal skewers)

For the Peanut Sauce Marinade

• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 2–3 tbsp water (to thin sauce if needed)
• Optional: ½ tsp red pepper flakes for heat

To Garnish

• Chopped peanuts
• Sliced green onions
• Lime wedges

Instructions

1. Prepare the Peanut Sauce
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
   • Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, to reach a pourable consistency.
2. Marinate the Chicken
   • Place chicken cubes in a large bowl. Pour half of the peanut sauce over the chicken and toss to coat.
   • Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours. Reserve the other half of the sauce for serving.
3. Skewer the Chicken
   • Thread marinated chicken cubes onto soaked wooden skewers or metal skewers.
4. Cook the Kabobs
   • Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high heat and grill chicken 4–5 minutes per side, until cooked through.
   • Oven/Broil: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place skewers on a lined baking sheet and broil or bake for 10–12 minutes, turning once, until fully cooked.
5. Serve
   • Drizzle reserved peanut sauce over cooked kabobs.
   • Garnish with chopped peanuts, green onions, and lime wedges.
   • Serve immediately with rice, noodles, or a fresh salad.

You Must Know

• Soaking wooden skewers prevents burning on the grill.
• Marinating at least 30 minutes ensures flavor and tenderness.
• Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
• Peanut sauce can be adjusted for sweetness, saltiness, or spiciness to taste.

Pro Tips

• Use chicken thighs for juicier kabobs.
• Add bell peppers, onions, or pineapple chunks to the skewers for extra flavor.
• Brush a little extra peanut sauce on chicken while grilling for more richness.
• Serve over coconut rice for a tropical twist.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Peanut Butter: Almond or cashew butter
• Soy Sauce: Tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free
• Chicken: Tofu or shrimp for alternative proteins
• Honey: Maple syrup or agave for vegan options

Serving Suggestions

• With steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice
• Alongside grilled vegetables or a crisp salad
• Drizzle extra peanut sauce as a dipping sauce
• Garnish with cilantro for fresh flavor

Storage Tips

• Store leftover cooked chicken kabobs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to prevent drying out.
• Peanut sauce can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes — marinate the chicken in advance and store in the fridge; assemble skewers just before cooking.

→ Can I bake instead of grill?
Absolutely — bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway.

→ Can I make them spicy?
Add extra red pepper flakes, Sriracha, or chili paste to the peanut sauce.

→ Are these gluten-free?
Yes — as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

These Peanut Chicken Kabobs are easy, flavorful, and perfect for any meal — a fun way to enjoy savory, nutty chicken with minimal effort.

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