Chargrilled Chicken Skewers with Spiced Peanut Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken skewers grilled over high heat and served with a rich, spicy peanut sauce inspired by African flavors. This African-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 50 minutes, pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, olive oil, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 40 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 African cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 lb cubed boneless skinless chicken thighs, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss well to coat evenly and marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Step 2: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, dividing evenly.
  3. Step 3: Grill the chicken skewers for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup peanut butter, 1/3 cup coconut milk, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1/4 tsp red chili flakes, and 1 minced garlic clove until smooth and creamy.
  5. Step 5: Serve the hot chicken skewers with the spiced peanut sauce on the side for dipping.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Chargrilled Chicken Skewers with Spiced Peanut Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (40 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Chargrilled Chicken Skewers with Spiced Peanut Sauce?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Chargrilled Chicken Skewers with Spiced Peanut Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Chargrilled Chicken Skewers with Spiced Peanut Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Chargrilled Chicken Skewers with Spiced Peanut Sauce?

African chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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