Mediterranean-Inspired Chicken Skewers with Asian Peanut Sauce and Mexican Corn Relish

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Grilled chicken skewers marinated in Mediterranean herbs served with a creamy Asian peanut sauce and a zesty Mexican corn relish. This mediterranean-inspired quick meals (gluten-free) ready in about 35 minutes blends chicken thighs, olive oil, garlic into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

★ 3.9 (14 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 400g chicken thighs in a large bowl, add 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 minced cloves garlic, and 1 tsp dried thyme. Use tongs to toss until the chicken is fully coated, then cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Tip: Refrigerating ensures the chicken absorbs the flavors evenly and remains tender during grilling.
  2. Step 2: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, alternating with small pieces of cherry tomatoes or herbs if desired, leaving space between each piece for even cooking. Grill for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the juices run clear. Tip: Brush the skewers with a little oil before grilling to prevent sticking.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp peanut butter, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp honey until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust sweetness or saltiness as needed. Tip: If the sauce is too thick, add 1-2 tbsp warm water to reach a pourable consistency.
  4. Step 4: In another bowl, combine 1 cup corn kernels, 1/2 cup finely diced red onion, and 1 tbsp lime juice. Toss until the corn is evenly coated in lime juice, then let sit for 10 minutes at room temperature. Tip: For extra crunch, add 1/4 cup chopped cilantro or 1/2 tsp chopped jalapeño to the relish.
  5. Step 5: Serve the grilled chicken skewers immediately, drizzled with the peanut sauce and topped with the corn relish. For best results, assemble the skewers and sauce just before serving to maintain the relish’s freshness and the sauce’s smooth texture.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Mediterranean-Inspired Chicken Skewers with Asian Peanut Sauce and Mexican Corn Relish take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Mediterranean-Inspired Chicken Skewers with Asian Peanut Sauce and Mexican Corn Relish?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Mediterranean-Inspired Chicken Skewers with Asian Peanut Sauce and Mexican Corn Relish?

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 Mediterranean-Inspired Chicken Skewers with Asian Peanut Sauce and Mexican Corn Relish 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.

Is Mediterranean-Inspired Chicken Skewers with Asian Peanut Sauce and Mexican Corn Relish gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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