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When summer rolls in, there’s nothing quite like the irresistible aroma of grilled chicken wafting through the air, making my taste buds dance with anticipation. Recently, I discovered the perfect recipe that not only satisfies that craving but elevates your grilling game to a whole new level—Grilled Chicken with Creamy Thai Peanut Sauce.

This delightful dish combines the juicy, tender goodness of marinated chicken with a silky, velvety peanut sauce that balances sweet, salty, and a hint of spice. Whether you prepare it for a cozy weeknight dinner or a lively backyard barbecue, it has a way of impressing family and friends. Plus, with the option to serve it on skewers, you can easily transform it into crowd-pleasing chicken satay! Ready to awaken your inner chef and dive into a flavorful dining experience? Let’s get grilling!

Why will you love Grilled Chicken with Peanut Sauce?

Simplicity Made Delicious: This recipe is quick to prepare, requiring just marination and grilling for a hassle-free dinner.
Flavor Explosion: The creamy peanut sauce blends sweet, salty, and spicy notes that will tantalize your taste buds.
Versatile Serving Options: Oven-skewer it for a Thai-inspired satay or serve it over a fresh salad for a lighter touch.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Perfect for summer gatherings, your guests will rave about this unforgettable dish.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Marinate the chicken a day ahead and prepare the sauce in advance, ensuring ease during your cooking time. Get ready to impress everyone at your next get-together!

Grilled Chicken with Peanut Sauce Ingredients

For the Chicken
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts – Main protein that absorbs the marinade beautifully for maximum flavor.
Garlic (2 cloves, finely chopped or grated) – Adds a savory depth; choose fresh for the best taste, or use garlic powder if needed.
Lime Juice (1 tablespoon + juice from 1 lime) – Provides a fresh, zesty brightness; fresh lime juice is ideal, but bottled works in a pinch.
Olive Oil (3 tablespoons) – Adds moisture; substitute avocado oil for a different flavor twist.
Salt and Pepper – Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
For the Peanut Sauce
Peanut Butter (1/2 cup) – The creamy base of the sauce; both smooth and crunchy versions work well.
Water (1/3 cup) – Helps to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
Sriracha (2 tablespoons) – Introduces heat; feel free to adjust according to your spice tolerance.
Fish Sauce (1 tablespoon) – Packs an umami punch; substitute with soy sauce for a vegetarian version.
Soy Sauce (1 tablespoon) – Adds savory depth; use tamari for a gluten-free option.
Brown Sugar (2 teaspoons) – Balances the flavors with sweetness; coconut sugar is a great alternative.
For Garnishing
Fresh Cilantro (for garnish) – Provides fresh, herbal notes; can be omitted or swapped for parsley if you prefer.

With these simple ingredients, you can create a delicious Grilled Chicken with Peanut Sauce that will surely delight your family and friends!

How to Make Grilled Chicken with Peanut Sauce

Preheat the Grill: Get your grill ready by preheating it to medium heat, around 350°F. This ensures those beautiful grill marks and a perfect sear on the chicken.
Slice the Chicken: Carefully slice the boneless, skinless chicken breasts horizontally to achieve even cooking. This helps the flavors of the marinade penetrate better and ensures tenderness.
Marinate the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the garlic, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken slices, coat them well, and let marinate for 10-30 minutes for enhanced flavor.
Prepare the Peanut Sauce: Blend together the peanut butter, water, Sriracha, fish sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more water if needed, and taste for seasoning.
Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until the chicken is browned and fully cooked. You want it juicy and just the right amount of charred.
Serve and Garnish: Transfer the grilled chicken to a serving platter and drizzle generously with the creamy peanut sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor. Offer any remaining peanut sauce on the side for dipping.

Optional: Serve with jasmine rice or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Expert Tips for Grilled Chicken with Peanut Sauce

Marination Time: Longer marinating enhances flavor; allow the chicken to soak up those delicious spices for up to 24 hours if time permits.
Grill Temperature: Ensure your grill is preheated properly; a hot grill will give you that beautiful char and juicy texture without drying out the chicken.
Stir the Sauce: If making the sauce ahead, give it a good stir before serving; the ingredients can settle, and a quick mix ensures a delightful, creamy consistency.
Test for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer; chicken should reach 165°F for safety. Overcooking can lead to dry chicken, which we want to avoid!
Customize Your Spice: Adjust Sriracha based on your spice threshold; start with less if you prefer milder flavors in your Grilled Chicken with Peanut Sauce.

Make Ahead Options

These Grilled Chicken with Peanut Sauce are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during meal prep! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, allowing all those delicious flavors to seep in for extra tenderness. Simply combine the garlic, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper, coat the chicken well, and refrigerate until ready to grill. Additionally, the creamy peanut sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead; store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and flavor-packed. When you’re ready to serve, just grill the marinated chicken for 2-3 minutes per side and drizzle with the prepared sauce for a delightful meal that feels gourmet without any hassle!

How to Store and Freeze Grilled Chicken with Peanut Sauce

Fridge: Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure the chicken is completely cooled before sealing to retain moisture.
Freezer: Freeze grilled chicken for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or use a freezer-safe airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
Peanut Sauce Storage: Keep the peanut sauce in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months—just thaw before use and give it a good stir.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight and warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 10-15 minutes, or microwave in short bursts.

Grilled Chicken with Peanut Sauce Variations

Feel free to get creative with this recipe and make it your own by trying out these delightful twists!

Skewered Goodness: Thread marinated chicken onto skewers for a fun and easy-to-eat satay version for barbecues.
Nut Butter Swap: Use almond or cashew butter to experience a different nutty flavor profile that complements the chicken beautifully.
Fresh Salad: Serve sliced chicken over mixed greens, topped with peanut sauce for a light, healthy option that’s perfect for summer.
Zesty Citrus Additions: Squeeze in some orange juice to the marinade for a refreshing citrus twist that adds a burst of flavor.
Savory Coconut Version: Incorporate coconut milk into the peanut sauce for a creamier texture and a hint of tropical sweetness.
Spicy Kick: Add more Sriracha or chopped fresh chili peppers to the sauce for a kick that spice lovers will adore.
Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh basil or mint with cilantro for an herbaceous brightness that enhances every bite.
Grill Pan Alternative: Don’t have a grill? Use a grill pan on the stove to char the chicken to perfection while still enjoying those delightful grill marks.

Let your flavor dreams shine through with these variations, and enjoy a dish that’s uniquely yours!

What to Serve with Grilled Chicken with Peanut Sauce?

Imagine a vibrant summer evening where each bite of your main dish is perfectly complemented by flavorful sides that tantalize your palate.

Jasmine Rice: The fluffy texture offers a perfect canvas for the creamy peanut sauce, soaking up all its delectable flavors.
Fresh Cucumber Salad: Crisp cucumbers dressed in tangy vinaigrette provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken and peanut sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: Caramelized veggies add a hearty, earthy flavor that balances the dish while enhancing its colorful presentation.
Thai Spring Rolls: These light, fresh appetizers paired with a sweet chili sauce make a delightful starter that echoes the meal’s vibrant flavor profile.
Grilled Pineapple: Sweet and slightly charred, this tropical fruit adds a juicy, unexpected burst of flavor that complements the savory elements beautifully.
Chilled White Wine: A glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc or a light Riesling perfectly enhances the dish, elevating your dining experience with its crisp acidity.

Each of these pairings not only complements your Grilled Chicken with Peanut Sauce but also creates a beautiful, well-rounded meal that’ll have everyone begging for seconds!

Grilled Chicken with Peanut Sauce Recipe FAQs

What type of chicken is best for grilling?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe as they are tender and absorb the marinade well. If you prefer dark meat, thighs can also work beautifully, offering more moisture and flavor.

How should I store leftover grilled chicken with peanut sauce?
Very! Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before sealing to keep the chicken juicy and delicious.

Can I freeze the grilled chicken and peanut sauce?
Of course! You can freeze the grilled chicken for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe airtight container to prevent freezer burn. The peanut sauce can also be frozen for up to 2 months in an airtight container. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge overnight before using!

What if my peanut sauce is too thick?
Not a problem! If your peanut sauce turns out too thick, simply add a little extra water, a teaspoon at a time, and blend or stir until you reach the desired consistency. This way, you’ll keep that creamy texture and perfect pour.

Any gluten-free alternatives for this recipe?
Absolutely! For a gluten-free option, you can substitute regular soy sauce with tamari and use coconut aminos instead of fish sauce. These alternatives maintain the rich umami flavor while making it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

How can I tell if the chicken is cooked through?
Great question! The best way to ensure your grilled chicken is properly cooked is to use a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F at the thickest part. This will guarantee safe consumption while keeping it juicy and tender!