Easy Better Than Takeout Lemongrass Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce
Easy, better than takeout lemongrass chicken skewers with peanut sauce are a family favorite. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the trick to tender, flavorful chicken every time. The crispy edges and juicy interior will make your mouth water. Keep reading for my best tips or jump straight to the recipe card. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe for Quick Meals and Easy S’mores Hand Pies Recipe for a Fun Dessert.
Why This Easy Better Than Takeout Lemongrass Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce Is Pure Comfort
- Tender, flavorful chicken marinated in lemongrass, garlic, and ginger
- Easy, better than takeout version of your favorite Thai dish
- Crispy edges and juicy interior for a perfect bite every time
- Versatile peanut sauce that complements many dishes
What You'll Need for Easy Better Than Takeout Lemongrass Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- lemongrass paste
- garlic
- ginger
- fish sauce
- brown sugar
- lemongrass paste
- garlic
- ginger
- fish sauce
- brown sugar
- peanut butter
- soy sauce
- lime juice
- sriracha (optional)
- Optional: cilantro
- Optional: green onions
- Optional: roasted peanuts
- Optional: lime wedges
📝 Ingredient Notes
- lemongrass paste: If you can't find lemongrass paste, you can use fresh lemongrass stalks, finely chopped.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Outdoor Grill — Gives that perfect charred flavor → See on Amazon
- Food Processor — Makes quick work of mincing garlic and ginger → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Better Than Takeout Lemongrass Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce
- Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken, lemongrass paste, garlic, ginger, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the skewers: Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers. Discard any remaining marinade.
- Grill the skewers: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and slightly charred.
- Make the peanut sauce: In a bowl, mix peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and sriracha (if using). Add water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Serve the chicken skewers with peanut sauce and your choice of toppings.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Better Than Takeout Lemongrass Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcook the chicken. It can become dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Pro tip: For extra flavor, grill some vegetables like bell peppers and onions alongside the chicken skewers.
- Pro tip: Make extra peanut sauce and use it as a dip for spring rolls or vegetables.
Storing & Reheating Easy Better Than Takeout Lemongrass Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead. Keep refrigerated until ready to cook.
Freezing Easy Better Than Takeout Lemongrass Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce
Freeze uncooked skewers for up to 2 months. Thaw before cooking.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Best substitution: If you don't have lemongrass paste, use 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh lemongrass stalks.
- Make-ahead: Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead. Keep refrigerated until ready to cook.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to serve more people.
- Troubleshooting: If your peanut sauce is too thick, add more water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Want to level up this recipe?
Meat Thermometer — Ensures perfectly cooked, juicy chicken every time → Check price on Amazon
Easy Better Than Takeout Lemongrass Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- lemongrass paste
- garlic
- ginger
- fish sauce
- brown sugar
Seasonings
- lemongrass paste
- garlic
- ginger
- fish sauce
- brown sugar
- peanut butter
- soy sauce
- lime juice
- sriracha (optional)
Optional Toppings
- cilantro
- green onions
- roasted peanuts
- lime wedges
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken, lemongrass paste, garlic, ginger, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the skewers: Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers. Discard any remaining marinade.
- Grill the skewers: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and slightly charred.
- Make the peanut sauce: In a bowl, mix peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and sriracha (if using). Add water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Serve the chicken skewers with peanut sauce and your choice of toppings.
Notes
- Chef tip: To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Best substitution: If you don't have lemongrass paste, use 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh lemongrass stalks.
- Make-ahead: Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead. Keep refrigerated until ready to cook.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to serve more people.
- Troubleshooting: If your peanut sauce is too thick, add more water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze uncooked skewers for up to 2 months. Thaw before cooking.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- Make ahead: Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead. Keep refrigerated until ready to cook.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 14g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 105mg
- Sat. Fat: 3.5g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Better Than Takeout Lemongrass Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce FAQs
Yes, you can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead. Keep refrigerated until ready to cook.
Overcooking is the most common reason for dry chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
Yes, you can broil the skewers in the oven for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and slightly charred.
If you don't have lemongrass paste, use 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh lemongrass stalks.
Yes, you can freeze uncooked skewers for up to 2 months. Thaw before cooking.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Better Than Takeout Lemongrass Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
