Sizzling Thai Chili Chicken Skewers Bursting with Flavor

Sweet Thai Chili Sauce is a bold and flavorful condiment that has transcended cultural boundaries, gaining immense popularity worldwide. Its perfectly balanced combination of sweetness, tang, and heat makes it an ideal choice for elevating a variety of dishes. Originating in the culinary traditions of Southeast Asia, specifically Thailand, this sauce embodies the country’s love for vibrant and harmonious flavors. While traditionally paired with fried spring rolls, grilled meats, or seafood, Sweet Thai Chili Sauce has now become a versatile ingredient in marinades, glazes, and dipping sauces.

The recipe for “Sweet Thai Chili Sauce Glazed Chicken Skewers” reflects the spirit of Thai street food—a cuisine celebrated for its aromatic depth and balance of robust flavors. Walking the bustling streets of Bangkok or Chiang Mai, it’s not uncommon to find vendors expertly grilling skewered meat over open flames, their savory aromas wafting through the air. This dish recreates that sensory experience with a contemporary twist, making it accessible for home cooks while retaining the essence of its roots.

The sauce itself is the star of the recipe. If you’re using a homemade Sweet Thai Chili Sauce, you’ll likely find it crafted with classic Thai pantry staples like red chili peppers, garlic, rice vinegar, sugar, and fish sauce. The sugar lends a caramelized sweetness, the vinegar adds tang, and the chilies bring a subtle or bold heat, depending on your preference. The result? A sauce that’s simultaneously indulgent yet refreshing, capable of tying together the disparate flavors and textures of any dish it graces.

For this recipe, chicken breast is used as the protein of choice, thanks to its ability to absorb the marinade’s rich flavors while remaining juicy when cooked. Cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces ensures even cooking and makes it perfect for skewering—a nod to the portability and ease of eating loved in street food culture. The marinade, a blend of Sweet Thai Chili Sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil, draws inspiration from the hallmark ingredients of Thai cuisine. Soy sauce provides saltiness, lime juice offers a burst of citrusy tang, and sesame oil adds depth and nuttiness, while garlic and ginger bring their distinctive aromatic qualities to the mix.

The preparation is simple yet effective, requiring minimal time and effort. Allowing the chicken to marinate ensures that every piece is imbued with the complex flavors of the sauce before it meets the grill. Grilling not only imparts a subtle smokiness but also produces a tantalizing char, adding layers of flavor and texture. Brushing the skewers with additional Sweet Thai Chili Sauce during the final moments of cooking yields a glossy, finger-licking finish that is as visually stunning as it is delicious.

This recipe is well-suited for gatherings, whether a casual barbecue or an intimate dinner. It pairs beautifully with sides like jasmine rice, crunchy slaws, or stir-fried vegetables, and can be elevated further with garnishes such as fresh cilantro, lime wedges, or toasted sesame seeds. Its vibrant flavors and mouthwatering aroma make it the perfect dish to introduce your guests to the joys of Thai cuisine.

With its simplicity and versatility, “Sweet Thai Chili Sauce Glazed Chicken Skewers” is a dish that celebrates the bold and harmonious essence of Thai cooking while inviting cooks of all skill levels to bring a taste of Thailand into their kitchens.

Sweet Thai Chili Sauce Glazed Chicken Skewers

Elenor Craig

Experience the vibrant fusion of sweet and spicy flavors with these Sweet Thai Chili Sauce Glazed Chicken Skewers, inspired by the bold, aromatic streets of Thailand. This dish is a modern take on traditional street food, offering a delightful balance that brings out the succulent essence of the chicken while satisfying the palate with a radiant glaze.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Lunch

Cuisine Thai

Servings 4 servings

Calories 353 kcal

Equipment

• 12 bamboo skewers soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning

Ingredients

 

US CustomaryMetric

 

1x2x3x

• 500 grams chicken breast cut into bite-sized cubes
• 1 cup Sweet Thai Chili Sauce store-bought or homemade
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce preferably low-sodium
• 1 tablespoon lime juice freshly squeezed
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger grated
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for grilling

Instructions

 

• In a large bowl, combine the Sweet Thai Chili Sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Stir well to create a marinade, until all ingredients are fully incorporated and aromatic.
• Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors infuse.
• Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates using the vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
• Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked bamboo skewers, dividing the meat evenly.
• Grill the chicken skewers for 6–8 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has achieved a slight char for added flavor.
• Brush the skewers with additional Sweet Thai Chili Sauce during the last minute of grilling to create a glossy finish.

Notes

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a touch of honey to the marinade for additional sweetness. If you prefer a spicier dish, incorporate crushed red pepper flakes into the marinade.

Nutrition

Calories: 353kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 28gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 1286mgPotassium: 497mgFiber: 1gSugar: 31gVitamin A: 40IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 13mgIron: 1mg

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