Pad Thai Chicken Skewers
If you love the flavors of Pad Thai but want something easy to serve at a party or cook on the grill, these Pad Thai Chicken Skewers are a great place to start. Tender pieces of chicken are coated in a sweet, tangy, and savory marinade inspired by the classic noodle dish, then grilled until lightly charred.

They’re quick to prep and perfect for sharing. The marinade brings together peanut butter, tamarind, lime, and fish sauce for bold flavor in every bite. Finished with crunchy peanuts, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lime, these skewers are the kind of appetizer people keep reaching for.
Helpful Tips
- Soak wooden skewers first. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 20 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Leave space between the chicken pieces. This helps the heat circulate so the chicken cooks evenly and gets those lightly charred edges.
- Don’t skip the toppings. Chopped peanuts, red chilies, and cilantro add texture and freshness that balance the rich marinade.
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Pad Thai Chicken Skewers
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic grated
- 1 teaspoon ginger grated
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil
For the toppings:
- 2 tablespoons roasted peanuts chopped
- red chilies thinly sliced
- fresh cilantro chopped
- lime wedges
Instructions
- Make the marinade. In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, tamarind paste, peanut butter, lime juice, garlic, ginger, and oil until smooth.
- Marinate the chicken. Add the chicken pieces and toss until well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
- Prepare the skewers. Thread the chicken onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece so the heat can circulate.
- Grill the chicken. Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the skewers for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred on the edges.
- Serve. Transfer to a platter and top with chopped peanuts, red chilies, and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing over the top.

