Easy Better Than Takeout Lemongrass Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce
Easy better than takeout lemongrass chicken skewers with creamy peanut sauce. After making this recipe dozens of times, I’ve discovered the trick to tender, flavorful chicken every time. The golden, juicy chicken skewers are a family favorite and so much better than takeout. Keep reading for my best tips or jump to the recipe card. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Cups and Crispy Keto Zucchini Parmesan Fritters with Sour Cream Dip.
Why This Easy Better Than Takeout Lemongrass Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce Is Pure Comfort
- Easy, better than takeout recipe
- Tender, flavorful chicken in 20 minutes
- Creamy, addictive peanut sauce
- Perfect for meal prep or quick dinners
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.
- chicken breasts
- lemongrass
- fish sauce
- brown sugar
- garlic
- peanut butter
- lemongrass paste
- fish sauce
- brown sugar
- garlic
- red pepper flakes
- soy sauce
- Optional: peanuts
- Optional: green onions
- Optional: cilantro
- Optional: lime wedges
📝 Ingredient Notes
- lemongrass paste: If you can't find lemongrass paste, use 2 stalks of lemongrass, minced.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Food processor — Makes quick work of mincing lemongrass and garlic. → See on Amazon
- Meat thermometer — Ensures perfectly cooked, tender chicken every time. → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Better Than Takeout Lemongrass Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce
- Marinate: Combine lemongrass paste, fish sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and chicken in a bowl. Marinate for 15 minutes.
- Thread: Thread chicken onto skewers. Discard marinade.
- Grill: Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning once, until cooked through.
- Make sauce: Combine peanut butter, soy sauce, water, and red pepper flakes. Mix well.
- Serve: Serve chicken skewers with peanut sauce and garnishes.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Better Than Takeout Lemongrass Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce
- : For even cooking, cut chicken into uniform pieces before marinating.
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcook the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
- : Make a double batch and freeze leftovers for easy meal prep.
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 for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Marinate chicken up to 24 hours ahead. Thread onto skewers just before cooking.
Freezing Easy Better Than Takeout Lemongrass Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce
Freeze cooked skewers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C), place skewers on a baking sheet, and heat for 10-15 minutes. Microwave: Heat skewers in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, until warmed through.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicier sauce, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Best substitution: Substitute chicken breasts for thighs for even more tender results.
- Make-ahead: Marinate chicken up to 24 hours ahead. Thread onto skewers just before cooking.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for larger crowds.
- Troubleshooting: If your peanut sauce is too thick, add a little water and mix well.
Want to level up this recipe?
Cast iron skillet — Perfect for cooking chicken skewers with even heat distribution and easy cleanup. → Check price on Amazon
Easy Better Than Takeout Lemongrass Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- chicken breasts
- lemongrass
- fish sauce
- brown sugar
- garlic
- peanut butter
Seasonings
- lemongrass paste
- fish sauce
- brown sugar
- garlic
- red pepper flakes
- soy sauce
Optional Toppings
- peanuts
- green onions
- cilantro
- lime wedges
Instructions
- Marinate: Combine lemongrass paste, fish sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and chicken in a bowl. Marinate for 15 minutes.
- Thread: Thread chicken onto skewers. Discard marinade.
- Grill: Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning once, until cooked through.
- Make sauce: Combine peanut butter, soy sauce, water, and red pepper flakes. Mix well.
- Serve: Serve chicken skewers with peanut sauce and garnishes.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicier sauce, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Best substitution: Substitute chicken breasts for thighs for even more tender results.
- Make-ahead: Marinate chicken up to 24 hours ahead. Thread onto skewers just before cooking.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for larger crowds.
- Troubleshooting: If your peanut sauce is too thick, add a little water and mix well.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked skewers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Oven reheat: Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C), place skewers on a baking sheet, and heat for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Heat skewers in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, until warmed through.
- Make ahead: Marinate chicken up to 24 hours ahead. Thread onto skewers just before cooking.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sat. Fat: 3g
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, marinate chicken up to 24 hours ahead. Thread onto skewers just before cooking.
Overcooking is the most common reason for dry chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
Yes, bake skewers at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning once, until cooked through.
Use 2 stalks of lemongrass, minced, or 1 tablespoon of grated ginger for a slightly different flavor.
Yes, freeze cooked skewers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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!
