Skewers of marinated chicken & grapes are served with creamy peanut sauce in this Peanut Butter and Jelly Chicken Skewer recipe that’s both fun & delicious!
Peanut Butter and Jelly Chicken Skewers put a playful, grown-up twist on the classic PB&J sandwich. Tender, marinated chicken pieces are threaded with sweet grapes, grilled until golden, and served with a silky, savory peanut sauce that echoes the flavors of childhood favorites while delivering a balanced, modern meal. These skewers are perfect for a family weeknight, a casual weekend cookout, or an appetizer at a gathering.
The contrast of juicy grilled chicken and bursts of grape sweetness, paired with a creamy, slightly tangy peanut sauce, creates a unique flavor combination that is surprisingly addictive. The recipe is straightforward and adaptable: swap grapes for pineapple or apple for another sweet note, or adjust the spice level of the peanut sauce to taste.
PB&J Chicken Skewers Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into 1–1½ inch cubes
- 3 cups grapes (red and/or green), whole
- Enough marinade to cover the chicken (recipe below)
- Peanut sauce for serving (recipe below)
Marinade Ingredients
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Peanut Sauce Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups coconut milk
- 1 cup creamy natural peanut butter
- 1/4 cup Thai red curry paste (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 lime, juiced
Instructions
- Make the marinade: Whisk together the soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey, and balsamic vinegar in a bowl until the sugar dissolves.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the cubed chicken in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour the marinade over it. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Prepare the peanut sauce: While the chicken marinates, combine the coconut milk, creamy peanut butter, Thai red curry paste, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning—add more lime for brightness or more curry paste for heat.
- Preheat the grill: Heat a grill or grill pan to medium heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Assemble the skewers: Thread marinated chicken cubes and whole grapes alternately onto the skewers. Space pieces slightly to ensure even cooking.
- Grill: Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and nicely charred on the edges.
- Serve: Transfer the skewers to a serving platter and serve with the peanut sauce on the side for dipping, or drizzle the sauce over the skewers just before serving.
Tips and Variations
- Swap the grapes for pineapple chunks or apple slices if you prefer a different sweet contrast.
- For extra color and texture, alternate chicken and grape with a basil leaf or small bell pepper piece on each skewer.
- Make the peanut sauce a little thinner with water or additional coconut milk if you plan to drizzle it over the skewers.
- To reduce sodium, use low-sodium soy sauce and taste the marinade before adding more salt.
- These skewers work well in the oven under a broiler if you don’t have access to a grill—broil on high for 8–10 minutes, turning once.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these skewers over steamed rice or coconut rice for a full meal, or pair them with a crisp green salad for a lighter option. They also make an eye-catching appetizer—cut the cooked chicken off the skewers and present bite-sized pieces with toothpicks and the peanut sauce for dipping.
Storage and Make-Ahead
Store any leftover skewers and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave; add a splash of coconut milk or water to loosen the peanut sauce if it thickens in the fridge. You can also prepare the peanut sauce a day ahead—the flavors often deepen after chilling.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 501 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 36 mg
- Sodium: 2099 mg
- Potassium: 742 mg
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 35 g
Peanut Butter and Jelly Chicken Skewers are a playful, crowd-pleasing recipe that balances sweet fruit, savory marinated chicken, and a rich peanut sauce. Whether you’re cooking for kids or entertaining friends, these skewers deliver delicious, memorable flavor with minimal fuss.
