The Ultimate Christmas Party Food: Skewered Chicken with Peanut Sauce

Welcome to joyful holiday cooking! Planning a festive gathering often means finding delicious appetizers that are simple to make yet impressive to serve. This Skewered Chicken with Peanut Sauce recipe is your answer for perfect Christmas party food. It’s an easy, flavorful dish that will delight your guests and elevate your holiday spread without the usual kitchen stress. Prepare to make a show-stopping impression.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Party Food

This exceptional dish isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience for your guests. It combines irresistible flavors with practical party preparation, making it the ultimate Christmas party food for any host.

• Irresistible Sweet and Savory Flavors: Experience the perfect balance of tender chicken with a rich, aromatic peanut sauce.
• Ideal Make-Ahead Party Appetizer: Prepare the sauce and chicken strips in advance, saving valuable time on party day.
• Impressive, Elegant Presentation: Skewers offer a sophisticated finger food option that looks great on any festive table.
• Crowd-Pleasing for All Ages: Both adults and kids adore the familiar and comforting taste of chicken satay.
• Adaptable for Various Diets: Easily adjust ingredients to accommodate gluten-free, vegetarian, or spice-level preferences.
• Minimizes Kitchen Stress: Simple steps and make-ahead components allow you to enjoy your guests, not just your kitchen.

Ingredients

Creating this delightful Christmas party food begins with fresh, high-quality ingredients. This recipe features succulent chicken and a vibrant, homemade peanut sauce that truly makes the dish unforgettable.

For the Peanut Sauce:

• 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
• 1 clove garlic, roughly chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/3 cup water (for thinning)

For the Chicken Skewers:

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 1 1/3 lb. total), cut lengthwise into 16 1/4-inch strips
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Notes & Substitutions

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or even flank steak cut into thin strips work wonderfully. These provide a slightly richer flavor.
• Peanut Butter: Feel free to use natural or crunchy peanut butter for added texture. Ensure it’s well-stirred if natural.
• Soy Sauce: Opt for tamari to make this festive appetizer completely gluten-free.
• Spice Level: Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred heat. Omit them entirely for a milder version.
• Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice makes an excellent substitute if you do not have limes on hand.
• Allergies: For a peanut-free option, use almond butter or sunflower seed butter (SunButter) in the sauce.

Equipment

Gathering your tools before you start simplifies the cooking process. You likely have most of these items already in your kitchen, making this a truly beginner-friendly Christmas party food project.

• Grill or grill pan: Essential for cooking the chicken to perfection.
• Wooden or metal skewers: If using wooden, soak them first.
• Food processor or blender: For achieving a smooth, creamy peanut sauce.
• Large baking sheet: Helps organize the skewers before grilling.
• Small saucepan: For gently warming the finished sauce.
• Mixing bowls: Useful for preparing ingredients and assembling the sauce.

Instructions

Follow these simple, step-by-step instructions to create your incredible Christmas party food. This process is designed for beginners, ensuring delicious results every time. Remember to read through all steps before you begin for a smooth cooking experience.

Prepare the Peanut Sauce:

1. Combine the peanut butter, chopped garlic, grated fresh ginger, lime juice, low-sodium soy sauce, sugar, crushed red pepper flakes, and 1/3 cup water in a food processor or blender.
2. Blend the ingredients until the mixture becomes completely smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is incorporated.
3. Pour the sauce into a small saucepan. Gently heat it over low heat on the stovetop for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is just warm. This enhances its flavors and consistency.
4. Keep the sauce warm until ready to serve, or set it aside to serve at room temperature if preferred for your holiday gathering.

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Take your boneless, skinless chicken breast halves. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut each breast lengthwise into thin strips, approximately 1/4-inch thick. Aim for about 16 uniform strips in total.
2. Carefully thread one chicken strip onto each of your 16 skewers. Try to weave the chicken onto the skewer so it holds its shape during grilling.
3. Arrange the threaded chicken skewers in a single layer on a large baking sheet. This keeps them organized and ready for seasoning and grilling.
4. Lightly brush both sides of the chicken strips with olive oil. This helps prevent sticking and promotes even browning.
5. Season the chicken generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. This enhances the natural flavors of the chicken, making it a truly delicious Christmas party food component.

Grill the Chicken:

1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to high heat. Ensure it is hot enough to achieve a good sear on the chicken.
2. Place the chicken skewers on the preheated grill. If necessary, work in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lower the grill temperature and steam the chicken instead of searing it.
3. Grill the chicken for approximately 15 minutes total, turning the skewers once halfway through the cooking process. Cook until the chicken is opaque throughout and has an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). To ensure the chicken is cooked safely and thoroughly, the USDA recommends a safe minimum internal temperature for all poultry.
4. Remove the cooked chicken skewers from the grill and transfer them back to the clean baking sheet or a serving platter.

Serve:

1. Serve your Skewered Chicken with Peanut Sauce immediately while it’s warm, with the delicious peanut sauce offered on the side for dipping.
2. Alternatively, this versatile Christmas party food can also be served at room temperature, which is ideal for a buffet-style holiday celebration. Enjoy your culinary creation!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Ensure your Christmas party food is a resounding success with these expert tips and solutions. From prep to serving, these insights will make your cooking experience even smoother.

• Marinating: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken strips in a tablespoon of soy sauce and a teaspoon of ginger before threading.
• Skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before use to prevent them from burning on the grill.
• Grilling: Do not overcrowd your grill. Cook in batches to maintain high heat and achieve a perfect sear on each skewer.
• Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Chicken is safely cooked at 165°F (74°C). Avoid overcooking to keep it juicy.
• Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add more water, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the peanut sauce up to 3 days in advance and cut the chicken strips the day before. This helps for a quick Christmas party food assembly.
• Storage: Store any leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.

Serving, Storage & Variations

This versatile Christmas party food offers numerous options for presentation and adaptation. Make it your own with these suggestions for serving, storing, and adjusting the recipe.

Serving Suggestions

• Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro and crushed peanuts for a pop of color and extra crunch.
• Lime Wedges: Serve with fresh lime wedges on the side; a squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens the flavors.
• Accompaniments: Offer alongside fluffy white rice, rice noodles, or a light quinoa salad for a more substantial meal.
• Cucumber Salad: Pair with a simple cucumber and red onion salad dressed with rice vinegar for a refreshing contrast.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate Promptly: Store leftover chicken and peanut sauce in separate airtight containers within two hours of cooking.
• Separate Storage: Keeping chicken and sauce separate helps maintain their textures and flavors for longer.
• Reheating: Gently reheat chicken skewers in a microwave or oven until just warm to prevent drying out. The sauce can be rewarmed on the stovetop. Leftovers are best consumed within 3 days.

Recipe Variations

• Protein Alternatives: Substitute chicken with shrimp, firm tofu cubes, or thinly sliced pork tenderloin for different textures and tastes.
• Vegetarian Option: For a meat-free Christmas party food, use bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, and cherry tomatoes on skewers.
• Sauce Boosters: Enhance the peanut sauce with a dash of sesame oil, extra fresh ginger, a spoonful of honey, or a swirl of sriracha for more heat.
• Cooking Method: If a grill isn’t available, bake the skewers in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or pan-fry them in a skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through.

Nutrition Information

Understanding the nutritional aspects of your meals is helpful for balanced eating. This Skewered Chicken with Peanut Sauce is a flavorful option for your holiday spread.

Disclaimer: Approximate nutritional values are provided for general information. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

This dish is a great source of lean protein from the chicken, essential for muscle health. The peanut sauce contributes healthy fats and some dietary fiber. Furthermore, understanding the nutritional benefits of peanut butter can help in making informed dietary choices. To lighten the dish, use leaner chicken breasts and control portion sizes of the rich peanut sauce. You can also opt for a lower-sugar peanut butter. Enjoy this delicious Christmas party food responsibly.

FAQ

You have questions, and we have answers! Here are some common inquiries about preparing this fantastic Christmas party food.

• Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, absolutely! Prepare the peanut sauce up to 3 days in advance and cut the chicken strips the day before your event. This allows for quick assembly.
• What if I don’t have a grill? No problem! Use a grill pan on your stovetop or bake the skewers in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
• Is this recipe gluten-free? The recipe is easily made gluten-free by substituting regular low-sodium soy sauce with tamari. Always check other ingredient labels.
• Can I make it vegetarian? Yes, simply substitute the chicken with firm tofu cubes or hearty vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms.
• How do I adjust the spice level? You can easily increase or decrease the amount of crushed red pepper flakes in the peanut sauce to suit your taste.
• How long do leftovers last? Properly refrigerated, cooked chicken skewers and peanut sauce will remain fresh for up to 3 days. Store them in separate airtight containers.

Conclusion

This Skewered Chicken with Peanut Sauce offers a delightful and effortless solution for your holiday entertaining. It truly is the ultimate Christmas party food, combining incredible flavors with user-friendly preparation. With our step-by-step guide and helpful tips, even beginners can create this impressive festive appetizer. Get ready to impress your guests and savor the joy of the season. Enjoy your delicious creation and happy holidays!

Skewered Chicken with Peanut Sauce

These skewered chicken strips with creamy peanut sauce are the ultimate Christmas party food. Sweet, savory, and perfectly grilled, they’re an easy make-ahead appetizer that looks impressive and tastes incredible.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course: Appetizer, Party Food

Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Calories: 220

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
• 1 clove garlic, roughly chopped
• 1/2 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/3 cup water
• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 1 1/3 lb total)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• salt, to taste
• black pepper, to taste

Equipment

• Grill or grill pan
• Wooden or metal skewers
• Food Processor or Blender
• Large baking sheet
• small saucepan
• Mixing Bowls

Method

 

1. Add peanut butter, garlic, ginger, lime juice, soy sauce, sugar, red pepper flakes, and water to a blender or food processor.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down sides as needed.
3. Transfer sauce to a small saucepan and warm gently over low heat until just heated through. Set aside.
4. Cut chicken breasts lengthwise into 16 thin strips and thread each strip onto a skewer.
5. Brush chicken skewers with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.
6. Preheat grill or grill pan to high heat and grill skewers for about 15 minutes, turning once, until cooked through.
7. Remove skewers from grill and serve warm or at room temperature with peanut sauce for dipping.

Notes

For deeper flavor, marinate chicken briefly with soy sauce and ginger before grilling. Use tamari for a gluten-free option. The peanut sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and gently reheated before serving.

Taya Bennett

Taya Bennett is the founder of YumEasyMeals, a platform dedicated to easy, delicious, and quick-to-prepare recipes for busy families. Passionate about everyday cooking, she simplifies meals with practical, accessible, and always delicious ideas.
Discover her creations at: yumeasymeals.com