Thai Chicken Appetizer Skewers

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast halve, skinless and boneless

MARINADE

• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon lime zest
• 1 teaspoon gingerroot, grated
• 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
• 1/4 cup bottled Italian salad dressing
• crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

DIPPING SAUCE

• 1/3 cup unsweetened coconut milk
• 1/4 cup chunky peanut butter
• 3 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon lime zest
• 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
• 2 1/2 tablespoons chicken broth
• 2 large garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon salted peanuts, chopped (garnish)

Directions

1. 1

   Rinse chicken; pat dry with paper towels. Slice chicken crosswise into 3-inch-wide strips, 1/4-inch to 3/8-inch thick; place in a shallow glass dish.

2. 2

   In a small bowl, combine the marinade ingredients; pour over the chicken and toss well to coat. Cover and marinate in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but no more than 2 hours. Stir mixture occasionally.

3. 3

   Prepare grill for direct cooking; brush rack with vegetable or peanut oil.

4. 4

   Meanwhile, combine the dipping sauce ingredients (except the chopped peanuts) in a small saucepan. Cook and stir (constantly) over medium heat - Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, 2 to 4 minutes or until slightly thickened, smooth and bubbly. Keep warm in a small serving bowl; garnish with chopped peanuts just before serving.

5. 5

   Drain chicken; reserve the marinade. Thread the chicken strips, accordion-style, onto twelve 6-inch metal skewers.

6. 6

   Transfer skewered chicken to prepared rack of uncovered grill. Grill directly over medium coals 8 to 10 minutes or until the chicken is tender and no longer pink. (DO NOT OVERCOOK!) Turn once, halfway through grilling time, and brush often with the reserved marinade during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Discard remaining marinade.

7. 7

   Serve immediately on skewers with the warm peanut sauce for dipping.