1. Prepare Marinade: Blend shallots, garlic, coriander, cumin into smooth paste. Mix with palm sugar, tamarind, soy sauce, and lime juice.
2. Marinate Chicken: Coat chicken cubes thoroughly with marinade. Cover and refrigerate minimum 2 hours (overnight preferred).
3. Make Peanut Sauce: Blend peanuts, chilies, garlic, candlenuts with 1/2 cup water until coarse paste.
4. Cook Sauce: Heat 1 tbsp oil in pan. Cook peanut paste 3 minutes until fragrant. Add coconut milk, remaining water, palm sugar, tamarind, salt. Simmer 10 minutes until thickened. Stir constantly.
5. Skewer: Thread 4-5 chicken pieces onto each soaked skewer, leaving space at both ends.
6. Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high (400°F/200°C). Grill skewers 4-5 minutes per side, basting with leftover marinade during first turn.
7. Char: For authentic flavor, briefly hold skewers over direct flame for 30 seconds per side for slight charring.
8. Serve: Arrange skewers on plate with lontong, peanut sauce, sliced shallots, and lime wedges. Drizzle sauce or serve separately.
