These Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers are bursting with flavor! Marinated in a tasty mix of coconut milk, lime, and spices, they’re perfect for grilling outdoors or in a pan.
Who doesn’t love food on a stick? It’s like a party at your plate! I love serving these with a side of rice to soak up all that yummy sauce. Quick and fun to make!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are perfect for grilling. They stay moist and tender. If you’re looking for a substitute, chicken breasts can work too, but they tend to dry out faster.
Soy Sauce: This adds a salty, umami flavor. If you’re avoiding soy, try tamari or coconut aminos for a similar taste.
Coconut Milk: Essential for richness and depth. Don’t have it? Heavy cream or Greek yogurt can be a substitute, though the flavor will differ slightly.
Fish Sauce: It adds a unique taste to Asian dishes. If looking for a vegetarian option, use soy sauce or miso paste, but adjust the amounts for saltiness.
Brown Sugar: This provides sweetness and caramelization. You can swap it with honey or maple syrup, but this may affect the texture slightly.
What’s the Best Way to Marinate Chicken?
Marinating is the key step for flavor. For the best results, aim for 2-3 hours of marinating time, but even 30 minutes can impart good taste. Here are some tips:
- Mix the marinade ingredients well before adding the chicken to ensure even coating.
- Use a resealable bag for marinating; it allows the chicken to be fully coated with less mess.
- Always refrigerate during the marinating process to keep the chicken fresh.
How Can I Grill Chicken Skewers Perfectly?
Grilling skewers can be tricky, but here’s how to get it right:
- Ensure the grill is preheated to medium-high. This gives you nice char marks!
- Oil the grill grates lightly. This helps prevent chicken from sticking. A paper towel soaked in oil works wonders.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes per side. Look for a golden brown color and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Benefits of grilling on skewers include more surface area for flavor and faster cooking! Enjoy the hassle-free clean-up too!
Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 tbsp coconut milk
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1/4 tsp white pepper (optional)
- Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
- Lettuce leaves for serving
For the Peanut Dipping Sauce (optional):
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup coconut milk
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
- 1/2 tsp chili oil or Sriracha (adjust to taste)
- Water as needed to thin the sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 1 hour or more for marinating. Grilling takes about 15 minutes. You’ll be enjoying these delicious skewers in about 1 hour and 30 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, mix together the soy sauce, coconut milk, brown sugar, fish sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, ground coriander, and white pepper. Stir well until the sugar has dissolved completely. Add in the bite-sized chicken pieces, and ensure they are fully coated in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour; for the best flavor, aim for 2-3 hours if you can!
2. Prepare for Grilling:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat while you prepare the skewers. After the chicken has marinated, thread the pieces onto the soaked bamboo skewers. Make sure the pieces are evenly spaced for even cooking.
3. Grill the Skewers:
Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent the chicken from sticking. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked through, with a nice char on the outside. If you have any leftover marinade, you can brush it onto the chicken while it grills for extra flavor!
4. Make the Peanut Dipping Sauce:
While the chicken is grilling, combine the peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, and chili oil in a bowl. Whisk them together until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add water a little at a time until you reach your desired dipping consistency.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
When the chicken skewers are done, take them off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Arrange them on a platter lined with fresh lettuce leaves. Serve alongside the peanut dipping sauce for dipping. Enjoy your delicious Thai chicken skewers with sticky rice or your favorite side dishes!
These skewers are bursting with flavor and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Happy grilling!
FAQ for Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts! However, keep in mind that they may dry out faster than thighs. To help keep them moist, avoid overcooking and consider marinating a bit longer.
Can I Make the Dipping Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The peanut dipping sauce can be made up to a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Give it a good stir before serving, adding a splash of water if it thickens up.
How Do I Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet on low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Add Vegetables to the Skewers?
Definitely! Bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes make great additions. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces as the chicken for even cooking. Marinate the veggies along with the chicken for extra flavor!
