If you are craving a vibrant, flavorful dish that brings the sunny tastes of Southeast Asia right to your backyard grill, then this Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers Recipe is calling your name. Tender chicken chunks are soaked in a luscious marinade bursting with creamy coconut milk, zesty lime, fragrant herbs, and a perfect touch of spice. Once grilled to juicy perfection with those irresistible charred edges, every bite delivers an exciting blend of sweet, savory, and tangy notes that make these skewers an absolute showstopper at any meal or gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients together for this dish is wonderfully straightforward, but each component plays a vital role in creating the balanced, unforgettable flavor profile of these skewers. From the richness of coconut milk to the brightness of lime and the heat from chili flakes, every item adds a layer of deliciousness.
- Chicken breast (1 1/2 pounds): The lean protein base, cut into uniform chunks for even grilling.
- Coconut milk (1/2 cup): Adds creamy texture and subtle sweetness, key for that authentic Thai flair.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Brings a salty, umami depth that enhances the marinade’s flavor.
- Lime juice (2 tablespoons): Infuses zesty brightness and helps tenderize the chicken.
- Fish sauce (1 tablespoon): Boosts savory richness and lends a nuanced salty aroma classic in Thai cooking.
- Brown sugar (1 tablespoon): Balances acidity and spice with gentle sweetness.
- Garlic cloves, minced (2): Knocks up the flavor with a pungent, aromatic kick.
- Grated ginger (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and freshness, complementing the other spices beautifully.
- Red curry paste (1 teaspoon): Provides vibrant color and a mild spiciness that defines the dish.
- Chili flakes (1/4 teaspoon): For a subtle heat to awaken the palate without overpowering the other flavors.
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): A nutty undertone that rounds out the marinade.
- Chopped cilantro (1 tablespoon): Fresh herbaceous notes for brightness and color.
- Peanut butter (1 tablespoon): Brings creamy texture and a hint of nuttiness that complements the coconut.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Adds tangy balance, cutting through the richness.
- Wooden skewers: Soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
How to Make Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients and Tools
Start by collecting all the ingredients and kitchen tools you’ll need. Soaking the wooden skewers for at least half an hour is essential to keep them from charring and breaking while grilling.
Step 2: Cut the Chicken
Slice the chicken breast into bite-sized chunks that are as similar in size as possible. This ensures every piece cooks evenly, so you won’t have to worry about some skewers being undercooked or overdone.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Marinade
In a large bowl, combine the coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, fish sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, red curry paste, chili flakes, sesame oil, cilantro, peanut butter, and rice vinegar. Whisk everything until perfectly smooth and well blended. This vibrant mixture is where all the magic begins.
Step 4: Marinate the Chicken
Toss the chicken chunks into the marinade, making sure every piece is well coated. Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, letting it rest for up to 2 hours will deepen the flavors beautifully.
Step 5: Prepare the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat so it’s ready to sear the chicken quickly, locking in juices and creating those gorgeous grill marks.
Step 6: Skewer the Chicken
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers, spacing them evenly to allow heat circulation, which helps cook the chicken uniformly and prevents steaming.
Step 7: Grill the Skewers
Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Keep an eye on them as the marinade’s sugars can caramelize fast. The chicken should be fully opaque and reach an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest a couple of minutes before serving. This brief pause helps the juices redistribute and results in juicier bites.
How to Serve Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a few lime wedges served alongside bring that final pop of color and tartness that complements the rich, grilled chicken perfectly. You can even drizzle a little extra coconut milk or a Thai sweet chili sauce if you want to amplify the flavor party.
Side Dishes
These skewers pair fantastically with fragrant jasmine rice or sticky rice to soak up all the delicious juices. For a lighter touch, serve with a crisp cucumber salad or grilled vegetables tossed in a light lime dressing for extra fresh crunch and contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party presentation, stand the skewers upright in a bamboo holder surrounded by piles of chopped fresh herbs, chopped peanuts, and lime wedges. You can also serve them on a platter with colorful mini bowls of peanut sauce and sweet chili for dipping, turning your meal into an interactive feast that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover grilled Thai coconut chicken skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors may even intensify, making for a quick and tasty next-day meal.
Freezing
If you want to save some for longer, remove the chicken from the skewers and freeze in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the skewers gently in a skillet over medium heat or pop them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. This will help maintain the juicy texture instead of drying out the chicken as a microwave might.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even juicier and more forgiving on the grill, making them a delicious alternative that adds a bit more richness to the dish.
How spicy is this recipe?
The recipe has a mild to moderate heat thanks to the red curry paste and chili flakes, but you can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili depending on your preference.
Can I make the marinade without peanut butter?
Yes, you can omit the peanut butter if you have allergies or preferences. While it adds a lovely nutty depth and creaminess, the marinade will still be flavorful and tasty without it.
What is the best way to check if the chicken is cooked?
Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable method—look for an internal temperature of 165°F. If you don’t have one, ensure the chicken is no longer pink inside and the juices run clear.
Can I make these skewers indoors?
Definitely! You can grill them on a stovetop grill pan or broil them in the oven. Just keep an eye to avoid burning and cook until the chicken is cooked through and nicely browned.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about this Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers Recipe that makes it a standout anytime you crave a dish bursting with exciting flavors and simple, fresh ingredients. Whether you’re feeding family or entertaining friends, these skewers come together effortlessly and deliver unforgettable taste. So fire up the grill, grab your skewers, and indulge in this delicious Thai-inspired treat—you won’t regret giving it a try!
Print
Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Thai
Description
These Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers feature tender chicken breast chunks marinated in a flavorful blend of coconut milk, lime, soy sauce, and Thai spices. Grilled to perfection over medium-high heat, they offer a delicious balance of creamy, tangy, spicy, and sweet flavors, perfect for a vibrant and satisfying meal or appetizer.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast, cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon red curry paste
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Other
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
- Extra lime wedges and cilantro, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients and Equipment: Collect and prepare all ingredients and equipment so everything is ready before starting the cooking process.
- Soak Skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
- Prepare Chicken: Cut chicken breast into bite-sized chunks, ensuring even size for uniform cooking.
- Make Marinade: In a large bowl, combine coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, fish sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, red curry paste, chili flakes, sesame oil, chopped cilantro, peanut butter, and rice vinegar.
- Mix Marinade: Whisk the marinade ingredients together until smooth and well incorporated.
- Marinate Chicken: Add chicken chunks to marinade and toss until fully coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
- Preheat Grill: While marinating, preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Thread Chicken: Thread marinated chicken pieces evenly onto soaked skewers, leaving space between pieces.
- Grill Skewers: Place skewers on grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through with grill marks.
- Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Rest Chicken: Remove skewers from grill and allow to rest for a few minutes.
- Serve: Serve the skewers hot with optional extra lime wedges and cilantro for garnish.
Notes
- Soaking skewers prevents burning and helps maintain their integrity during grilling.
- Marinating the chicken longer (up to 2 hours) intensifies flavor and tenderness.
- Use a meat thermometer for precise doneness to ensure food safety.
- For a spicier version, increase chili flakes or add fresh chopped chilies to the marinade.
- These skewers pair well with jasmine rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
