These Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers are full of flavor and are super fun to eat! Marinated in a tasty mix of spices and coconut milk, they are juicy and absolutely mouthwatering.
Getting to eat food on a stick is just the best, right? 😄 I love serving these with a side of rice or some fresh veggies. They’re perfect for summer barbecues or a quick weeknight treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness. If you want a leaner option, you can use chicken breast, but be careful not to overcook it as it can become dry.
Soy Sauce: This adds umami flavor. You can use tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative.
Fish Sauce: Essential for an authentic taste. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, use a mushroom or soy-based sauce instead.
Coconut Milk: It makes the marinade rich and creamy. If you want a lighter alternative, look for light coconut milk, or use plain yogurt for a tangy taste.
Chili Flakes: Adjust these based on your spice tolerance. If fresh red chilies are not available, you could use sriracha sauce for some heat in the marinade instead.
How Do I Marinate the Chicken for Best Flavor?
Marinating the chicken is key to infusing it with flavor. The longer you let it soak, the tastier it gets! Here’s how:
- Mix all your marinade ingredients in a bowl.
- Add the chicken pieces and stir to coat completely.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and place it in the fridge.
- Marinate for at least 1 hour, but if you can, go for 3-4 hours or even overnight.
This allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, giving you that delicious Thai taste!
What’s the Best Way to Grill Chicken Skewers?
Grilling chicken skewers right is crucial for juicy and perfectly cooked meat. Follow these tips:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This helps get that nice char!
- Make sure your skewers are soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Turn the skewers occasionally to avoid burning and ensure even cooking.
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly grilled chicken that’s both tender and flavorful!
Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1 ½ lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes or 1 fresh red chili, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- ¼ cup coconut milk
- Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
- Fresh lettuce leaves, for serving
For Serving (optional dipping sauce):
- ½ cup coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon red curry paste
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- Chili oil or chili flakes (for drizzling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time, followed by at least 1 hour to marinate the chicken (up to overnight for best flavor). Grilling will take around 10-12 minutes. In total, you’re looking at about 25-30 minutes of active cooking time, plus marinating hours. Perfect for a fun meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, oyster sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, lime juice, ground coriander, turmeric, chili, and coconut milk until well combined. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and place it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. For deeper flavor, ideally, let it marinate for 3-4 hours or overnight.
2. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Making sure it’s hot will help the chicken cook quickly and develop nice grill marks!
3. Prepare the Skewers:
After marinating, take the chicken out of the fridge. Thread the pieces onto the soaked bamboo skewers, leaving a bit of space between each piece for even cooking. This helps ensure the chicken cooks through without steaming.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred on the edges. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Rotate the skewers occasionally to achieve even cooking.
5. Prepare the Dipping Sauce (Optional):
While the skewers are grilling, you can prepare the dipping sauce. In a small saucepan, combine coconut milk, red curry paste, lime juice, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Warm it gently over low heat while stirring until completely smooth and heated through. Drizzle with chili oil or sprinkle some chili flakes for an extra kick!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the chicken skewers are done grilling, remove them from the grill and place them over fresh lettuce leaves on a serving platter. Serve with your prepared dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy the vibrant flavors of your Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers!
This dish is not only delicious but also perfect for gatherings or a satisfying weeknight meal. Have fun grilling!
FAQ for Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers
Can I Use Chicken Breast Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breast, but keep in mind that it tends to dry out more easily. To prevent this, be careful not to overcook it and consider marinating for a bit longer to keep it juicy.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you want a spicier kick, increase the amount of chili flakes in the marinade or add some sliced fresh chili peppers. You can also serve the skewers with spicy chili oil for dipping!
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade in advance – it will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just add the chicken when you’re ready to cook.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Chicken Skewers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) or briefly grill them again until warmed through.
