Description
Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers are juicy chicken thighs marinated in a rich and aromatic blend of coconut milk, fresh Thai herbs, and spices. Perfectly balancing sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, these skewers are ideal for grilling season and bring tropical flair to any meal. Easy to prepare and customizable in heat and herbs, they make a vibrant and crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Marinade
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 red chili or 1 teaspoon chili flakes, finely chopped (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Fresh Thai basil, chopped (for garnish)
Other
- Bamboo skewers (soaked in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together coconut milk, freshly grated ginger, minced garlic, lime juice, fish sauce, brown sugar, and chopped red chili to create a rich, aromatic mixture that will soak deep into the chicken.
- Marinate the Chicken: Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and place them in the marinade. Mix well to ensure every piece is coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
- Soak and Thread Skewers: While marinating, soak bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Once ready, thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece to cook evenly.
- Preheat the Grill: Fire up your grill to medium-high heat—hot enough to sear the chicken quickly and lock in juices, but not so hot that it burns the edges.
- Grill the Skewers: Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until fully cooked and grill marks appear. Brush with remaining marinade during cooking for extra flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skewers and let them rest briefly. Sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro and basil before serving to add a fresh, herbal finish.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juiciness and forgiving grilling.
- Don’t skip marinating time; allow at least 2 hours for best flavor.
- Rotate skewers often to ensure even cooking and avoid burning.
- Keep the grill clean for perfect grill marks and to prevent sticking.
- Let the meat rest after grilling to redistribute juices and keep it tender.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 4 skewers)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Thai chicken skewers, grilled coconut chicken, Thai grilled chicken, coconut milk marinade, summer barbecue, Thai flavors, gluten free skewers
