Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers
Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers feature tender chicken thighs marinated in a creamy coconut milk base infused with authentic Thai flavors like lemongrass, garlic, ginger, and fish sauce. Perfectly grilled to juicy perfection, these skewers offer a spicy, aromatic, and vibrant taste ideal for quick weeknight meals or outdoor gatherings.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Thai
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken and Marinade Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce (ensure gluten-free if needed)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 stalk lemongrass, finely chopped or bruised
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
For Serving and Garnish
- Juice of 1 fresh lime
- Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
Other
- Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 20 minutes
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine coconut milk, minced garlic, grated ginger, fish sauce, brown sugar, lemongrass, and red chili flakes. Whisk gently until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is well blended.
- Marinate the Chicken: Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and place them in the marinade. Stir well to coat every piece. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
- Preheat the Grill: Soak bamboo skewers in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning, then preheat the grill to medium-high heat to achieve a perfect char without drying out the chicken.
- Thread the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Thread pieces evenly onto each skewer, leaving a little space between each for even cooking.
- Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Turn them to get even grill marks and cook thoroughly until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve with Fresh Lime and Cilantro: Once grilled, squeeze fresh lime juice over the skewers and sprinkle chopped cilantro for a fresh finish that complements the rich flavors.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs rather than breasts to keep the meat juicy and flavorful.
- Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes to absorb the coconut and spice flavors fully.
- Do not overcrowd the skewers; leave space between pieces for even cooking and proper searing.
- Watch the grill carefully as coconut milk can cause flare-ups; move skewers if necessary.
- Allow the skewers to rest for a few minutes after grilling to lock in the juices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 skewers
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Thai, chicken skewers, grilled chicken, coconut milk, lemongrass, easy dinner, gluten free, BBQ, summer recipes