Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers: A Taste of Thai Summer
Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers Are Bursting with Flavor
Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers bring the perfect fusion of smoky char, tangy lime, and aromatic Thai herbs straight to your backyard. With each bite, you’ll taste layers of coconut creaminess, bold spices, and a subtle hint of sweetness from brown sugar.
This dish is more than just a grilled chicken recipe — it’s a street-food classic that transforms your cookout into a tropical feast. Thanks to the vibrant marinade and the tenderness of boneless chicken thighs, every skewer stays juicy, flavorful, and completely unforgettable.
Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers Use Fresh Thai Ingredients
What makes Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers stand out is their deep, rich marinade. Ingredients like coconut milk, red curry paste, and fish sauce are the secret to that authentic taste. According to Serious Eats, marinating with coconut-based sauces helps lock in moisture and flavor, especially when grilling at high heat.
Plus, Thai ingredients like lime juice, garlic, and ginger add freshness and zing. These aren’t just flavorful—they also carry health benefits. For example, coconut milk is rich in antioxidants and healthy fats, making it a nutritious addition to marinades.
Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers Are Ideal for Summer BBQs
Whether you’re planning a weekend BBQ or a weeknight dinner, these skewers fit every occasion:
-
Easy to prep in advance for stress-free entertaining
-
Pairs well with rice, grilled veggies, or wraps
-
Crowd-pleaser even for picky eaters
There’s a reason Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers are a must-have in every summer grilling lineup. They deliver bold Thai flavor with very little effort—and your grill will thank you.
Ingredients:
Print
Juicy Coconut-Lime Chicken Skewers with Thai Herbs
- Total Time: 27 min
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Juicy, flavorful chicken skewers marinated in coconut milk, lime, and Thai herbs—grilled to perfection for a simple yet vibrant meal.
Ingredients
-
1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
-
1 cup canned coconut milk
-
2 tablespoons soy sauce
-
2 tablespoons fish sauce
-
2 tablespoons brown sugar
-
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
-
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
-
3 garlic cloves, minced
-
1 tablespoon red curry paste
-
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
-
½ teaspoon ground coriander
-
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (plus extra for garnish)
-
Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Instructions
-
Prepare the Marinade:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the coconut milk, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, grated ginger, minced garlic, red curry paste, turmeric, coriander, and chopped cilantro. Stir well until fully blended. -
Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken thigh pieces to the bowl and mix to coat each piece evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour — overnight is ideal for deeper flavor. -
Get the Skewers Ready:
While the chicken marinates, soak the bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to help prevent burning on the grill. -
Assemble the Skewers:
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers, spacing them evenly. -
Grill the Skewers:
Preheat your grill to medium-high. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and lightly charred. -
Serve:
Transfer the grilled skewers to a serving plate. Sprinkle with extra chopped cilantro for garnish, and serve immediately.
Notes
For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. If using metal skewers, soaking is not necessary. These skewers also cook well on a grill pan or under a broiler if grilling outdoors isn’t an option. Add a pinch of chili flakes for extra heat.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 12 min
Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers: Step-by-Step Guide for Irresistible Results
Step 1: Build the Flavorful Marinade
In a large bowl, whisk together coconut milk, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, grated ginger, minced garlic, red curry paste, turmeric, ground coriander, and chopped cilantro. This vibrant mix forms the foundation of Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers, infusing the meat with rich, aromatic flavor.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add your bite-sized chicken thighs to the bowl. Toss to coat each piece thoroughly. For best results, cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour—overnight if possible. This allows the marinade to soak in deeply, making the Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers incredibly juicy.
Step 3: Prepare the Skewers
Soak bamboo skewers in cold water for 30 minutes. This helps prevent burning on the grill. Then thread the marinated chicken pieces evenly onto each skewer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
Step 4: Fire Up the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to avoid sticking. Place the skewers directly over the flame and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally. The chicken should be slightly charred on the outside and fully cooked inside.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Transfer to a serving platter, sprinkle with extra cilantro, and serve hot. These Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers shine on their own or paired with jasmine rice, salads, or grilled veggies.
Each step is simple but crucial for locking in flavor, ensuring that every bite of your Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers is unforgettable.
Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers: Grill Like a Pro
Mastering the Flame
To perfect Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers, start with the right heat. Medium-high is ideal for achieving a golden char without burning the meat. Always preheat the grill for at least 10 minutes before cooking.
Direct vs. Indirect Heat
Grill the skewers directly over the flame at first for that iconic char. Then, move them to indirect heat if the chicken starts to darken too quickly. This two-zone approach prevents overcooking while still giving those Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers their smoky edge.
Rotate with Care
Turn the skewers every 3–4 minutes for even browning. Avoid flipping too often, as this can cause the chicken to lose its sear. The key is to handle them gently while maintaining steady heat.
Don’t Forget the Grill Prep
Brush your grill grates with oil before placing the skewers down. This step prevents sticking and helps you get clean grill marks. Clean grates also reduce flare-ups and enhance flavor.
Alternative Cooking Methods
No outdoor grill? A stovetop grill pan or broiler works well, too. Just ensure proper ventilation and keep an eye on cooking time. These methods can still give your Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers that charred, grilled flavor indoors.
With the right technique, your Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers will come out juicy, smoky, and irresistibly delicious every time.
Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers: Make It Your Own
Vegetarian or Vegan Options
You can easily transform Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers into a vegetarian dish. Replace the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh cubes. These ingredients absorb the coconut-lime marinade beautifully and deliver a satisfying texture. For a fully vegan version, skip the fish sauce and use soy sauce or a vegan fish sauce substitute instead.
Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly Tips
If you’re cutting carbs, serve your Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers with cauliflower rice or a simple cucumber salad. The marinade remains naturally low in carbs, so you don’t need to adjust much. Reducing the brown sugar slightly can also help keep it keto-friendly without sacrificing flavor.
Gluten-Free Adaptation
To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari in place of regular soy sauce. Tamari has a rich, salty flavor similar to soy sauce but without the gluten. Double-check your curry paste and fish sauce as some brands may contain traces of wheat.
Spice Level Adjustments
For a milder version of Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers, reduce the amount of red curry paste by half. You can also add a splash of extra coconut milk to soften the heat. If you enjoy more spice, add a pinch of chili flakes or a few slices of red Thai chili.
These easy adjustments let anyone enjoy Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers, no matter their dietary needs or preferences.
Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers: Storage and Meal Prep Made Easy
Refrigeration Tips
Once cooled, store leftover Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days. Make sure to remove the chicken from the skewers for easier storage and reheating.
Freezing for Later
You can also freeze cooked skewers. Wrap each portion tightly in foil or place them in a freezer-safe bag. Label with the date and use within two months for best taste. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating Without Drying Out
To reheat, use a covered skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or coconut milk to maintain moisture. Avoid microwaving for too long, as this can dry out the chicken. With care, your Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers will still taste tender and flavorful.
Perfect for Meal Prep
These skewers are great for prepping ahead. Pair with jasmine rice, noodles, or roasted veggies for balanced meals throughout the week. You can also toss them into wraps or salads for variety. Their bold, consistent flavor makes them an ideal protein for multiple dishes.
Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers aren’t just a fresh dinner option—they’re also a smart solution for busy days.