Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers

🥥 Description

Juicy chicken thighs are marinated in a fragrant mixture of creamy coconut milk, lemongrass, garlic, lime, and Thai spices, then threaded onto skewers and grilled to smoky perfection. These irresistible Thai-inspired skewers are bursting with sweet, savory, and tangy flavors — ideal for summer grilling, weeknight dinners, or party appetizers.

🍗 Ingredients for Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers

• 1½ lbs (700 g) boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks

• 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk

• 2 tbsp fish sauce

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 2 tbsp brown sugar or palm sugar

• 1 stalk lemongrass, finely minced (white part only)

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated

• Zest and juice of 1 lime

• 1 tsp turmeric powder

• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional, to taste)

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

To Serve:

• Fresh cilantro leaves

• Lime wedges

• Chopped peanuts (optional)

• Sweet chili sauce or peanut sauce

🔪 Instructions

1. Make the Marinade:
   In a large bowl, whisk together coconut milk, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, lemongrass, garlic, ginger, lime zest and juice, turmeric, chili flakes, and oil.

2. Marinate the Chicken:
   Add chicken pieces, toss to coat, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (best overnight).

3. Skewer:
   If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. Thread marinated chicken chunks onto skewers.

4. Grill:
   Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Oil grates. Grill skewers for 3–4 minutes per side (10–12 minutes total), until nicely charred and cooked through (internal temp reaches 165°F/74°C).

5. Serve:
   Sprinkle with cilantro and chopped peanuts. Serve with lime wedges and dipping sauce.

🍴 Servings

Makes 4 servings as a main dish or 6–8 as appetizers.

📌 Notes

• Can substitute chicken breasts if preferred, but thighs stay juicier.

• Lemongrass paste can be used if fresh lemongrass isn’t available.

• For oven cooking: bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15–18 minutes, broiling in last 2 minutes.

💡 Tips

• Marinate overnight for maximum flavor.

• Double the marinade to use half as a dipping sauce (boil first before serving).

• Pair with coconut rice, cucumber salad, or grilled veggies to complete the meal.

🔍 Nutritional Info (per serving, estimate)

May vary based on sauces & sides used.

✅ Benefits

• High in protein for muscle repair and satiety.

• Flavor-packed without heavy calories.

• Coconut milk & spices provide healthy fats and anti-inflammatory benefits.

• Great for meal prep — can be marinated ahead and grilled quickly.

❓ Q/A

Q: Can these skewers be made dairy-free & gluten-free?
A: Yes — they already use coconut milk (dairy-free). For gluten-free, replace soy sauce with gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos.

Q: Can I cook them indoors?
A: Absolutely — use a stovetop grill pan or bake/broil in the oven.

Q: How far in advance can I marinate the chicken?
A: Up to 24 hours in the fridge. Don’t exceed 2 days as acid in lime can start breaking down the meat too much.

Q: What sauces go best with it?
A: Thai sweet chili sauce, spicy peanut sauce, or a squeeze of fresh lime are all excellent!