Sizzling Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers Recipe: Tropical BBQ Joy

Sizzling summer nights demand a standout Thai coconut chicken skewers recipe that transports your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of Bangkok.

Marinated in a luscious blend of creamy coconut milk and aromatic spices, these skewers promise a flavor explosion that’ll make your backyard feel like a tropical paradise.

Each tender morsel bursts with zesty lime, fragrant herbs, and a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes.

The marinade infuses the chicken with incredible depth, ensuring every bite is juicy and packed with authentic Thai flavors.

Grilling these skewers caramelizes the edges, creating an irresistible char that adds smoky complexity to the dish.

Serve these crowd-pleasing skewers alongside jasmine rice or a crisp salad for a meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Serving Ideas for Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers

• Refresh with Cool Greens: Wrap the juicy grilled chicken skewers in crisp green lettuce leaves for a refreshing and light eating experience that balances the rich, caramelized flavors.
• Drizzle with Nutty Sauce: Add a creamy peanut sauce on the side to enhance the Thai-inspired chicken, providing a delightful dipping option that complements the coconut and soy marinade.
• Create a Tropical Plate: Arrange skewers over steamed jasmine rice and sprinkle with chopped cilantro and crushed peanuts for a colorful, restaurant-style presentation that elevates the entire dish.
• Pair with Zesty Slaw: Toss a quick cabbage and carrot slaw with lime juice to cut through the richness of the grilled chicken, adding a bright and crunchy side that rounds out the meal perfectly.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips for Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers

• Store Safely: Refrigerate leftover skewers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cool chicken completely before storing to maintain texture and prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheat Wisely: Warm skewers in a preheated oven at 350°F for 7-10 minutes, ensuring chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent drying out the meat.
• Freeze Strategically: Wrap individual skewers in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Prep Ahead: Marinate chicken and assemble skewers up to 24 hours before grilling. Keep refrigerated and covered to lock in flavors and save cooking time on meal day.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 33 minutes

Calories: 440 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers

• Chicken Thighs: Tender meat with rich flavor that absorbs marinades beautifully.
• Garlic: Aromatic powerhouse that adds depth and traditional Thai zesty notes.
• Ginger: Bright, spicy root that brings warmth and authentic Southeast Asian character.
• Soy Sauce: Umami-rich liquid that tenderizes and enhances overall savory profile.
• Light Soy Sauce: Lighter version adding saltiness without heavy darkness.
• Oyster Sauce: Complex condiment delivering rich, slightly sweet maritime essence.
• Brown Sugar: Caramel-like sweetener balancing marinade's intense flavors.

• Coconut Cream: Luxurious, silky base providing creamy tropical undertones.
• Honey: Natural sweetener creating gorgeous caramelization during grilling.

• Green Lettuce: Crisp, refreshing wrapper offering cool contrast to grilled chicken.
• Wooden Skewers: Traditional grilling tool allowing easy handling and beautiful presentation.
• Optional Peanut Sauce: Complementary condiment adding nutty, creamy dimension.

Tools for Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers

• Wooden skewers: Soak in water to prevent burning during grilling.
• Mixing bowl: For marinating chicken with flavorful ingredients.
• Grill or grill pan: High heat needed for perfect char and caramelization.
• Tongs: Essential for safely flipping skewers and handling hot chicken.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate marinade and glaze ingredients.
• Basting brush: To apply coconut cream glaze evenly during grilling.
• Sharp knife: For cutting chicken into uniform chunks.

How to Grill Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers

• Skewer Preparation

Get ready for a tropical flavor adventure with wooden skewers and tender chicken chunks. Soak skewers in water to prevent burning during grilling.

• Flavor Infusion

Create a mouthwatering marinade blending zesty ginger, fragrant garlic, rich soy sauces, creamy coconut, sweet sugar, and savory oyster sauce. Let chicken soak up these incredible flavors for 1-2 hours.

• Glaze Creation

Whip up a luscious coconut cream glaze by mixing silky coconut cream, golden honey, and a splash of soy sauce. This will be your secret weapon for irresistible caramelization.

• Grilling Magic

Fire up the grill to sizzling hot temperatures. Carefully place marinated skewers on the grate, turning every few minutes to ensure even cooking. Watch for beautiful golden-brown edges and juicy centers.

• Finishing Touch

Brush the glaze onto skewers during the final moments of grilling. The result? Glistening, caramelized chicken with a tropical twist. Serve alongside crisp green lettuce for a refreshing contrast.

Tips and Flavor Swaps for Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers

• Swap traditional soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free version or experiment with different chili pastes to amp up the heat and create a personalized flavor profile.
• Marinate chicken overnight in the refrigerator to develop deeper, more complex flavors that will make your skewers incredibly tender and delicious.
• No grill? Roast skewers in a 425°F oven or use a cast-iron grill pan to achieve those beautiful char marks and caramelized edges.
• Replace chicken with firm tofu, tempeh, or large chunks of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for a plant-based adaptation that maintains the vibrant Thai-inspired seasoning.
• Create additional dipping sauces like a zesty lime-cilantro yogurt or a spicy peanut sauce to complement the coconut chicken and provide guests with exciting flavor options.

Vibrant Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 33 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Thai coconut chicken skewers blend aromatic spices with creamy coconut marinade for an explosive flavor profile. Grill masters and home cooks can easily craft this delightful dish that transports diners straight to Southeast Asian culinary landscapes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) chicken (dark meat preferably)
• 4–5 slices ginger (approx. 2 tbsps)
• 2 cloves garlic (approx. 1½ tbsps)
• 2 tbsps soy sauce
• 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
• 6 tbsps coconut cream (for glaze)
• 2 tbsps coconut cream
• 1½ tbsps honey (for glaze)
• 2 tbsps sugar
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp soy sauce (for glaze)
• ¼ cup natural peanut butter (for peanut sauce)
• 2 tbsps coconut cream (for peanut sauce)
• 1 tsp rice vinegar (for peanut sauce)
• 1 tsp Thai red curry paste (for peanut sauce)
• 2 tsps maple syrup (for peanut sauce)
• 2 tsps soy sauce (for peanut sauce)
• 2–3 tbsps water (for peanut sauce)
• 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
• 1 tsp chili oil (optional)
• Crushed peanuts (optional, for topping)

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Instructions

1. Skewer Preparation: Immerse wooden skewers in cold water for 30 minutes to prevent charring during grilling.
2. Marinade Creation: Whisk together ginger, garlic, soy sauces, coconut cream, sugar, and oyster sauce in a non-reactive container for robust flavor infusion.
3. Chicken Preparation: Slice chicken into uniform chunks, then marinate in the prepared mixture for 1-2 hours in the refrigerator to enhance taste and tenderness.
4. Glaze Development: Combine additional coconut cream, honey, and soy sauce to craft a glossy, caramelizing coating for the skewers.
5. Skewering Process: Carefully thread marinated chicken pieces onto pre-soaked wooden skewers, maintaining consistent spacing for even cooking.
6. Grill Setup: Heat grill to high temperature (500°F/260°C), creating ideal conditions for achieving crisp exterior and sealed-in juices.
7. Grilling Technique: Position skewers on hot grates, rotating every 2-3 minutes to ensure comprehensive golden-brown coloration and thorough cooking.
8. Glazing Stage: Apply prepared coconut cream mixture generously during final grilling moments to develop a rich, caramelized exterior.
9. Final Cooking: Continue grilling until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), guaranteeing safe and succulent result.
10. Serving Presentation: Arrange skewers on crisp lettuce leaves, optionally accompanying with spicy peanut sauce for enhanced flavor profile.

Notes

• Prevent Skewer Burning: Soak wooden skewers in cold water for 30 minutes to avoid charring and potential fire hazards during grilling.
• Maximize Flavor Absorption: Marinate chicken chunks for 1-2 hours, allowing the rich blend of ginger, garlic, and sauces to penetrate deeply into the meat.
• Achieve Perfect Grilling: Maintain high grill temperature around 500°F for crispy exterior and juicy interior, rotating skewers to ensure even golden-brown coloration.
• Ensure Food Safety: Cook chicken until internal temperature reaches 165°F, guaranteeing thorough cooking and eliminating harmful bacteria.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 440
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg