Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers
Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers are a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings the essence of Thailand right to your backyard. With aromatic ginger, fragrant garlic, and creamy coconut milk blending beautifully, these skewers are perfect for warm weather gatherings or casual weeknight dinners. Each bite transports you to a tropical escape, making this recipe a go-to for anyone looking to impress family and friends or simply indulge in something delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Not only are these grilled skewers a feast for the senses, but they also offer numerous benefits. First and foremost, the marinade is incredibly simple to whip up, transforming humble chicken into a standout dish with minimal effort. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, using easy-to-find ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Perfect for a summer barbecue, an easy weeknight dinner, or meal prep for the week ahead, these skewers are genuinely versatile.
"These grilled chicken skewers are a total game changer! The coconut milk adds such a rich flavor, and I can’t get enough of that ginger kick. My family devoured them!" – Happy Home Cook
The Cooking Process Explained
Creating your Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers is straightforward and enjoyable. The whole process takes about an hour, including marinating time. Here’s a brief overview of how you’ll bring these tantalizing skewers to life:
- Prepare a vibrant marinade packed with flavor.
- Marinate the chicken to infuse it with deliciousness.
- Assemble your skewers with care for even cooking.
- Grill to perfection, achieving that wonderful char.
- Serve fresh and enjoy tropical flavors that burst with every bite.
What You’ll Need
Gather these ingredients to get started on your culinary adventure:
- 4-5 slices fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 kg chicken (dark meat preferred, thighs or drumsticks, boneless and cut into chunks)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 can (400 mL) coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for at least 30 minutes)
If you’re looking for substitutions, boneless turkey or firm tofu can work well for a twist on this recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s break down the cooking process to ensure your skewers come out perfectly every time.
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Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the ginger, garlic, soy sauces, coconut milk, brown sugar, lime juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.
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Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces into the marinade, ensuring they are nicely coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, aim for up to 4 hours.
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Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken onto your soaked skewers, leaving some space between each piece for even grilling.
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Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or stovetop grill pan to medium-high. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
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Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers on the hot grill. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, flipping once, until the chicken is beautifully charred and cooked through.
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Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the grill and squeeze fresh lime juice over the skewers. Serve immediately for the best experience!
Best Ways to Enjoy It
These Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers are delicious on their own or paired with sides like jasmine rice or a refreshing cucumber salad. Consider serving them with a tangy dipping sauce, such as sweet chili sauce or a zesty peanut sauce, for an added flavor boost. Arrange them on a platter, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges, for an appetizing presentation.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
For any leftovers, let the skewers cool before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to three days. When reheating, be sure to warm them gently in a skillet or microwave, ensuring they remain juicy and flavorful. If you prefer, you can freeze them for up to three months; just ensure they’re well-sealed to maintain quality.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Marinating: The longer you marinate, the better the flavor, so don’t hesitate to prepare a day in advance!
- Soaking Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soaking them helps prevent charring and keeps them intact while grilling.
- Grilling Technique: For extra moisture, consider basting the skewers with leftover marinade while grilling, but remember to discard any marinade that has come into contact with raw chicken.
Creative Twists
Feel free to experiment! You can incorporate other vegetables onto the skewers, such as bell peppers, red onion, or zucchini. For a spicy kick, add a few slices of fresh chili into the marinade. For a vegetarian twist, substitute chicken with firm tofu or eggplant.
Your Questions Answered
How long does it take to prepare and cook the skewers?
Preparation (including marinating) takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on your marination time, with about 15 minutes for cooking.
Can I use chicken breast instead of dark meat?
While dark meat is preferred for juiciness, chicken breast can be used. Just be cautious not to overcook it, as it can dry out more quickly.
What should I serve with these skewers?
They pair wonderfully with jasmine rice, a fresh green salad, or grilled corn on the cob to round out a delightful meal.
Enjoy these Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers at your next gathering or simply as a treat for yourself. They are sure to delight with their tantalizing flavors and vibrant presentation!

Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers
Ingredients
For the marinade
- 4-5 slices slices fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 can (400 mL) coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the chicken
- 1 kg chicken (dark meat preferred, thighs or drumsticks, boneless and cut into chunks)
- Skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for at least 30 minutes)
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the ginger, garlic, soy sauces, coconut milk, brown sugar, lime juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Add the chicken pieces into the marinade, ensuring they are nicely coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, aim for up to 4 hours.
- Thread the marinated chicken onto your soaked skewers, leaving some space between each piece for even grilling.
Grilling
- Heat your grill or stovetop grill pan to medium-high. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Place the skewers on the hot grill. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, flipping once, until the chicken is beautifully charred and cooked through.
Serving
- Remove from the grill and squeeze fresh lime juice over the skewers. Serve immediately for the best experience!