I love summer. The BBQ comes out the first warm weekend and basically lives in our backyard until October.
These Thai coconut chicken skewers are one of the recipes I make all season round. I started making them on a whim one evening when I had chicken thighs to use up and a half can of coconut milk sitting in the fridge, and now they show up almost every week from June through August.
Let me introduce you to my marinated BBQ chicken skewers. They are tender, flavourful and so easy to throw together. A simple marinade does most of the work, and the grill takes care of the rest.
What Are Chicken Skewers
Skewers are basically pieces of meat threaded onto a stick, marinated, and grilled. You will find versions all over the world, which is part of why they are so popular. Pork, beef, chicken, lamb, even shrimp all work beautifully on a skewer. Vegetable skewers are a great option too if you want something on the side.
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Why You’ll Love This BBQ Chicken Skewers Recipe
These asian chicken skewers have quickly become one of my favourite summer dinners, and here is why:
- The Thai style marinade brings tropical coconut flavour into every bite
- You simply mix everything together, add the chicken, and let the fridge do the work overnight
- They are a great weeknight dinner but also one of my favourite easy party appetizer for the summer
- Endless ways to serve them, from rice bowls, wraps or salads.
What You’ll Need For Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers
Chicken thighs – This recipe is built around chicken thighs because they stay tender and juicy and soak up the marinade so well. Chicken breast works too, although I find them a bit dry.
Coconut cream – The coconut cream is the base of that Thai flavour. That subtle coconut taste makes these skewers so special.
Lime – Fresh lime juice brightens everything up and balances the coconut flavour
Garlic and ginger – Minced and added straight into the marinade
Honey – To balance out the salty and savoury flavours. Maple syrup works as a swap too.
Soy sauce and oyster sauce – These condiments bring the salty, savoury depth that makes the marinade so good.
Skewer sticks – Wooden or metal both work. If using wooden, soak them in water first so they do not burn on the grill.
Coconut glaze – A quick sauce brushed onto the skewers once they come off the grill for an extra hit of flavour. This really makes them special so don’t skip this step.
Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers Recipe
Course: MainCuisine: Thai, AsianDifficulty: Easy6
skewers5
minutes10
minutes350
kcal15
minutesTender Thai coconut chicken skewers with a coconut lime marinade and glaze. Easy, flavourful, and perfect summer food.
Ingredients
1 pound chicken thighs, sliced or cubed
- For the marinade
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
⅓ cup coconut cream, canned
1 tablespoon honey
2-3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon grated ginger
Juice of 1 small lime (reserve 1 tablespoon for the glaze)
Drizzle of light olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
- For the glaze
¼ cup coconut cream
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
- Topping
Chopped cilantro
How to Make Thai Chicken Skewers
- Cut the chicken into small, even cubes.
- In a large bowl, combine the minced garlic and ginger with the chicken.
- Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and honey.
- Season with salt, pepper, and the lime juice, then mix everything together.
- Pour in the coconut cream.
- Cover and marinate in the fridge overnight, or for at least 1 hour if you are short on time.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in a glass of water while the chicken finishes marinating, so they do not burn on the grill.
- Thread the chicken onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece so it cooks evenly.
- Preheat the grill to 400°F. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 3-5 minutes per side, until evenly grilled with a nice char but still juicy.
- Transfer the grilled skewers onto a plate and prepare the glaze.
- Prepare the glaze
- Add all the glaze ingredients into a small bowl and whisk it all together.
- Brush it over the warm skewers right before serving. This really makes such a difference.
- Sprinkle some chop cilantro, and serve.
How to Serve This Grilled Chicken Skewers
My favourite way to serve these grilled chicken skewers is over a simple plate of basmati rice. The chicken is already so full of flavour that it does not need much else.
They are also great tucked into a pita with some grilled or fresh vegetables, or served alongside a simple salad.
How to Store Leftovers BBQ Chicken Skewers
Store the grilled skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to slide the chicken off the sticks before storing so it is ready to use.
Leftover chicken skewers thai style are perfect the next day for tacos, sliced over a salad with some toasted seeds on top, or stirred into fried rice with vegetables.
Let’s Talk Chicken Skewers
If you try this chicken skewers recipe, I would love to hear how it goes. Drop a comment below and let me know how you served them.
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Hi, I’m Biba, the creator of Chick in Apron! As a busy mom and food blogger, I am passionate about making cooking fun and stress-free. I share simple, delicious recipes that are quick and easy to prepare, along with helpful kitchen hacks to save you time.
So, let’s turn cooking into something you enjoy with tasty meals and handy tips to make kitchen tasks a breeze! ✨
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