Name: Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: Thai-Inspired
Ingredients: 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1½-inch pieces; 1 cup canned full-fat coconut milk; 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari; 1 tablespoon fish sauce; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger; 1 teaspoon red curry paste; ½ teaspoon turmeric; ½ teaspoon paprika; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; Wooden or metal skewers; Fresh cilantro, for garnish; Lime wedges, for serving

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If you’re craving something that brilliantly combines the creaminess of coconut with the vibrant, bold flavors of Thai cuisine, you have to try this Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers Recipe. These skewers are juicy, tender, and packed with layers of sweet, savory, and smoky notes that make every bite absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re grilling for a summer get-together or simply want to impress your family with an easy yet exotic dinner, this recipe delivers on both flavor and fun.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows six metal skewers lined up on a white plate. Each skewer is filled with orange-colored pieces of marinated chicken, with a shiny, slightly sticky texture. The chicken pieces are layered closely together, with some parts looking soft and tender. There are small drops of marinade around the edges of the chicken on the plate. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is the secret to nailing this dish. Each component plays a vital role, whether it’s the creamy texture from coconut milk or the tangy zest from lime juice, ensuring your chicken skewers are bursting with authentic Thai flair.

Chicken thighs or breasts (1½ lbs): Chicken thighs offer juiciness while breasts keep it lean, either cut into 1½-inch pieces for perfect grilling.
Canned full-fat coconut milk (1 cup): This adds rich creaminess that balances the spices beautifully.
Soy sauce or tamari (2 tablespoons): For that umami kick and a touch of saltiness.
Fish sauce (1 tablespoon): Essential for that unmistakable Thai depth of flavor.
Brown sugar (2 tablespoons): Adds a sweet counterpoint that caramelizes nicely on the grill.
Lime juice (2 tablespoons): Brings bright acidity that livens up the marinade.
Garlic cloves, minced (3): For aromatic punch and a hint of spice.
Fresh ginger, grated (1 tablespoon): Adds warmth and a subtle zing.
Red curry paste (1 teaspoon): Packs in the signature Thai spice blend.
Turmeric (½ teaspoon): For earthiness and a beautiful golden color.
Paprika (½ teaspoon): Enhances smokiness and depth.
Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): A mild heat to round out the flavors.
Wooden or metal skewers: Wooden skewers should be soaked beforehand to prevent burning.
Fresh cilantro: The perfect garnish for freshness and color.
Lime wedges: Serve alongside for an extra burst of citrus.

How to Make Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Begin by whisking together your coconut milk, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, garlic, ginger, red curry paste, turmeric, paprika, and black pepper in a large bowl. This mixture is where all those gorgeous Thai flavors come alive and soak into the chicken.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Next, add the chicken pieces into the marinade and toss them around until they’re fully coated in that luscious mixture. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge. Marinate for at least one hour — but if you can stretch it to 8 hours, that’s when the magic really happens, and the flavors become deeply infused.

Step 3: Prepare the Skewers

If using wooden skewers, now’s the time to soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent any blazing flames. Afterwards, thread the marinated chicken pieces carefully onto the skewers, making sure they’re snug but not overcrowded for even cooking.

Step 4: Fire Up the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat — about 400 degrees Fahrenheit is perfect. Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning every 2 to 3 minutes to get those beautiful grill marks and ensure even cooking. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit and is nicely charred around the edges.

Step 5: Rest and Garnish

Once off the grill, let the skewers rest for 3 to 5 minutes. This simple step helps the juices redistribute, keeping each bite moist and tender. Finish with a sprinkling of fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges for that irresistible punch of citrus.

How to Serve Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers Recipe

Four skewers of grilled meat with charred edges are placed side by side on a long white plate resting on a white marbled surface. The meat pieces are golden brown with darker grilled marks and small red chili flakes sprinkled on top, giving a mix of spicy and savory look. Tiny green herb bits add a fresh touch scattered over the skewers. A woman's hand is holding one skewer at the bottom right corner of the plate. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro is more than just decoration; it adds a burst of herbal brightness that complements the creamy, spicy notes perfectly. Lime wedges are a must-have on the side to squeeze over the skewers and wake up your palate with fresh acidity.

Side Dishes

For a complete meal, these skewers shine alongside fragrant jasmine rice or a light cucumber salad to cool off the palate. A small bowl of peanut sauce also pairs wonderfully, offering a nutty creaminess that balances the spices beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests? Serve the skewers on a wooden platter lined with banana leaves for a tropical touch. Alternatively, create a vibrant platter topped with colorful red cabbage slaw and chopped peanuts for texture and visual appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers from your grilled Thai coconut chicken skewers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to three days, making for excellent next-day lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken skewers by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to two months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the skewers on a grill pan or under the oven broiler to keep that smoky char flavor intact. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it tends to dry out the chicken and dull the vibrant spices.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just fine—just be careful not to overcook them since they are leaner and can dry out faster than thighs. Marinating for the full recommended time helps keep them juicy.

Is it necessary to soak wooden skewers before grilling?

Yes, soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes helps prevent them from burning or catching fire on the grill, which is essential for both safety and taste.

How spicy is this recipe? Can I adjust the heat?

This recipe offers a moderate spice level thanks to the red curry paste, which you can easily adjust. For more heat, add sliced Thai chilies or extra curry paste. To tone it down, use less or omit it entirely.

Can I prepare the skewers indoors if I don’t have a grill?

Definitely! A grill pan on the stovetop or your oven’s broiler works beautifully to cook the skewers while still giving you that slightly charred, smoky flavor.

What are some good alternatives if I don’t have fish sauce?

If you don’t have fish sauce, soy sauce can be used as a substitute, though the flavor won’t be exactly the same. For a vegetarian option, tamari or coconut aminos are great alternatives.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers Recipe is a fantastic way to bring a touch of Thailand’s vibrant food culture right into your backyard or kitchen. With easily accessible ingredients, straightforward steps, and a flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting, it quickly becomes a go-to for any occasion. So fire up that grill, invite some friends over, and share in the joy of this delicious, irresistible dish. You’re going to love every bite!