Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers

Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers are a delightful treat that perfectly embodies the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine. Imagine tender, juicy chicken pieces marinated in a luscious blend of coconut, ginger, and garlic, then grilled to perfection. This dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also brings a tropical flair to your picnic or dinner table. Imagine the warm summer breeze as you serve these skewers, perfectly charred and glistening with a sweet glaze. Let’s dive into why this dish should become a staple in your recipe collection!

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers

First and foremost, let’s talk about flavor. The combination of coconut cream, soy sauce, and ginger creates a mouthwatering marinade that infuses the chicken with rich, complex flavors. Each bite is juicy, savory, and just the right amount of sweet. Not to mention, the peanut sauce adds a delightful creaminess that elevates the entire meal.

Another reason to love this dish is its versatility. You can serve these skewers as an appetizer, main course, or even as part of a buffet. They are ideal for summer barbecues, dinner parties, or casual family meals. Plus, both kids and adults will enjoy them! The simple ingredients and straightforward cooking process make it accessible for anyone, regardless of their cooking skill level.

Lastly, these skewers are perfect for meal prep! They can be made ahead of time and stored for later use. Whether you are looking to impress guests or just want to treat yourself to a delicious homemade meal, Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers are a fantastic choice.

Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers

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• Author: Sarah Mendez
• Total Time: 35 minutes (excluding marination)
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers are a delicious fusion of juicy chicken dark meat marinated in a rich, savory-sweet blend of coconut cream, soy sauces, and spices, then glazed and grilled to perfection. Paired with an optional creamy peanut sauce, this dish is bursting with Thai-inspired flavors that are perfect for summer grilling or a vibrant dinner party.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken Skewers:

• 1 kg chicken dark meat (thighs or drumsticks, boneless and cut into chunks)
• 4–5 slices fresh ginger (approx. 2 tablespoons, finely minced)
• 2 garlic cloves (approx. 1 1/2 tablespoons, minced)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons coconut cream
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

For the Glaze:

• 6 tablespoons coconut cream
• 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce

Optional Peanut Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons coconut cream
• 1/4 cup natural peanut butter (unsweetened)
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Thai red curry paste
• 2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 2–3 tablespoons water (to thin)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
• 1 teaspoon chili oil (optional)
• Crushed peanuts (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine minced ginger, garlic, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, coconut cream, sugar, and oyster sauce. Stir well.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken chunks to the marinade, toss to coat thoroughly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (preferably overnight).
3. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together coconut cream, honey, and soy sauce. Set aside for basting while grilling.
4. Skewer the Chicken: Thread marinated chicken pieces onto soaked wooden or metal skewers.
5. Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill skewers for 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with the coconut honey glaze until cooked through and beautifully charred.
6. Optional Peanut Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, coconut cream, rice vinegar, red curry paste, maple syrup or honey, soy sauce, and water. Add sesame or chili oil if desired. Adjust thickness with water.
7. Serve: Plate the grilled skewers and drizzle or serve with peanut sauce on the side. Sprinkle with crushed peanuts if desired.

Notes

• Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
• You can substitute chicken breast, but it may be drier than dark meat.
• Leftover peanut sauce also works great as a salad dressing or dip!

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Grill
• Cuisine: Thai-Inspired

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 skewer with peanut sauce
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: undefined
• Trans Fat: undefined
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: Thai chicken skewers, coconut grilled chicken, Thai peanut sauce, grilled Thai chicken, chicken skewers with glaze

Ingredients You’ll Need for Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers

Essential Ingredients

1. Chicken Dark Meat (1 kg): The dark meat is juicier and more flavorful than chicken breast, making it perfect for grilling.
2. Ginger (4-5 slices, approximately 2 tablespoons): Fresh ginger adds a warm spice that enhances the marinade.
3. Garlic (2 cloves, approximately 1 1/2 tablespoons): Garlic infuses the skewers with a robust flavor profile.
4. Soy Sauce (2 tablespoons): This gives a savory umami flavor and helps tenderize the chicken.
5. Dark Soy Sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds depth and color to the marinade.
6. Coconut Cream (2 tablespoons): Provides a rich and creamy texture to the marinade.
7. Sugar (2 tablespoons): Helps balance the savory flavors and caramelizes beautifully during grilling.
8. Oyster Sauce (1 tablespoon): This adds a unique depth of flavor that complements the other ingredients.
9. Coconut Cream (6 tablespoons, for glaze): This softens and sweetens the glaze that will coat the skewers perfectly.
10. Honey (1 1/2 tablespoons, for glaze): Adds sweetness and a glossy finish to the grilled chicken.
11. Soy Sauce (1 teaspoon, for glaze): Merely a hint to enhance the glaze.

Optional Add-Ons for Peanut Sauce

1. Coconut Cream (2 tablespoons): Enhances the creaminess of the peanut sauce.
2. Natural Peanut Butter (1/4 cup, unsweetened): The star ingredient of the peanut sauce.
3. Rice Vinegar (1 teaspoon): Adds a touch of acidity to brighten the sauce.
4. Thai Red Curry Paste (1 teaspoon): Gives a spicy kick and complexity to the sauce.
5. Maple Syrup or Honey (2 teaspoons): Additional sweetness to round out the flavors.
6. Soy Sauce (2 teaspoons, for peanut sauce): Deepens the flavor of the sauce.
7. Water (2-3 tablespoons, to thin peanut sauce): Adjust according to your desired sauce consistency.
8. Sesame Oil (1 teaspoon, optional): Adds nutty flavor.
9. Chili Oil (1 teaspoon, optional): For those who enjoy a bit of spice.
10. Crushed Peanuts (optional, for topping): A crunchy finish for garnishing.

How to Make Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Sauce

Begin by preparing the peanut sauce. In a small bowl, combine the peanut butter, coconut cream, rice vinegar, Thai red curry paste, maple syrup or honey, soy sauce, and water. Mix everything well until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Set this aside while you prepare the chicken skewers.

Step 2: Soak the Wooden Skewers (if necessary)

If you are using wooden skewers, soak the ends in water for about 30 minutes. This helps prevent them from burning on the grill. If you’re using metal skewers, you can skip this step.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken

Next, cut the chicken dark meat into 1×1-inch chunks. This size ensures they cook evenly and fit well on the skewers. Place the chicken pieces in a bowl.

Step 4: Make the Marinade

Finely chop the garlic and ginger, then add them to the bowl with the chicken. Pour in the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, coconut cream, sugar, and oyster sauce. Mix everything together until the chicken is well-coated in the marinade. For best results, cover the bowl and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 1-2 hours; overnight is even better if you have the time. Remember to take the chicken out of the fridge about 30 minutes before grilling so it can come to room temperature.

Step 5: Skewer the Chicken

Once marinated, it’s time to skewer the chicken. Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers. If desired, use double skewering, which means placing two skewers side by side to keep the pieces from sliding off while grilling.

Step 6: Prepare the Glaze

In a small bowl, prepare the glaze by combining coconut cream, honey, and soy sauce. Mix well and set it aside for later.

Step 7: Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill to 500°F (260°C). Make sure it’s hot to get those beautiful grill marks and caramelization.

Step 8: Grill the Chicken Skewers

Place the chicken skewers on the grill over direct heat. Grill them for about 15-18 minutes, flipping every 2-3 minutes to ensure even cooking. Near the end of grilling, use a brush to apply the coconut cream glaze to the skewers. Flip the skewers every minute for the last 2-3 minutes to allow the glaze to caramelize and add flavor.

Step 9: Serve the Skewers

Once cooked through and nice and charred, remove the skewers from the grill. Serve them over a bed of fresh green lettuce for added crunch and freshness. Drizzle the prepared peanut sauce over the top or serve it on the side for dipping.

Serving Suggestions for Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers

When it comes to serving Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers, there are plenty of delicious options to elevate your meal. You can serve them alongside a refreshing cucumber salad or sticky rice to soak up all those wonderful flavors. A zesty lime wedge on the side adds brightness, while a sprinkle of fresh herbs—like cilantro or basil—makes for a pretty presentation. You could even pair them with a chilled Thai beer or coconut water to complement the flavors further.

Pro Tips for Perfecting Your Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers

1. Marinate Longer: If you have the time, marinating the chicken overnight will give you deeper flavor and more tender meat.

2. Use Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

3. Uniform Size: Cut the chicken into uniform sizes for even cooking.

4. Keep it Juicy: Don’t overcook the chicken; it can become dry.

5. Experiment with Vegetables: Thread some colorful bell peppers, onions, or zucchini onto the skewers for added flavor and nutrients.

Easy Variations for Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers

If you’re feeling a bit adventurous or just want to mix things up, here are some simple variations to try:

1. Use Different Proteins: Swap chicken for shrimp, beef, or tofu for a different flavor profile.

2. Add Spice: Incorporate sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes in the marinade for a spicy kick.

3. Vegetarian Version: Use marinated vegetables like eggplant, mushrooms, and bell peppers for a tasty vegetarian alternative.

4. Different Sauces: Experiment with other sauces such as sweet chili sauce or teriyaki for a twist on the flavor.

Storage Tips to Store Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers

Storing your Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers is easy! If you have leftovers, cool them to room temperature before placing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They can generally last for up to 3-4 days.

To reheat, you can either grill them briefly over medium heat until warmed through or pop them in the microwave for a quick heat-up. Note that grilling will help maintain their texture better than the microwave. If you’ve prepared extra peanut sauce, store that in a separate container.

Freezing Options

If you want to save skewers for a later date, consider freezing them! After cooking, allow the skewers to cool completely, then wrap each skewer tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat as desired.

Conclusion

Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers are an exciting culinary adventure into the world of Thai flavors. The combination of ginger, coconut, and garlic blends beautifully, offering a delightful balance of savory and sweet. With a simple preparation process and the ability to adjust the ingredient list to suit your taste, this recipe is sure to impress friends and family alike. So, fire up that grill and get ready to indulge in these mouthwatering skewers that will transport you straight to a tropical paradise!

FAQs About Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers

By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll confidently create some of the most delicious Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers that will leave everyone wanting more! Enjoy your cooking adventure, and don’t forget to share this delectable recipe with family and friends!

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