These Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers are bursting with flavor! Marinated in a tasty mix of spices and coconut milk, they’re super juicy and oh-so-delicious.
Grilling them is a breeze, and they make a great dish for parties or family dinners. I love serving them with some peanut sauce for extra yum! Who doesn’t love food on a stick? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs gives you tender and juicy skewers. If you prefer, chicken breasts can work as a substitute, but they may dry out faster. Consider marinating shorter if using breasts.
Soy Sauce: This adds depth and umami flavor to your marinade. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try tamari or coconut aminos for a similar taste without the gluten.
Brown Sugar: It provides sweetness and balances out the salty flavors. If you prefer a lower glycemic option, coconut sugar or honey can substitute well here.
Fish Sauce: It’s a key ingredient in Thai cooking, adding saltiness and depth. If you’d like a vegetarian option, you can use soy sauce or a mushroom-based sauce instead.
Oyster Sauce: This adds a rich, slightly sweet flavor. If you’re vegetarian, opt for a mushroom oyster sauce available at many grocery stores.
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Tender and Flavorful?
The marinade is crucial for delicious chicken skewers, so don’t rush it! Focus on these steps:
- Combine all marinade ingredients well, ensuring the sugar dissolves completely.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour—not longer than 24 hours, or the texture may change!
- Cook the skewers on medium-high heat to seal in the juices while getting a nice char.
Remember to monitor the internal temperature of your chicken to hit 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer for the best accuracy!
Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper (or black pepper)
- Bamboo or metal skewers (if using bamboo, soak in water for 30 minutes)
- Fresh lettuce leaves, for serving
For the Optional Dipping Sauce:
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce or Sriracha (adjust to taste)
- Water to thin as needed
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time, plus at least 1 hour of marinating time (better if you can refrigerate overnight!). Cooking on the grill takes about 10-15 minutes. In total, plan for about 1 hour and 30 minutes for marinating and grilling.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, fish sauce, oyster sauce, vegetable oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, lime juice, ground coriander, ground cumin, and white pepper until the sugar is dissolved and everything is well combined. This will be your flavorful marinade!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the marinade, making sure each piece gets thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the fridge. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 1 hour, but if you have the time, 4 hours or even overnight will add more flavor.
3. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F or 190-205°C). If you’re using charcoal or wood, make sure the coals are glowing and covered with white ash before you begin grilling.
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Once marinated, take the chicken out of the refrigerator. Thread the marinated pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece. This helps them cook evenly and get that nice char!
5. Grill the Chicken Skewers:
Place the skewers on the grill. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, turning occasionally. You’re aiming for a good char and for the internal temperature to reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
6. Serve:
Once grilled to perfection, transfer the skewers to a platter lined with fresh lettuce leaves. This not only looks great but adds a fresh crunch when you eat!
7. Make the Optional Peanut Dipping Sauce:
If you want to enhance the flavors, mix together the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, and chili garlic sauce in a small bowl. Add water bit by bit until you reach your desired consistency. Stir until everything is smooth and well combined.
Enjoy your juicy and flavorful Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers with a fresh salad or steamed rice and, of course, your delicious peanut dipping sauce!
FAQ for Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs! However, keep in mind that breasts can dry out more easily, so watch the cooking time carefully and consider marinating for a shorter period.
Is It Possible to Make this Recipe Vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can use tofu or seitan as a protein substitute. Just make sure to press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then marinate and grill it just like the chicken!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them in the microwave or a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
Can I Use Other Vegetables on the Skewers?
Definitely! Bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and onions make great additions to the skewers. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes as the chicken for even cooking.
