Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers
Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers deliver a bold tropical flavor with tender, juicy chicken marinated in creamy coconut milk and fragrant Thai spices. Perfect for BBQs or quick dinners, these skewers combine authentic ingredients like lemongrass, red curry paste, and fresh herbs, offering a delicious and healthy grilled dish that’s sure to impress.
- Author: Lucas
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Thai
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken and Marinade
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 tbsp red curry paste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
Herbs and Garnishes
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced
Other
- 8–10 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
- Optional: extra red chili flakes or 1 small Thai bird’s eye chili, chopped (for spicy kick)
- Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine coconut milk, red curry paste, minced garlic, grated ginger, fish sauce, lime juice, and brown sugar. Stir well until the sugar dissolves and the paste is evenly distributed.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour, preferably 4-6 hours or overnight, to allow flavors to deeply infuse.
- Prepare Skewers and Preheat Grill: Soak bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken pieces evenly onto the skewers. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the Skewers: Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, turning carefully to achieve nice grill marks without overcooking. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro and sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
- Marinate chicken overnight for deeper flavor and tenderness.
- Do not overcrowd the skewers to ensure even cooking and crisp edges.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches 165°F, preventing dryness.
- Keep the grill surface clean to avoid sticking and promote beautiful grill marks.
- Watch for flare-ups to prevent charring; move skewers as needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 2 skewers)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Thai chicken skewers, coconut chicken, grilled chicken, Thai coconut skewers, BBQ chicken, Thai recipe, coconut milk marinade