Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers (Print version)
Juicy Thai-inspired chicken skewers marinated in coconut milk, lime, garlic, ginger, fish sauce, and herbs, then grilled until smoky and tender.
# Ingredients:
For the chicken and marinade
01 -
2 lb (900 g) boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
02 -
1 cup (240 ml) full-fat unsweetened coconut milk
03 -
2 tablespoons fish sauce
04 -
1 tablespoon gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos
05 -
1 tablespoon lime zest
06 -
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
07 -
2 tablespoons brown sugar or palm sugar
08 -
4 garlic cloves, finely grated
09 -
1 tablespoon finely grated fresh ginger
10 -
1 tablespoon minced lemongrass, tender inner stalk only
11 -
1/4 cup chopped cilantro stems, plus leaves for serving
12 -
1 teaspoon ground coriander
13 -
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
14 -
1-2 teaspoons Thai chili or chili garlic sauce, to taste
15 -
1 tablespoon neutral oil, plus more for the grill
16 -
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
For serving
17 -
Lime wedges
18 -
Chopped cilantro leaves
19 -
Sliced scallions
20 -
Cooked jasmine rice or coconut rice, optional
# Instructions:
01 -
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This helps slow down burning on the grill.
02 -
In a bowl, whisk coconut milk, fish sauce, tamari, lime zest, lime juice, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, cilantro stems, coriander, turmeric, chili sauce, oil, and salt until smooth.
03 -
Add the chicken thigh pieces and turn until fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 45 minutes, or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor.
04 -
Thread the chicken onto skewers, leaving a small bit of space between pieces. Discard any marinade that touched raw chicken unless you boiled it first.
05 -
Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Clean and oil the grates so the coconut marinade does not stick.
06 -
Grill for 8-10 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes, until lightly charred and the thickest chicken pieces reach 165°F.
07 -
Transfer the skewers to a platter and rest for 5 minutes. Finish with cilantro leaves, scallions, and fresh lime wedges.
# Good to know:
01 -
Prep time includes a 45-minute minimum marinade.
02 -
For best flavor, marinate 4-8 hours in the refrigerator.
03 -
Use metal skewers or soaked wooden skewers.