Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers are a delightful fusion of flavors that transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of Thailand. This recipe is not just a meal; its an experience that brings together the rich, creamy essence of coconut milk with the aromatic spices that define Thai cuisine. As I prepare these skewers, I cant help but think about the cultural significance of street food in Thailand, where vendors serve up these delicious bites to locals and tourists alike, creating a sense of community and celebration.
People love Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers for their tender, juicy chicken marinated in a luscious coconut sauce that balances sweetness and spice perfectly. The convenience of grilling these skewers makes them an ideal choice for gatherings, barbecues, or even a cozy dinner at home. Each bite offers a satisfying texture, with the charred edges complementing the succulent meat, making it hard to resist going back for more. Join me in exploring this mouthwatering recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons red curry paste
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparing the Marinade
1. Start by cutting the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, about 1 to 1.5 inches. This will help them cook evenly and make them easier to skewer. 2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the coconut milk, red curry paste, fish sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The vibrant colors and aromas will already start to transport you to a tropical paradise! 3. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are fully submerged. I like to use my hands to mix everything together, making sure each piece is coated in that delicious marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, but if you have time, letting it sit for 4 hours or even overnight will enhance the flavors even more.Preparing the Skewers
4. While the chicken is marinating, you can prepare your skewers. If youre using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill. If youre using metal skewers, you can skip this step. 5. Once the chicken has marinated, take it out of the refrigerator. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If youre using an outdoor grill, make sure its nice and hot before you start cooking. 6. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers. I usually fit about 4-5 pieces per skewer, leaving a little space between each piece to ensure even cooking. If you want to add some veggies, bell peppers, and red onions work beautifully with this dish. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces and alternate them with the chicken on the skewers.Cooking the Skewers
7. Once your grill is preheated, lightly brush the grates with sesame oil to prevent sticking. Place the skewers on the grill, making sure not to overcrowd them. You want to give them enough space to cook evenly. 8. Grill the skewers for about 5-7 minutes on one side. Youll know theyre ready to flip when they easily release from the grill and have nice grill marks. 9. After flipping, grill for another 5-7 minutes on the other side. The chicken should be cooked through and have an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If youre using a meat thermometer, this is the perfect time to check! 10. Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken even more tender and juicy.Assembling and Serving
11. While the skewers are resting, you can prepare a simple dipping sauce if youd like. I often mix a little extra fish sauce with lime juice and a sprinkle of sugar for a quick and tangy dip. You can also serve them with a side of sweet chili sauce for a bit of sweetness. 12. To serve, place the skewers on a large platter. I like to garnish them with additional chopped cilantro and lime wedges for a pop of color and freshness. 13. These Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers are perfect for a summer barbecue, a cozy dinner, or even as an appetizer for a gathering. Pair them with jasmine rice or a fresh salad to complete the meal. 14. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and the delightful aroma of these skewers. Each bite is a little piece of Thailand, and I promise theyll be a hit with family and friends!Storage and Reheating
15. If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat,Conclusion:
In summary, these Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their grilling game and impress their friends and family. The combination of tender chicken marinated in a rich coconut milk blend, infused with aromatic spices, creates a flavor explosion that is simply irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, a cozy dinner party, or just craving something delicious, these skewers are sure to be a hit. For serving suggestions, consider pairing these skewers with a refreshing cucumber salad or a zesty mango salsa to complement the rich flavors of the chicken. You can also serve them with a side of jasmine rice or coconut rice for a complete meal. If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a delightful variation that caters to different dietary preferences. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the mouthwatering flavors for yourself. Don’t forget to share your experience and any creative twists you make on the recipe! I would love to hear how your Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers turn out. Happy cooking! PrintThai Coconut Chicken Skewers: A Delicious Recipe for Grilling Perfection
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers are a delicious blend of marinated chicken thighs in coconut milk and red curry paste, grilled to perfection. Bursting with tropical flavors, they make a perfect dish for summer barbecues or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons red curry paste
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, about 1 to 1.5 inches.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine coconut milk, red curry paste, fish sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Whisk until smooth.
- Add chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are fully submerged. Mix well, cover, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (up to 4 hours or overnight for best flavor).
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Thread marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving space between each piece. Optionally, add bell peppers and red onions.
- Lightly brush the grill grates with sesame oil. Place skewers on the grill, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Grill for 5-7 minutes on one side until they easily release and have grill marks.
- Flip and grill for another 5-7 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C).
- Remove skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Prepare a simple dipping sauce by mixing extra fish sauce with lime juice and a sprinkle of sugar, if desired.
- Serve skewers on a platter, garnished with additional cilantro and lime wedges.
- Enjoy with jasmine rice or a fresh salad.
Notes
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Feel free to add vegetables to the skewers for a colorful presentation.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes