These Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers are super tasty and packed with flavor! Marinated in a yummy mix of soy sauce, lime, and spices, they’re perfect for a summer BBQ.
Grilling these skewers is a breeze and they cook up fast! I love serving them with a side of rice and all the fresh veggies I can find—makes for a colorful plate! 🌈
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful. If you’re looking for a leaner option, boneless chicken breasts work well too, but be careful not to overcook them as they can dry out easily.
Chicken Marinade: The combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce brings depth. If you’re vegetarian or want a substitute, try using tofu or tempeh and a plant-based soy sauce.
Bamboo Skewers: Soaking them prevents burning on the grill. If you have metal skewers, even better! They don’t need soaking, and they are reusable.
Coconut Milk: This provides creaminess to the dipping sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use low-fat coconut milk or even regular dairy milk, but the flavor will be different.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Skewers Are Juicy and Tender?
Marinating is key for juicy, flavorful chicken. Make sure to let your chicken sit in the marinade for at least 1 hour—increase this to 2-4 hours for even tastier results.
- When grilling, make sure your grill is medium-high heat to achieve a good sear.
- Cook for only 4-5 minutes per side. Avoid moving them around too much, as this helps to create that beautiful char.
- Let the skewers rest for a few minutes after grilling before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or palm sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Bamboo skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
- Fresh lettuce leaves for serving
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1-2 tablespoons Thai red curry paste
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes for prep and an additional 30-40 minutes for marinating and grilling. In total, you’ll spend around 1 hour to have these delicious skewers ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, minced ginger, lime juice, vegetable oil, and black pepper. Whisk until the sugar dissolves and everything is well mixed.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss them until they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For best results, let them marinate for 2-4 hours to really soak up those delicious flavors!
3. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure a nice sear when you cook the skewers.
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Once the chicken is finished marinating, take the soaked bamboo skewers. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece to allow for even cooking.
5. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes per side until the chicken is cooked through and has a delightful char. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety!
6. Make the Dipping Sauce:
While the chicken is grilling, prepare the dipping sauce. In a small pan over medium heat, combine the coconut milk, Thai red curry paste, fish sauce, and sugar. Stir to mix and let it simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until it’s fragrant and a bit thickened.
7. Serve It Up:
Once the chicken skewers are done, arrange them on a serving platter lined with fresh lettuce leaves. Spoon the Thai red curry coconut dipping sauce into a small bowl on the side.
8. Enjoy!
Dig in and enjoy these juicy, aromatic Thai chicken skewers with the creamy and mildly spicy dipping sauce. Perfect for a delicious meal or a fun gathering!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but keep in mind they can dry out more easily. Make sure to marinate them well and monitor them closely while grilling to avoid overcooking!
Can I Prepare the Skewers in Advance?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken and assemble the skewers a day ahead. Just store them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to grill. This can save time on the day of your event!
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Bamboo Skewers?
If you don’t have bamboo skewers, you can use metal skewers instead. They don’t require soaking and can be reused. Just make sure to grease them slightly to prevent sticking.
How Do I Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them on a grill or in the oven until heated through.
