Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers

I love these Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers—they’re juicy pieces of chicken marinated in creamy coconut milk and fragrant Thai spices, then grilled to smoky perfection. They’re vibrant, tender, and perfect for serving as appetizers, on rice, or in lettuce wraps.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I adore how the coconut-infused marinade tenderizes the chicken and imparts a subtle sweetness. The combination of garlic, ginger, lime, and Thai chili delivers a bright, complex flavor that feels both refreshing and indulgent. They’re easy to grill and always impress guests—or simply elevate my weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces

• Coconut milk (full-fat preferred)

• Fresh lime juice and zest

• Garlic, minced

• Fresh ginger, grated

• Soy sauce or tamari

• Fish sauce (or extra soy sauce)

• Brown sugar or palm sugar

• Thai red curry paste or chili paste (adjust for heat)

• Fresh cilantro or Thai basil, chopped

• Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soaked in water)

Directions

1. I combine coconut milk, lime juice and zest, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, and curry paste in a bowl to create a creamy, aromatic marinade.

2. I toss the chicken pieces into the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour—or up to 4 hours—for maximum flavor infusion.

3. Meanwhile, I soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.

4. I preheat my grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.

5. I thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, allowing a little space between each piece so they cook evenly.

6. I grill the skewers for about 4–5 minutes per side, brushing with extra marinade and turning once halfway, until the chicken is cooked through and has grill marks.

7. I remove from heat and let them rest for 3 minutes, then sprinkle chopped cilantro or Thai basil over the skewers for a fresh finish.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: About 4 skewers (2 ounces of chicken each) serve 2–3 people

• Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)

• Marinating Time: 1–4 hours

• Cook Time: 8–10 minutes

• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes (including minimal active time)

Variations

• Spicy upgrade: I stir extra chili paste or chopped fresh Thai chilies into the marinade.

• Sweet and savory: I add a tablespoon of honey to balance the spice with extra sweetness.

• Peanut dipping sauce: I serve with a creamy peanut dipping sauce made from peanut butter, lime juice, soy sauce, and a touch of chili.

• Grilled pineapple twist: I thread pineapple chunks between the chicken pieces for caramelized sweetness.

• Coconut cilantro rice bowl: I serve skewers over coconut-cilantro rice with steamed veggies for a full meal.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover chicken skewers (without wooden sticks) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm them gently in a 350 °F oven or air fryer for about 5–7 minutes. They taste great cold too, especially atop salads or grain bowls.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes—I use breast meat if I prefer leaner protein. Just watch cooking time closely, as breast cooks slightly faster and can dry out.

Can I grill indoors?

Absolutely—I use a grill pan or cast-iron skillet indoors. If I lack marinade sizzle, I finish under the broiler for a minute or two to get char and color.

Do I have to use coconut milk?

Coconut milk gives key richness and flavor, but I’ve also used half-and-half in a pinch—though it’s less authentically Thai.

Can I make these ahead for a party?

Yes—I marinate the chicken overnight and grill them just before serving. I warm skewers in a low oven before guests arrive to keep them juicy.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be—when I use tamari instead of soy sauce and check that curry paste and fish sauce are GF, the whole dish is safe for gluten-free diets.

Conclusion

I enjoy making Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers whenever I want a bold, flavorful dish without fuss. With creamy coconut marinade, aromatic Thai flavors, and grill-kissed char, they’re always a hit—whether I’m serving them as appetizers, over rice, or in wraps.

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