These Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers are packed with tasty flavors! The chicken is marinated in a sweet and spicy mixture, then grilled to juicy perfection. Yum!
When I whip these up, everyone rushes to the table! Don’t be surprised if they disappear before you get a chance to grab a second skewer. 😄
Making these skewers is super simple. Just marinate the chicken, thread it onto skewers, and grill! Serve them with rice or your favorite veggies, and enjoy a mini Thai feast at home!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness and flavor. You can use chicken breast for a leaner option but keep an eye on the grilling time, as it cooks faster!
Soy Sauce: This gives a salty, umami flavor. If you’re gluten-free, opt for tamari or coconut aminos as a substitute.
Fish Sauce: Essential for authentic Thai flavor. If you want a vegetarian version, use soy sauce or a vegan fish sauce alternative.
Brown Sugar: It adds sweetness and helps caramelize the chicken. If you’re out, honey or maple syrup can work too, but adjust quantities to taste!
Peanut Butter: For the dipping sauce, creamy peanut butter creates a smooth texture. Swap it out for almond butter or sunflower seed butter for nut-free options.
How Can You Get Perfectly Grilled Chicken Skewers?
The key to juicy and flavorful skewers lies in marinating and grilling. The marinade infuses the chicken with flavor and moisture. Here’s how to nail it:
- Give the chicken at least 1 hour in the marinade, but 3-4 hours is best for deeper flavor.
- Soak your bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high. A hot grill will give you that nice char without drying out the chicken.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers! Leave some space between pieces to allow even cooking.
- Brush the chicken with leftover marinade while grilling for added flavor and moisture.
Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll have deliciously grilled chicken skewers that everyone will love!
Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or palm sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
- Fresh lettuce leaves (for serving)
For the Peanut Dipping Sauce:
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon red curry paste
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- Water as needed to thin
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and at least 1 hour for marinating—3 to 4 hours if you want maximum flavor. Cooking on the grill will take about 10-12 minutes in total. So, set aside around 1 hour and 30 minutes to get everything ready and cooked!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, honey, lime juice, minced garlic, minced ginger, vegetable oil, ground coriander, and black pepper until everything is well combined and the sugar is dissolved. This marinade will pack your chicken with delightful flavors!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, stirring to coat them evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For better flavor, marinate for 3-4 hours, if possible.
3. Make the Peanut Dipping Sauce:
While the chicken is marinating, prepare your dipping sauce! In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, coconut milk, red curry paste, fish sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice. Gradually add water until you reach a smooth and pourable consistency. Set this aside for serving later!
4. Preheat the Grill:
It’s time to grill! Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. A hot grill will help you sear the chicken perfectly.
5. Thread the Chicken onto Skewers:
Take the chicken pieces from the marinade and thread them onto the soaked bamboo skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking. Don’t overcrowd the skewers; it helps them cook more evenly!
6. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is nicely charred and cooked through. Brush with any remaining marinade as you grill for an extra burst of flavor!
7. Serve the Skewers:
Arrange fresh lettuce leaves on a serving platter. Place the grilled chicken skewers on top to serve a colorful and appetizing dish!
8. Enjoy with Peanut Dipping Sauce:
Serve the skewers immediately with the creamy peanut dipping sauce on the side for a delightful dip. Enjoy your delicious Thai-inspired meal!
These skewers will impress with their beautiful glaze, juicy chicken, and flavorful peanut sauce. Have fun grilling!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Chicken Breast Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, chicken breast can be used for a leaner option. Just watch the cooking time, as chicken breast cooks faster than thighs!
What Can I Substitute for Fish Sauce?
If you need a substitute for fish sauce, you can use soy sauce for a vegetarian option, or try coconut aminos for a gluten-free choice. Just note that these alternatives may alter the flavor slightly, but they’re still delicious!
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for a minimum of 1 hour; however, for optimal flavor, aim for 3-4 hours. If you need to marinate it overnight, that works too! Just keep it refrigerated.
Can I Make the Peanut Sauce in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the peanut dipping sauce ahead of time! Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days. If it thickens, simply stir in a little water or coconut milk to reach your desired consistency before serving.
Feel free to reach out with any additional questions! Enjoy making your Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers! 🍗✨
