These easy grilled Thai chicken skewers are bursting with flavor! Marinated in a zesty blend of spices, they’re perfect for a summer barbecue or a cozy dinner at home.
Getting these ready is a breeze! Just soak your skewers, mix your marinade, and grill. I love serving them with peanut sauce—so good you might want to drink it! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless skinless chicken thighs are ideal for their tenderness and flavor. If you prefer a leaner option, you can use chicken breast instead, but be careful not to overcook them as they can dry out.
Sauces: Soy sauce and fish sauce add depth to the marinade. For a gluten-free option, choose tamari for soy sauce and a gluten-free fish sauce. If fish sauce is a concern, you can use more soy sauce or coconut aminos for a different twist.
Sweeteners: Brown sugar or palm sugar gives a nice caramelization on the grill. Honey can be a great substitute if you’re out of sugar, but it may slightly alter the flavor.
Peanut Butter: You can use smooth or crunchy peanut butter for the dipping sauce. If allergic to peanuts, try using almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a similar texture.
How Do I Properly Marinate the Chicken?
Marinating the chicken is key to achieving maximum flavor and tenderness. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Mix all the marinade ingredients in a bowl, making sure the sugar dissolves completely.
- Cut the chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even marinating and cooking.
- Toss the chicken in the marinade, covering every piece well.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but longer (up to overnight) is better for deeper flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Grill Chicken Skewers?
Grilling can be tricky, but a few tips can help you achieve perfect skewers:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to get a good sear.
- Soak bamboo skewers in water to prevent burning. Use metal skewers for convenience.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers. Leave some space between pieces to allow for even cooking.
- Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, and avoid flipping too often. This helps form a nice char.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.
With these tips, you’re set for creating delicious Thai chicken skewers that everyone will love! Enjoy your cooking!
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
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or palm sugar
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Bamboo or metal skewers (if bamboo, soaked in water for 30 minutes)
- Fresh lettuce leaves, for serving
For the Peanut Dipping Sauce (optional):
- 1/4 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
- 2 tablespoons coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
- 1 teaspoon red curry paste or chili sauce (adjust to taste)
- Juice of 1 lime
- Water, as needed to thin the sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
The total time to make these skewers is about 1.5 hours, which includes 1 hour for marinating and approximately 30 minutes for preparation and grilling. With a bit of planning, you can have these scrumptious skewers ready to enjoy in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, oyster sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, vegetable oil, ground coriander, ground cumin, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is well blended—it should smell amazing!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, making sure they are well-coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour; for the best flavor, aim for 3-4 hours or even overnight if you can.
3. Preheat the Grill:
Before you start grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures a nice sear on the chicken.
4. Thread the Chicken onto Skewers:
Once the chicken is marinated, thread the pieces onto the soaked bamboo skewers or metal skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
5. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side. Turn them occasionally to get that beautiful char. The chicken is done when it is nicely browned and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
6. Make the Peanut Dipping Sauce:
While the chicken is grilling, prepare the peanut dipping sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar, red curry paste, and lime juice. Gradually add water until the sauce is smooth and reaches your desired dipping consistency.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the grilled chicken skewers hot on a platter lined with fresh lettuce leaves, and don’t forget the peanut dipping sauce! Enjoy these flavorful skewers with a side of sticky rice or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Happy grilling! Enjoy the deliciousness! 🎉
FAQ About Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can definitely substitute chicken breasts for thighs! Just be careful not to overcook them, as chicken breasts can dry out more easily. They should still be grilled until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but if you have time, aim for 3-4 hours or even overnight. This allows the flavors to infuse more deeply into the chicken.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them gently on the grill or in a skillet until heated through, being careful not to dry them out.
What can I substitute for fish sauce?
If you prefer to leave out fish sauce, you can use additional soy sauce or opt for coconut aminos for a similar umami flavor. This works well for those avoiding seafood or looking for a gluten-free option!
