These Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers are packed with flavor and super fun to eat! The chicken is marinated in a tasty mix of spices, giving it that amazing Thai taste.
There’s nothing better than grilling these skewers on a nice day! I love serving them with a side of rice or a fresh salad. They’re perfect for a picnic or a backyard party! 🍗✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs keeps the skewers juicy and tender. If you’re looking for a leaner option, chicken breast works too, but it’s essential to marinate it longer to prevent drying out.
Soy Sauce: This is key for the umami flavor. If you’re sensitive to sodium, low-sodium soy sauce is a great alternative.
Fish Sauce: It adds depth to the marinade. If you’re avoiding fish, try using soy sauce combined with a bit of lemon juice for a similar tangy flavor.
Honey or Palm Sugar: Honey adds sweetness, while palm sugar provides a more authentic Thai taste. If needed, maple syrup can be a suitable substitute.
Chili Flakes: Adjust the heat by using more or less, or try fresh herbs like cilantro for flavor without the spice!
What’s the Best Way to Marinate Chicken for Skewers?
Marinating is vital for flavor and tenderness. Here’s how to do it:
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a large bowl and whisk until mixed.
- Add chicken pieces, ensuring they’re coated well. It’s best to toss gently.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but overnight is ideal for maximum flavor.
- When ready to grill, thread the chicken onto soaked skewers, ensuring space for even cooking.
Taking the time to marinate not only boosts taste but also keeps your skewers moist while grilling!
Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or palm sugar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes or 1 small red chili, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- Bamboo or metal skewers (if using bamboo, soak in water for 30 minutes before using)
- Lettuce leaves (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep, plus at least 1 hour for marinating. Plan on an additional 10 minutes for grilling. So, you can make these delicious skewers in about 1 hour and 20 minutes, including marinating time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, fish sauce, honey or palm sugar, vegetable oil, lime juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, ground coriander, turmeric powder, black pepper, and chili flakes. Whisk everything together until it’s well mixed. This marinade will give your chicken lots of flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the marinade, tossing to coat them evenly. Once coated, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For the best flavor, try marinating it for 3-4 hours or even overnight if you can!
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. While it’s heating, take the chicken out of the fridge and thread the marinated pieces onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece so they cook evenly.
4. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re done when the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. For extra flavor, feel free to brush the skewers with some leftover marinade while they’re grilling, but ensure it cooks off before serving!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. To serve, arrange the grilled chicken skewers on a platter lined with fresh lettuce leaves for a crisp contrast. You can also offer a side of spicy peanut dipping sauce or sweet chili sauce for added deliciousness!
Enjoy your juicy, flavorful Thai grilled chicken skewers, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or festive gathering!
FAQ for Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers
Can I Use Chicken Breast Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can! Chicken breasts are leaner but can dry out more easily. To prevent this, consider marinating them longer and monitor the grilling time closely, so you don’t overcook them.
What Can I Use Instead of Fish Sauce?
If you’re looking for a substitute, you can use soy sauce combined with a little lime juice for a similar tangy flavor. Coconut aminos is also a good alternative if you want a gluten-free option.
Can I Make These Skewers Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep the marinated chicken covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill. This will enhance the flavor even more!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, being careful not to overcook them again.
