Juicy, flavorful, and loaded with bold Thai-inspired flavors, these grilled coconut chicken skewers are the perfect mix of smoky, savory, and slightly sweet. The chicken is marinated in a rich blend of coconut milk, garlic, ginger, lime juice, and Thai spices, which keeps it incredibly tender and moist while infusing deep flavor. Grilling adds a beautiful char and subtle smokiness that pairs perfectly with the creamy, fragrant coconut marinade. Simple to make and cooked in under 15 minutes, these skewers are perfect for both busy weeknights and weekend gatherings.
Biting into the skewers reveals tender, juicy chicken coated in a creamy, aromatic glaze with hints of lemongrass, lime, and chili. The balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors makes every bite vibrant and refreshing. You can serve them with jasmine rice, peanut dipping sauce, or fresh cucumber salad for a complete Thai-inspired meal. Perfect for cookouts, dinner parties, or meal prep, these skewers are as impressive as they are easy to make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Thai coconut chicken skewers are juicy, smoky, and packed with bold, fresh flavors. The coconut milk marinade keeps the chicken tender while infusing it with a fragrant Thai twist.
You can also customize the marinade by adding chili paste for extra heat, swapping in fish sauce for depth, or using tofu or shrimp instead of chicken. Perfect for summer BBQs, quick family dinners, and make-ahead meal prep.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- ¾ cup coconut milk (full-fat preferred)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 3 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp lemongrass paste (optional)
- 1 tsp red chili flakes (optional for heat)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
For Serving & Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional)
- Peanut dipping sauce (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Marinade
In a large bowl, whisk together coconut milk, soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, chili flakes, and oil until smooth.
2. Marinate the Chicken
Add chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 6 hours for maximum flavor.
3. Skewer the Chicken
Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, shaking off excess marinade.
4. Grill to Perfection
Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook skewers for 4–5 minutes per side until slightly charred and fully cooked through.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Place skewers on a platter, garnish with cilantro, lime wedges, and sesame seeds. Serve with peanut sauce or jasmine rice if desired.
Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts cut into 1-inch cubes
- ¾ cup coconut milk full-fat preferred
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 3 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
- 1 tbsp lemongrass paste optional
- 1 tsp red chili flakes optional for heat
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
For Serving & Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro chopped
- Lime wedges
- Toasted sesame seeds optional
- Peanut dipping sauce optional
Instructions
- Make coconut marinade and add chicken.
- Marinate at least 1 hour.
- Thread chicken onto skewers.
- Grill until charred and cooked through.
- Garnish and serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- Extra heat: Add Thai red curry paste or sriracha to the marinade.
- Creamy finish: Brush skewers with extra coconut milk during grilling.
- Protein swap: Try shrimp, tofu, or pork instead of chicken.
- Make-ahead: Marinate chicken overnight for deeper flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with jasmine rice, fresh cucumber salad, peanut dipping sauce, or a crisp mango slaw. Pairs beautifully with chilled Thai iced tea or coconut water.
Final Thoughts
These grilled Thai coconut chicken skewers are smoky, juicy, and full of bold flavor. They’re simple enough for weeknights yet special enough for entertaining. Once you try them, they’ll easily become a summer grilling favorite.
