These Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers are a tasty treat! With juicy chicken marinated in a zesty sauce, they’re perfect for any barbeque or weeknight dinner.
They’re super simple to make—just marinate, skewer, and grill! I love serving them with a side of rice and veggies. It’s a great way to impress your friends and family without all the fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Chicken thighs work great for these skewers because they’re juicy and tender. If you’d rather use breasts, that’s fine too, but be careful not to overcook them. You can also use tofu for a vegetarian version!
Fish Sauce: Essential for that authentic Thai flavor, but if you’re avoiding fish, try using soy sauce or coconut aminos for a vegetarian alternative.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a lovely caramel sweetness. You can replace it with honey or maple syrup if you prefer, adjusting the amount to taste.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens the dish! If you don’t have any on hand, lemon juice is a suitable substitute, although it will change the flavor a bit.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Grill Marks and Juicy Chicken?
Getting those delicious grill marks while keeping the chicken juicy is all about the right technique:
- Make sure your grill is hot! Preheat to medium-high before adding chicken.
- Avoid overcrowding the skewers! Give each piece space so heat circulates evenly.
- Only flip the skewers once during grilling to allow nice sear marks to develop.
- Check for doneness! Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Follow these tips, and you’ll have perfectly grilled chicken every time. Happy grilling!
Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar or palm sugar
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 1-2 tsp red chili flakes or 1 small fresh red chili, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil or sesame oil
- Bamboo or metal skewers (if bamboo, soak in water for 30 minutes before using)
- Fresh lettuce leaves, for serving
For the Optional Dipping Sauce:
- 1/4 cup coconut milk
- 1 tbsp Thai red curry paste
- 1 tsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- A few drops of lime juice or juice of 1/2 lime
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15-20 minutes for prep time and at least 30 minutes to marinate the chicken. Then, grilling takes around 10-15 minutes, depending on the heat of your grill. In total, you’re looking at approximately 1 hour for the complete process, including marination!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, red chili flakes, and oil until the sugar is completely dissolved. This marinade is what gives your chicken that fantastic Thai flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces in the marinade, making sure they’re well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or for one to two hours if you have the time. The longer you marinate, the more flavor will soak into the chicken!
3. Preheat the Grill:
While your chicken is marinating, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to give those skewers a nice char without burning them.
4. Skewer the Chicken:
After marinating, take the chicken pieces out of the fridge. Thread them onto the soaked bamboo skewers or metal skewers, ensuring you leave a little space between each piece to allow for even cooking.
5. Grill the Chicken:
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Keep turning until the chicken is fully cooked through and has developed a lovely caramelized exterior. The total cooking time will depend on the thickness of your chicken pieces.
6. Make the Dipping Sauce (Optional):
If you’d like a dipping sauce, combine the coconut milk and Thai red curry paste in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until fragrant and heated through, then add the fish sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice. Give it a final stir and remove from heat.
7. Serve:
Arrange fresh lettuce leaves on a serving platter and place the grilled chicken skewers on top. Serve with the optional dipping sauce on the side and enjoy your delicious grilled Thai chicken skewers!
These juicy, flavorful skewers are perfect for a casual meal or a delightful party appetizer. Enjoy every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Proteins Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly—shrimp cooks quickly, while beef may need a little longer depending on the cut.
What If I Don’t Have Fish Sauce?
If you don’t have fish sauce on hand, you can use soy sauce or coconut aminos as a substitute. While it may alter the flavor slightly, it will still provide a savory depth to the dish.
Can I Marinate the Chicken Overnight?
Yes, marinating the chicken overnight can enhance the flavors even more! Just make sure to refrigerate it properly to keep everything fresh. If you’re marinating for more than a couple of hours, you might want to reduce the saltiness by cutting back on the soy sauce slightly.
How Should I Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes or warm them in the microwave until heated through. Enjoy leftover skewers over rice or in salads!
