These Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers are packed with tasty flavors! Tender chicken pieces marinated in a wonderful mix of soy sauce, garlic, and lime make every bite delicious.
This recipe is a hit at summer cookouts. I love grabbing a skewer and enjoying the juicy chicken. Pair it with some rice and you’ve got a fun meal! What’s not to love? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are perfect here as they stay juicy and flavorful during grilling. If you prefer, you can use chicken breasts, but they may need careful cooking to stay moist.
Soy Sauce: This adds essential umami flavor. For a gluten-free option, use tamari. If you’re avoiding soy, coconut aminos can work too, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Fish Sauce: It adds a distinct depth to the marinade. If you’re vegetarian, opt for soy sauce or a vegan fish sauce made from mushrooms or seaweed.
Honey or Palm Sugar: Honey is common, but you can use maple syrup or agave for a vegan option. Palm sugar adds a unique sweetness, so if you can find it, give it a try!
Chilies: I recommend adjusting the heat to your preference. If you like it mild, skip or reduce the chili flakes. For more heat, use fresh chopped chilies or Sriracha in the marinade.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Skewers are Cooked Perfectly?
Getting perfectly grilled chicken skewers can be a bit tricky. Here are my tips to help you succeed:
- Marinating is key! The longer you let the chicken soak up the flavors, the better it will taste. Aim for at least one hour.
- Make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high. This helps to create nice grill marks and seal in juices.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers! Leave a little space between the pieces for even cooking and to get that delicious char.
- Use a meat thermometer if you’re unsure. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Let them rest a few minutes after grilling. This helps the juices redistribute for a moist bite.
Enjoy making your Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers with these handy tips and insights! Happy grilling!
Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or palm sugar
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons grated fresh ginger
- 1-2 teaspoons Thai red chili flakes or fresh chopped Thai chilies (adjust to taste)
- Fresh cilantro and lime wedges, for garnish (optional)
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning
- Lettuce leaves (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep, plus at least 1 hour to marinate (ideally 2-3 hours for the best flavor). Grilling will last about 10-12 minutes, making the total time around 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours including marinating.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, fish sauce, honey or palm sugar, lime juice, vegetable oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and Thai chili flakes. This mouthwatering mixture will flavor the chicken beautifully!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces into the marinade. Toss everything together until the chicken is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For the best results, let it marinate for 2-3 hours; this helps the flavors soak in deeply.
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures even cooking and that lovely grilled taste!
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers. Make sure to pack the chicken pieces tightly together, but not so tightly that they can’t cook properly.
5. Grill the Chicken Skewers:
Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Grill for about 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes so all sides get nicely charred and cooked through. The chicken should be golden and both fragrant and juicy!
6. Rest and Serve:
Once they’re done, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
7. Present the Dish:
Serve your delicious skewers on a platter lined with fresh lettuce leaves. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges, which not only looks lovely but also adds a refreshing touch.
8. Optional Dipping Sauce:
If you want to take this dish to the next level, consider serving it with a spicy peanut dipping sauce or a tasty mixture of coconut milk and red curry paste.
Enjoy your Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers — a perfect treat for any meal!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can! Chicken breasts will work, but be mindful that they can dry out more easily than thighs. Marinate them just like the thighs, and be sure not to overcook them on the grill. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How Long Should I Marinate the Chicken?
For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but 2-3 hours is ideal. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes will give you some flavor, but the longer you marinate, the tastier it will be!
What Can I Use Instead of Fish Sauce?
If you prefer not to use fish sauce, you can substitute it with additional soy sauce for a vegetarian option, or try a vegan fish sauce made from ingredients like mushrooms or seaweed. It will slightly alter the flavor, but it will still be delicious!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
