These Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers are flavorful and fun! With tender chicken marinated in a tasty sauce, they’re perfect for grilling at your next cookout.
Honestly, nothing beats the smell of chicken sizzling on the grill! I love serving these with a side of rice for a complete meal, or just munching on them as a tasty snack. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I love using chicken thighs for their juicy texture and flavor. You can also use chicken breast if you prefer, but do be careful not to overcook it, as breasts can dry out easily.
Soy Sauce: This adds a salty depth to the marinade. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try tamari or coconut aminos instead. Both give a similar flavor!
Fish Sauce: It’s a staple in Thai cuisine that gives a unique umami flavor. If it’s not your thing or you’re vegetarian, try using more soy sauce or a little miso paste.
Brown Sugar: This helps caramelize the chicken nicely. You can substitute it with honey or maple syrup for a different sweet touch, just remember to adjust the quantity to taste.
Garlic and Ginger: Fresh ingredients add a lot of flavor. You can use garlic and ginger powder if you don’t have the fresh versions, but the taste won’t be quite as vibrant.
How Can You Get Perfectly Grilled Chicken Skewers?
Getting those amazing grill marks and juicy chicken is all about the marinade and cooking time. Here’s how to nail it:
- Marinate your chicken for at least an hour, but the longer, the better! This lets the flavors soak in.
- When grilling, ensure your grill is hot before adding the skewers. This prevents sticking and helps achieve a good sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers! Leave space between pieces so they cook evenly.
- Flip them gently with tongs, and keep an eye on them. Chicken usually takes 4-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
Let your skewers rest for a few moments after grilling. This helps keep them juicy. Enjoy your delicious creation!
How to Make Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Additional Ingredients:
- Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
- Fresh lettuce leaves for serving
- Optional: Thai peanut sauce or spicy dipping sauce for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus a minimum of 1 hour for marinating (3-4 hours recommended for best flavor). Grilling will take around 10-15 minutes. Altogether, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 30 minutes to enjoy these delicious skewers!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, vegetable oil, ground coriander, and black pepper. Keep mixing until the sugar dissolves and everything is combined. This is what gives your chicken all that yummy flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the cut chicken pieces to the marinade and toss well to coat each piece. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the fridge for at least 1 hour. If you have time, let it marinate for 3-4 hours for even more flavor!
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and gets a nice char on the outside.
4. Prepare the Skewers:
Take your marinated chicken out of the fridge. Thread the chicken pieces onto the soaked bamboo skewers, leaving a bit of space between each piece. This helps them grill evenly, so don’t overcrowd the skewers!
5. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the grill. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on one side, then flip and grill for another 4-5 minutes until they’re nicely charred and fully cooked (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
6. Rest and Serve:
Once done, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the juices inside! Arrange fresh lettuce leaves on a serving platter, and place the grilled chicken skewers on top.
7. Enjoy:
Serve your delicious skewers with Thai peanut sauce or any spicy dipping sauce you like. Enjoy this flavorful dish hot off the grill!
Now, dig in and enjoy those tender, caramelized Thai chicken skewers! They’re sure to be a hit!
FAQ for Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs are juicier, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as breasts can dry out quicker—about 3-4 minutes per side should be enough.
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the marinade a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just add the chicken the day you plan to grill for fresh and flavorful skewers!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or sauce if needed to keep them moist.
What Can I Serve with These Skewers?
These skewers pair wonderfully with rice, a fresh salad, or grilled vegetables. For an authentic touch, you can serve them with Thai peanut sauce or a spicy dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy!
