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Thai Grilled Coconut Chicken Skewers Recipe

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4.3 from 10 reviews

Thai Grilled Coconut Chicken Skewers feature tender chicken pieces marinated in aromatic coconut milk and curry spices, grilled to perfection and served with a rich, creamy peanut sauce. This dish offers a flavorful combination of sweet, salty, and tangy notes with a hint of spice, perfect for a quick, vibrant Thai-inspired meal.

Ingredients

Marinade and Chicken

  • 1/2 cup coconut milk (unsweetened, canned, full fat recommended)
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (regular, reduced sodium may be substituted)
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
  • 1 lime (juiced and zested)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or canola, grape seed, or vegetable oil)
  • 2-3 cloves garlic (finely minced)
  • 1 tablespoon yellow curry powder (or red curry powder)
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger (or 1 rounded heaping teaspoon fresh ginger)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional)
  • 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (diced into 1-1 1/2 inch pieces, thighs can be substituted)

Peanut Sauce

  • 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup honey (or to taste)
  • 1/4 cup toasted sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons ground ginger (or to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
  • 1 clove garlic (finely minced or pressed, optional)
  • 2 to 4 tablespoons coconut milk (optional, for thinner sauce consistency)

For Serving

  • Lime wedges
  • Fresh cilantro (finely minced, or substitute fresh basil or other herbs)
  • Salted peanuts (roughly chopped)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade and Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice and zest, olive oil, garlic, curry powder, turmeric, ground ginger, salt, black pepper, and cardamom (if using). Add the diced chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 to 3 hours, or up to 12 hours, to marinate thoroughly.
  2. Soak Skewers: About 30 minutes before grilling, soak wooden skewers in water to prevent burning during cooking. If using metal skewers, this step is not necessary.
  3. Make the Peanut Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter, honey, toasted sesame oil, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, salt, black pepper, garlic (if using), and additional coconut milk as needed to reach desired consistency. Adjust seasoning to taste. Set aside until ready to serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
  4. Preheat and Thread: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grill grates. Thread chicken pieces onto the skewers, spacing them slightly to ensure even cooking. Discard any remaining marinade.
  5. Grill the Chicken: Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for about 7 to 8 minutes total, flipping every 3 minutes or as needed to avoid burning and ensure even cooking. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 162°F; allow it to rest for 5 minutes which will bring the temperature to a safe 165°F. Avoid overcooking to keep the chicken moist and tender.
  6. Serve and Garnish: Optionally, squeeze fresh lime juice over the grilled chicken skewers. Sprinkle with finely minced cilantro and chopped salted peanuts for added flavor and crunch. Serve the peanut sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

  • Use full-fat coconut milk for richer flavor, but light coconut milk can be substituted.
  • Marinate chicken up to 12 hours for enhanced flavor; avoid going beyond to prevent texture changes.
  • Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning on the grill.
  • Keep grill flame moderate to avoid charring small chicken pieces.
  • Use a digital thermometer to check doneness for safe and perfectly cooked chicken.
  • Adjust peanut sauce thickness by adding or omitting additional coconut milk.
  • If fresh ginger is used instead of ground, use approximately 1 rounded teaspoon of fresh ginger.
  • Substitute chicken thighs for juicier results if desired.

Find it online: https://recipeplenty.com/thai-grilled-coconut-chicken-skewers-recipe/