These Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers are packed with flavor! Marinated in a tasty mix of soy sauce, garlic, and a hint of spice, they’re sure to please everyone at the table.
Grilling brings out the best flavors, and the best part? You can enjoy these skewers with rice, or just eat them straight off the stick! Yum! I love making them for BBQs—they disappear fast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juiciness. You can substitute with chicken breasts if you prefer, but they might be a bit drier. Try firm tofu or tempeh for a tasty vegetarian option!
Fish Sauce: This adds a unique depth of flavor. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, feel free to use soy sauce or coconut aminos instead for a similar taste without the fish.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar provides sweetness. If you’re out, white sugar or honey can work well too. Coconut sugar is another great swap if you want a hint of caramel flavor.
Chili Flakes: Control the heat with chili flakes or use fresh chopped chili if you like it spicier. For a milder taste, omit them or use sweet paprika.
How Do You Ensure Your Chicken Skewers Are Juicy and Flavorful?
Marinating the chicken properly is crucial for flavor and moisture. Here’s how to get the best results:
- Marinate for a minimum of 1 hour for good flavor, but letting it sit for 2-3 hours in the fridge will dramatically enhance it.
- Thread the chicken onto the skewers without packing them too tight. This allows even cooking and better char.
- Grill over medium-high heat. Cooking too quickly on high heat can dry out the chicken. Aim for about 4-5 minutes per side.
Taking a moment to let the skewers rest after grilling allows juices to redistribute, resulting in tender and juicy chicken!
Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or palm sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced or grated
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes or 1 small red chili, finely chopped (adjust for spice level)
For Serving:
- Bamboo or metal skewers (if using bamboo, soak in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning)
- Fresh lettuce leaves
- Peanut sauce or Thai dipping sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour of marinating time. After marinating, about 10 minutes are needed for grilling. So total, you’ll spend around 25-30 minutes when you account for that sexy grilling!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, vegetable oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, lime juice, ground coriander, and chili flakes (or chopped chili). Stir everything well until the sugar dissolves and the marinade looks well mixed.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat them evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour—2 to 3 hours will give you even more flavor!
3. Preheat and Prepare the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to get a good char on the chicken.
4. Thread the Chicken on Skewers:
Take the marinated chicken pieces and thread them onto the skewers. Don’t pack them too tightly; give them a bit of space to cook evenly.
5. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side. Turn them occasionally so they don’t burn and get nice, crispy grill marks. The chicken should be cooked through and juicy!
6. Let Them Rest:
Once done, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This helps the juices settle, making for even juicier chicken!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the grilled chicken skewers on a large platter lined with fresh lettuce leaves. Don’t forget the peanut sauce or your favorite Thai dipping sauce for added flavor! Dig in and enjoy your delicious creation!
Enjoy your flavorful and juicy Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers!
FAQ for Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can! Chicken breasts will work well, though they might be a bit drier. Just be cautious not to overcook them during grilling, as they can dry out more quickly than thighs.
What If I Don’t Have Fish Sauce?
No problem! You can substitute it with more soy sauce or use a vegan alternative like coconut aminos for a similar umami flavor without the seafood.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken in the fridge for up to 6 hours for maximum flavor, but aim for at least 1 hour. Avoid marinating for too long (more than 6 hours) as the meat can begin to break down too much from the acidity and become mushy.
Can I Make These Skewers in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare and marinate the chicken up to a day in advance. Just keep it refrigerated. When ready to grill, skewer and cook as directed!
