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Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers

These Easy Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers are a restaurant-quality dish made at home! Juicy chicken thighs are marinated in rich coconut cream, grilled to a perfect char, and finished with a sticky honey-coconut glaze. Served with a creamy peanut sauce for the ultimate flavor combination. Perfect for summer grilling. For another delicious grilled chicken recipe, try our Cajun Crispy Chicken Sandwich.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time18 minutes
Marinating Time2 hours
Total Time33 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Thai
Keyword: coconut chicken satay, grilled thai coconut chicken skewers, thai chicken skewers
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 420kcal
Author: Angela

Equipment

  • Charcoal or Gas Grill For the perfect smoky char.
  • Wooden or Metal Skewers Soak wooden skewers before use.
  • Basting Brush For applying the glaze.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch strips
  • 0.25 cup coconut cream
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tbsp coconut cream (for glaze)
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp soy sauce (for glaze)
  • 0.5 cup natural peanut butter
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Thai red curry paste
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
  • 2 to 3 tbsp water

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, whisk together coconut cream, soy sauces, oyster sauce, sugar, garlic, and ginger. Add chicken strips and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
  • If using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes. Thread marinated chicken strips tightly onto skewers.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together coconut cream, honey, and soy sauce to make the glaze. Set aside.
  • In another bowl, whisk peanut butter, rice vinegar, curry paste, maple syrup, and water until smooth to make the peanut sauce.
  • Preheat grill to 500°F (260°C). Grill skewers over direct heat for 15-18 minutes, flipping every 2-3 minutes, until charred and cooked through.
  • During the last 2 minutes, brush skewers with the coconut glaze. Flip 2-3 times until caramelized. Let rest for 3 minutes. Serve with peanut sauce and lime wedges.

Notes

Pro Tips: Use chicken thighs for the juiciest results – they're more forgiving than breasts. Soak wooden skewers for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Apply the glaze only during the last 2 minutes of grilling to prevent burning. Use coconut cream, not coconut milk – the higher fat content creates a better crust and keeps the chicken moist. For the best flavor, marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.