These Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers are packed with tasty flavors! The marinated chicken gets all juicy and delicious as it grills up nicely on skewers. Perfect for a sunny day!
I love serving these with a side of rice or a fresh salad. They’re super fun to eat, and you can even make them ahead for a picnic. Trust me, everyone will want more! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs keep the skewers juicy and tender. If you prefer, you can use chicken breasts, but keep an eye on them as they cook faster and can dry out.
Soy Sauce: This adds depth of flavor. For a gluten-free option, go for tamari. You can also try coconut aminos, which is milder and sweeter.
Fish Sauce: Fish sauce gives that authentic Thai flavor. If you need a substitute, use soy sauce or liquid aminos, or skip it entirely for a vegetarian version.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness. If you don’t have it, white sugar or honey works too, although the flavor will be slightly different. You can also use coconut sugar for a more natural option.
Red Curry Paste: Adjust this based on your spice preference! If you cannot find it, try using curry powder or Sriracha for heat.
What’s the Best Way to Marinate Chicken for Skewers?
Marinating your chicken properly is key for flavor! Here’s how to do it:
- Combine all the marinade ingredients in a bowl before adding the chicken. This way, everything blends nicely.
- Make sure to coat the chicken pieces well in the marinade. Use your hands if you need to, and ensure they are fully covered.
- Marinate for at least 1 hour in the fridge. Longer marinating (2-3 hours) allows the flavors to soak into the chicken better.
With these tips, your chicken skewers will come out delicious and full of flavor every time! Enjoy grilling!
Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or palm sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1-2 teaspoons red curry paste (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
- Lettuce leaves, for serving
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and at least 1 hour of marinating time. After marinating, the grilling will take about 10–12 minutes. So, set aside about 1 hour and 30 minutes total, and you’re all set to enjoy these tasty skewers!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, honey, vegetable oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, red curry paste, and lime juice. Keep whisking until the sugar has dissolved and everything is nicely combined.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take your bite-sized chicken pieces and add them to the marinade. Toss the chicken well to make sure every piece is coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but for the best flavor, let it marinate for 2-3 hours.
3. Get Your Grill Ready:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. This ensures a nice sear! While it’s heating up, take your soaked bamboo skewers and thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, spreading them out evenly.
4. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 4–5 minutes on each side. Turn them occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and has beautiful grill marks. You want them golden and juicy!
5. Rest and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep them juicy! Serve the skewers over a bed of fresh lettuce leaves on a platter.
6. Add Dipping Sauce:
If you’d like, serve with a tasty dipping sauce such as peanut sauce or a spicy Thai chili sauce. This adds an extra kick and deliciousness!
Enjoy these juicy, flavorful grilled Thai chicken skewers with friends and family!
FAQ for Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can! Chicken breasts will work, but keep an eye on them as they cook faster and may dry out. Consider marinating them for a shorter time, around 1-2 hours, to keep them moist.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you’d like extra heat, increase the amount of red curry paste in the marinade or add some crushed red pepper flakes. You could also serve with a spicy dipping sauce to ramp up the spice level!
Can I Prep These Skewers Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken a day in advance. Just cover and store in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill. It’s a great way to save time on cooking day!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on a grill for a few minutes until heated through.
