Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers: 6 Crowd-Pleasing Ideas

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Looking to shake up your grilling game with something that’s both mouthwateringly delicious and deceptively easy? Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers are the answer you’ve been craving. Bursting with bold flavors like ginger, garlic, soy, and a creamy coconut finish, this dish brings the taste of Thailand straight to your backyard—no plane ticket required.

Perfect for summer gatherings, busy weeknight dinners, or just when you want to feel a little fancy without putting in a ton of effort, these skewers will have your family and friends begging for seconds (and the recipe).

Why You’ll Love These Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers

If you’re anything like me, the words “grill night” bring up visions of good food, better company, and fewer dishes to wash—win, win, and win. These chicken skewers are a total flavor bomb, thanks to a marinade that’s sweet, salty, and just the right amount of funky from the oyster sauce. And let’s not forget that sticky coconut glaze—it’s what takes these from “yum” to “holy wow.”

Plus, there’s an optional peanut sauce that is, no exaggeration, drink-it-with-a-straw level good.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Skewers:

1 kg chicken (dark meat preferred—it’s juicier and way more forgiving on the grill)

Marinade:

4-5 slices fresh ginger (approx. 2 tbsp)
2 cloves garlic (about 1½ tbsp when finely chopped)
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp dark soy sauce
2 tbsp coconut cream
2 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp oyster sauce

Coconut Cream Glaze:

6 tbsp coconut cream
1½ tbsp honey
1 tsp soy sauce

Optional Peanut Sauce (But Highly Recommended):

2 tbsp coconut cream
¼ cup natural peanut butter (unsweetened)
1 tsp rice vinegar
1 tsp Thai red curry paste
2 tsp maple syrup or honey
2 tsp soy sauce
2–3 tbsp water (thin to your liking)
1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
1 tsp chili oil (optional)
Crushed peanuts (optional, for sprinkling)

Let’s Get Cooking!

1. Make That Dreamy Peanut Sauce (Optional)

In a small bowl, combine all peanut sauce ingredients. Stir until smooth and creamy, adding water little by little until you get your perfect consistency. Set aside. Try not to taste it too often or you’ll have none left when the chicken is ready!

2. Marinate the Chicken

If you’re using wooden skewers, soak the ends (the blunt ones) in water for about 30 minutes so they don’t go up in flames.
Cut your chicken into 1×1-inch pieces.
Finely chop your ginger and garlic (or use a mini processor for ease) and toss them into a bowl with the chicken.
Add in the rest of the marinade ingredients. Mix everything until each piece is beautifully coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours. If you’ve got time, overnight is magic.

Pro Tip: Let the marinated chicken sit at room temp for 30 minutes before grilling—cold meat straight from the fridge won’t cook evenly.

3. Skewer the Chicken

Thread chicken pieces snugly onto the skewers. If a piece is flappy or thin, double it up. No loose bits allowed—they’re the first to burn! Also, skip running your fingers along the skewer. Salty marinade + splinters = kitchen regrets.

4. Make the Coconut Glaze

Mix the coconut cream, honey, and soy sauce in a small bowl. Keep it handy—you’ll use this to brush on that glossy, sticky finish during the final stage of grilling.

5. Time to Grill!

Preheat your grill (gas or charcoal) to about 500°F.
Place the skewers over direct heat and grill for 15–18 minutes, flipping every 2–3 minutes. Stay close—these can go from perfect to crispy critters real quick.
Once the chicken is charred and firm, brush on the coconut glaze. Flip and brush every minute, two to three more times until it’s caramelized and irresistible.

Tips for Skewer Success

Dark meat is your friend. It stays juicy even if you get distracted and leave it on a minute too long.
No grill? No problem. A broiler or grill pan on the stove works, too—just keep that glaze handy.
Let them rest. After grilling, give the skewers a few minutes to chill before diving in. This keeps them juicy and flavorful.

A Little Backstory (Because Food Is Personal ❤️)

This recipe became a regular on my menu after a summer BBQ where I was this close to ordering Thai takeout for a crowd. Instead, I threw these skewers on the grill, crossed my fingers, and—boom—instant hit. Now, they’re my secret weapon for any gathering where I want to impress without the stress.

Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers served with rice, charred peppers, and fresh cilantro

FAQs About Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers

Can I substitute chicken breast instead of dark meat?

Yes, but keep a close eye on the grill. Chicken breast cooks faster and can dry out if overdone.

How can I store leftovers?

Pop them into an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently or enjoy cold in a salad or lettuce wrap!

Can I make this ahead?

Totally. Marinate the chicken the night before and store it skewered and ready to go. Just glaze and grill when it’s go-time.

Is the peanut sauce necessary?

Technically, no. Emotionally? Absolutely.

Conclusion

Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or just want to switch things up for dinner, Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers are a flavor-packed, fuss-free favorite. With that creamy coconut glaze and the optional (but unforgettable) peanut sauce, these skewers are here to steal the spotlight—and possibly your heart.

So fire up that grill, grab your skewers, and let’s bring a little Thai magic to your table. 🌴🔥🍗

Explore More Flavor-Packed Chicken Recipes

If you loved the bold, tropical flavors in these Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers, you’re in for a treat—your grill (and tastebuds) will thank you. To help you keep the BBQ vibes going strong or simply explore new flavor profiles with your next meal, check out these deliciously complementary recipes from the Chicken Magic kitchen:

Chicken Skewers – If you can’t get enough of meat-on-a-stick, these classic skewers offer simple, crowd-pleasing seasoning perfect for any weeknight cookout.
Grilled Huli Huli Chicken – Bring Hawaiian BBQ home with this sweet and tangy grilled favorite, perfect for pairing with pineapple or serving alongside coconut rice.
Peruvian Grilled Chicken – Take a trip to South America with this spice-packed, juicy grilled chicken recipe that’s as easy to make as it is exotic.
Pineapple Chicken Kebabs – Love that tropical twist? These fruity, savory skewers are perfect for mixing things up at your next backyard gathering.

Whether you’re sticking to the skewer theme or venturing into bold international flavors, there’s a chicken recipe here to satisfy every craving. Ready to fire up that grill again? Let’s keep the delicious momentum going!