These Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers are bursting with bold, aromatic flavors. Marinated in a rich blend of coconut cream, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, then grilled to smoky perfection, they’re perfect for both casual dinners and festive gatherings. Served with a creamy peanut sauce, this dish balances sweet, savory, and spicy elements to create a crowd-pleasing favorite.
Ingredients
For the Marinade
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4–5 slices fresh ginger (approx. 2 tablespoons)
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2 cloves garlic (approx. 1 ½ tablespoons)
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2 tablespoons soy sauce
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1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
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2 tablespoons coconut cream
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2 tablespoons sugar
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1 tablespoon oyster sauce
For the Coconut Cream Glaze
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2 tablespoons coconut cream
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1 teaspoon honey
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
For the Peanut Sauce (Optional)
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2 tablespoons coconut cream
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¼ cup unsweetened natural peanut butter
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1 teaspoon rice vinegar
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1 teaspoon Thai red curry paste
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2 teaspoons maple syrup (or honey)
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2 teaspoons soy sauce
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2–3 tablespoons water (to adjust consistency)
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1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
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1 teaspoon chili oil (optional)
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Crushed peanuts for garnish (optional)
Directions
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Marinate the Chicken
Finely chop the garlic and ginger or use a food processor. Combine with soy sauces, coconut cream, sugar, and oyster sauce in a bowl. Add the chicken and marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. -
Prepare Skewers
Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning. -
Grill the Chicken
Preheat grill to medium-high (around 500°F / 260°C). Grill skewers for 15–18 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked with a nice char. -
Apply the Glaze
While grilling, mix the glaze ingredients in a small bowl. Brush onto the chicken during the last few minutes of cooking for a glossy, caramelized finish. -
Make the Peanut Sauce (Optional)
Combine all peanut sauce ingredients in a bowl and stir until smooth. Adjust consistency with water as needed. -
Serve
Serve chicken skewers hot with peanut sauce on the side. Garnish with crushed peanuts and fresh cilantro, if desired.
Nutritional Information (Per Skewer)
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Calories: 190 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 18g
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Protein: 15g
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Fat: 8g
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Saturated Fat: 3g
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Cholesterol: 45mg
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Sodium: 328mg
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Fiber: 2g
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Sugar: 6g
Why Marination Matters
The true magic of these skewers lies in the marination process. Letting the chicken rest in the marinade for several hours—preferably overnight—does more than just infuse flavor. It breaks down proteins, making the meat more tender and allowing it to retain moisture during grilling. Coconut cream, in particular, has natural fat and sugar content that helps form a beautiful glaze when cooked, enhancing the visual and textural appeal of the final product.
If you’re short on time, even a 2-hour marination will yield delicious results, but the longer you can wait, the deeper the flavor will be.
Grilling Tips for Best Results
Grilling skewered meats is relatively straightforward, but a few simple techniques can elevate your outcome:
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Use medium-high heat – This ensures a good char without drying out the chicken.
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Pre-soak wooden skewers – This prevents them from burning on the grill.
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Turn frequently – This promotes even cooking and prevents one side from getting too dark.
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Apply glaze near the end – Brushing the coconut glaze during the final minutes of grilling avoids burning the sugars while still giving the skewers a glossy, caramelized finish.
Even if you don’t have an outdoor grill, this recipe works well on a grill pan or in the oven with a broiler setting. Just be sure to get some charring for that authentic flavor.
Pairing Suggestions
Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers are versatile in how they can be served. Depending on the occasion, you can tailor the meal for a casual lunch, party appetizer, or even a festive dinner. Here are some pairing ideas:
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With rice – Jasmine rice or coconut rice pairs beautifully, soaking up the juices and sauce.
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With noodles – Thai vermicelli or soba noodles tossed in sesame oil make a great base.
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As part of a platter – Serve alongside fresh veggies like cucumber, bell peppers, or pickled carrots for texture contrast.
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With drinks – Pair with a crisp white wine like Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc, or a light Thai lager for a refreshing balance to the rich spices.
You can also serve these skewers with lettuce wraps for a lighter option—perfect for summer gatherings or meal prep lunches.
Variations and Customization
One of the best things about this recipe is how customizable it is. Here are a few variations you might consider:
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Spicy lovers – Add crushed red pepper or extra Thai chili to the marinade or sauce.
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Vegetarian twist – Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh, and adjust marination time accordingly.
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Low-carb option – Serve with cauliflower rice or wrapped in lettuce instead of rice or noodles.
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More veggies – Add bell peppers, onions, or pineapple chunks to the skewers for extra flavor and color.
You can even prep these skewers in bulk and freeze them with the marinade. Just defrost and grill when needed for a convenient yet impressive meal.
Health and Nutritional Benefits
Aside from its rich flavor, this dish is relatively balanced. Chicken breast or thigh provides lean protein, while coconut cream—though rich—contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which may have certain metabolic benefits in moderation. The peanut sauce adds healthy fats and fiber, and using natural, unsweetened ingredients helps control sugar and sodium levels.
With about 190 calories per skewer, this dish is satisfying yet not overly indulgent. It’s easy to scale up or down depending on your dietary goals. For those watching sodium or sugar intake, the recipe can be modified by using low-sodium soy sauce and reducing the sweeteners.
Conclusion
Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers represent the kind of cooking that brings joy to the kitchen: they’re fragrant, flavorful, and fun to make. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can achieve restaurant-quality results at home. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, planning a weeknight dinner, or looking for an impressive party dish, these skewers offer something for everyone.
Their global appeal lies in their versatility—they’re deeply rooted in Thai culinary tradition yet adaptable enough to fit any palate or setting. Once you try them, you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe again and again.
So fire up the grill, whisk up that marinade, and get ready to experience the irresistible fusion of smoky char, tropical coconut, and bold Thai spices—all in one satisfying bite.