These Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers are packed with flavor! Juicy chicken pieces marinated in a tasty mix of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic make for a delicious meal.
Grilling them is a breeze, and the smell will have everyone gathering around the grill! 😂 I love serving them with peanut sauce for dipping. So good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I like using chicken thighs for their juiciness. However, you can use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat. For a meat alternative, try firm tofu cut into cubes!
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is a great choice, as it allows for better control of saltiness. If you’re gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead.
Fish Sauce: This ingredient adds depth, but if you’re vegetarian or vegan, consider using a combination of soy sauce and a dash of lime juice for a similar flavor. A bit of miso paste can also work!
Brown Sugar: I prefer brown sugar for its rich taste. You can swap it with honey or maple syrup, but adjust the quantities since they are sweeter. Coconut sugar is a great alternative too!
How Do I Marinate Chicken to Enhance Flavor?
Marinating chicken is about letting flavors soak in. Here’s how to do it:
- Mix the marinade ingredients well, ensuring the sugar dissolves completely.
- Add the chicken pieces and toss them to coat evenly. This step is crucial for full flavor.
- Cover tightly and refrigerate. The longer you marinate (up to overnight), the tastier your chicken will be!
Make sure to shake or stir a few times while it’s marinating, so every piece gets that yummy goodness. Enjoy grilling!
Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (preferably low sodium)
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or palm sugar
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (optional for slight tang)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or sesame oil
- Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
- Fresh lettuce leaves, for serving
For the Dipping Sauce (optional):
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
- 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce or sriracha (adjust to taste)
- Water to thin sauce as needed
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and about 10 minutes to grill. If you can, allow your chicken to marinate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight) for maximum flavor. Total time, including marinating, could be as short as 1 hour and 15 minutes or stretched out to overnight if you plan ahead!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, oyster sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, lime juice, and oil. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well combined. This is where the magic begins!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the bowl and toss them well in the marinade. Make sure every piece is coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour—longer (up to overnight) is even better!
3. Soak the Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent them from burning on the grill and keeps your chicken safely skewered.
4. Preheat the Grill:
Get your grill ready by preheating it to medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot for those perfect grill marks!
5. Assemble the Skewers:
Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge and thread the pieces onto the soaked skewers. Make sure to leave a little space between each piece for even cooking.
6. Grill the Chicken:
Place the skewers on the grill and cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Turn them occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and has lovely charred edges. You want an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
7. Make the Dipping Sauce:
While the chicken is grilling, whip up your peanut dipping sauce! In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, and chili sauce. Add water slowly, mixing each time, until you reach your desired consistency. Remember, you want it smooth and perfect for dipping!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the skewers are ready, take them off the grill and serve them hot on a platter lined with fresh lettuce leaves. Don’t forget the peanut dipping sauce on the side—it’s what makes these skewers truly unforgettable!
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?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a great alternative if you prefer leaner meat. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out more quickly!
How Long Should I Marinate the Chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but if you can plan ahead, marinating it overnight will yield even more delicious results. Make sure to keep it covered in the fridge while marinating.
What Can I Use Instead of Fish Sauce?
If you’re looking for a substitute for fish sauce, you can mix soy sauce with a splash of lime juice for a similar flavor. Another option is to use a dash of miso paste or just skip it altogether if you’re looking for a vegetarian option!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Any leftover skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven or a skillet over medium heat, taking care not to dry them out. You can also enjoy them cold in salads!
