These Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers are full of flavor! They’re marinated in a tasty mix of soy sauce, lime juice, and spices, making each bite very delicious.
Grilling these skewers is a breeze, and I love how quick they cook! Perfect for a fun summer BBQ or a cozy dinner at home. Don’t forget extra lime for squeezing on top—yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs are juicy and tender, making them perfect for skewers. You can use boneless chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but they might dry out a bit. For a vegetarian option, try using firm tofu or veggies like bell peppers and mushrooms.
Soy Sauce: This adds a salty umami flavor. If you’re avoiding gluten, opt for tamari. Low-sodium soy sauce can also be used if you’re watching your salt intake.
Fish Sauce: A key ingredient in Thai cooking, it adds depth of flavor. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, you can replace it with a mix of soy sauce and a squeeze of lime or some seaweed for a similar taste.
Brown Sugar: This helps caramelize the chicken when grilling. You can substitute with honey or coconut sugar for a different flavor. Adjust the quantity to taste.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens everything up. If you don’t have lime, lemon juice works too. Just use what you have on hand!
How Do I Get My Chicken Skewers Juicy and Flavorful?
The secret to juicy chicken skewers lies mainly in the marinade and proper grilling technique. Marinating the chicken for a few hours allows the flavors to soak in, ensuring every bite is packed with taste.
- Mix all the marinade ingredients well and toss in the chicken pieces. The longer you marinate, the better!
- When grilling, make sure your grill is hot enough to create a nice char without burning the chicken. This helps seal in moisture.
- Avoid overcrowding the skewers. Leave a little space between the pieces so that heat circulates evenly.
- Let the skewers rest for a few minutes after grilling. This allows the juices to redistribute, giving you tender and tasty chicken.
Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
- Fresh lettuce leaves (for serving)
- Optional: Thai peanut sauce or spicy dipping sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time, plus marinating for at least 1 hour (up to 4 hours for best flavor). Additionally, you’ll need about 10-15 minutes for grilling. So, overall, set aside around 2 hours if you include the marinating time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, oyster sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and black pepper. Mix until the sugar is dissolved and everything is well combined.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss them around until they are fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. If you have more time, letting it marinate for 3-4 hours will enhance the flavors even more!
3. Preheat the Grill:
About 10 minutes before you’re ready to grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure your chicken cooks evenly and gets that nice char.
4. Thread the Chicken onto Skewers:
Take the marinated chicken out of the fridge. Carefully thread the chicken pieces onto the soaked bamboo skewers. Make sure they are packed closely but not too tight, allowing heat to circulate.
5. Grill the Skewers:
Lightly oil the grill grates to avoid sticking. Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Turn them gently to ensure they don’t tear apart, cooking until the chicken is fully cooked and has nice grill marks.
6. Let them Rest:
Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken even more tender.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
To serve, lay the skewers on a bed of fresh lettuce leaves. If you like, drizzle with Thai peanut sauce or your choice of spicy dipping sauce for an extra flavor boost. Enjoy your delicious, juicy grilled Thai chicken skewers!
FAQ for Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can absolutely use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat. Just keep in mind that they may dry out more easily, so be careful not to overcook them.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
The chicken can be marinated for a minimum of 1 hour, but for the best flavor, try to marinate it for 3-4 hours, or even overnight in the fridge. Just remember to not exceed 24 hours, as the chicken may become too soft!
Can I Make These Skewers Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the skewers ahead of time and keep them marinated in the fridge for up to a day. Just grill them fresh right before serving for the best taste and tenderness!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftover skewers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in the oven or on the grill to maintain their texture, adding a little moisture if needed to prevent dryness.
