These Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers are tender, juicy, and full of flavor! Marinated in a tasty mix of soy sauce and spices, they are a perfect way to enjoy outdoor grilling.
Grilling is my favorite way to cook, and these skewers are a breeze! I love serving them with rice or a fresh salad—they always impress my friends! 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I love using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their tenderness and juiciness. If you prefer, you can use chicken breast, but they might dry out faster on the grill.
Soy Sauce: This is essential for flavor! For a gluten-free option, try tamari. It works well too.
Oyster Sauce: This adds depth to the marinade. If you want a vegetarian option, miso paste or hoisin sauce can do the trick.
Fish Sauce: It adds a unique umami flavor. If you’re avoiding fish, try using soy sauce or a vegan fish sauce alternative available in stores.
Chili Paste: Adjust the spiciness to your taste. If you want milder skewers, leave it out or use a pinch of red pepper flakes instead.
How Do You Get the Chicken Skewers Perfectly Grilled?
Grilling can be tricky, but with a few simple steps, you can achieve perfectly grilled skewers. First, ensure your grill is hot before placing the skewers on it. This helps to sear the chicken and keep it juicy.
- Soak bamboo skewers for 30 minutes so they don’t burn. Metal skewers work great too!
- Keep the chicken pieces evenly sized for uniform cooking.
- Grill on medium-high heat, turning skewers every few minutes to avoid burning and to ensure even cooking.
Let them rest for a few minutes after grilling. This helps redistribute the juices for extra tenderness!
How to Make Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or palm sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon chili paste or Sriracha (optional for heat)
For Serving:
- Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
- Fresh lettuce leaves, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of active preparation time, plus at least 1 hour for marinating the chicken (preferably 2-3 hours). Grill time is around 10 minutes, making this a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, lime juice, sesame oil, and chili paste if you’re using it. Stir until the sugar dissolves and everything is combined nicely.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces into the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but aim for 2-3 hours if you can for deeper flavor!
3. Get the Grill Ready:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Meanwhile, take the soaked bamboo skewers and thread the marinated chicken pieces onto each skewer, packing them snugly but not too tightly.
4. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Make sure to turn them occasionally for even cooking and beautiful char marks. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
5. Rest and Serve:
Once cooked through, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy. Serve the grilled chicken skewers on a bed of fresh lettuce leaves with your favorite dipping sauce, such as a spicy peanut sauce or sweet chili sauce.
Enjoy your delicious and flavorful Thai grilled chicken skewers! They make for a perfect meal or appetizer at any gathering. Happy grilling! 🍢
FAQ for Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just keep in mind that they may cook faster and can dry out more easily, so monitor them closely while grilling.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for as little as 1 hour, but for the best flavor, aim for 2-3 hours. If you need to, you can marinate it overnight in the refrigerator, but be careful not to exceed that time to avoid the chicken becoming too salty.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them on the grill or in the oven to maintain the texture, but avoid microwaving for best results!
Can I Make These Skewers in the Oven?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
