These Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers are packed with flavor! Marinated in a mix of soy sauce, garlic, and a hint of sweetness, they’re juicy and perfectly grilled.
Who doesn’t love food on a stick? They’re great for a quick dinner or a fun BBQ party. I just love dipping them in peanut sauce—yum! 🍢
Making these skewers is super easy! Just soak the bamboo sticks, marinate the chicken, and then grill. Perfect for any night when you want something tasty but easy to cook!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I love using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness, but chicken breasts work too. If you’re looking for a leaner option, go for the breasts, though they may dry out faster on the grill.
Sauces: Soy sauce is key for flavor, but if you’re gluten-free, look for tamari or coconut aminos as great alternatives. For fish sauce, you can swap it with extra soy sauce for a vegetarian version.
Sugar: Brown sugar adds sweetness, but coconut sugar or honey can be great substitutes. Just remember that honey can make things a bit stickier, which can be delicious on the grill!
Ginger & Garlic: Fresh ginger and garlic are unbeatable for flavor, but if you’re short on time, the jarred versions work fine! Just remember to adjust the amounts slightly, as they’re usually more concentrated.
How Can I Get Juicy Chicken Skewers?
The secret to juicy skewers is all in the marinating process! Ensure the chicken is coated well and allowed to soak up the flavors for at least 30 minutes; longer is better! Here’s a tip:
- Use a resealable plastic bag to massage the marinade into the chicken. This helps it absorb quicker.
- Don’t skip letting the chicken rest after grilling. It helps the juices redistribute!
Also, remember to preheat your grill. Chicken cooks better with that nice, high heat, sealing in the moisture while providing a great char.
With these tips, your grilled chicken skewers will be an absolute hit!
How to Make Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or palm sugar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ground white pepper or black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
For Serving:
- Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning
- Fresh lettuce leaves
- Optional: peanut sauce or spicy dipping sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and requires at least 30 minutes to marinate the chicken (or up to 2 hours for the best flavor). Add on an additional 10 minutes for grilling, so in total, you’ll be looking at about 50 minutes before you can dig in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, vegetable oil, white pepper, and lime juice. Mix well until the sugar is fully dissolved. This marinade packs a fantastic flavor punch!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade. Toss them to coat all the pieces evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer everything to a resealable plastic bag. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes—if you can wait, marinate for 1 to 2 hours for even better flavor!
3. Prepare to Grill:
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. While it’s heating, remove the chicken from the fridge and thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked bamboo skewers. Make sure to leave a little space between each piece for even cooking.
4. Grill the Skewers:
Place the chicken skewers on the grill. Grill for about 4-5 minutes on each side, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and shows beautiful char marks. You want that delicious grilled flavor!
5. Rest and Serve:
Once done, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This helps the juices stay in the chicken. While they rest, arrange the fresh lettuce leaves on a serving platter, then lay the chicken skewers on top.
6. Enjoy!
Serve the skewers hot with your choice of peanut sauce or a spicy dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy the delicious flavors of these grilled Thai chicken skewers!
These skewers are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a friendly BBQ gathering! Enjoy every bite!
FAQ for Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken thighs are my favorite for their juiciness, you can also use chicken breasts. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they tend to dry out faster on the grill.
What If I Don’t Have Fish Sauce?
No worries! If you’re out of fish sauce, you can substitute it with more soy sauce for a vegetarian option, or you can use Worcestershire sauce as an alternative. Just keep in mind that this will slightly alter the flavor profile.
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the marinade up to 24 hours in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container and marinate the chicken the day you plan to grill. This gives the chicken even more time to absorb those flavors!
How Do I Store Leftover Skewers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them in the oven at a low temperature or in the microwave, although the microwave may affect the texture slightly. Enjoy them as leftovers in salads or wraps!
