These Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers are packed with flavor and sweetness! With juicy chicken pieces marinated in a tasty Thai sauce, they make for a quick and fun meal.
These skewers are perfect for a backyard BBQ or a cozy dinner. Just grill and enjoy! I love serving them with some rice—dinner made in a snap! 🍗✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: For the best flavor, I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They stay juicy during grilling. If you prefer breast meat, that works too, but may dry out a bit quicker.
Sauces: The combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce gives a rich flavor. If you’re avoiding fish sauce, try using more soy sauce or a vegan alternative like mushroom sauce.
Ginger and Garlic: Freshly grated ginger and minced garlic are essential for depth. If you don’t have fresh, you can use powders, but the flavor won’t be as vibrant. I always prefer fresh!
Sugar: Brown sugar adds sweetness and helps caramelization. If you’re looking for a healthier option, coconut sugar or honey can be great substitutes.
Chili Sauce: This adds a kick. You can adjust the heat to your taste. If you like it mild, leave it out, or add more if you love the heat!
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Skewers Don’t Dry Out?
To keep chicken juicy and flavorful, marinating is key! Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure to marinate for at least 1 hour, but longer is better—4 hours or overnight is ideal.
- Don’t forget to baste! Use leftover marinade (boiled first) while grilling to keep chicken moist.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers. Leave a little space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
And remember, let your skewers rest for a few minutes after grilling to lock in that juiciness. Enjoy your grilling!
Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- For the Marinade:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar or palm sugar
- 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil or sesame oil
- 1 tsp chili garlic sauce or chili flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
- For Skewering:
- Bamboo or metal skewers (if using bamboo, soak in water for at least 30 minutes)
- For Serving:
- Fresh lettuce leaves
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus marinating for at least 1 hour (or overnight for deeper flavor). Grilling will take an additional 10-15 minutes. Overall, you can expect about 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish (including marinating time).
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, lime juice, oil, and chili garlic sauce (if using). Stir well until the sugar is dissolved, creating a flavorful marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the marinade and stir to coat them evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For the best flavor, let it marinate for 3-4 hours or overnight.
3. Get Ready to Grill:
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Make sure it’s nice and hot for that perfect char!
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, making sure to leave a little space between each piece to ensure they cook evenly.
5. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, turning occasionally. Grill until the chicken is fully cooked and has beautiful char marks. If there’s any leftover marinade, brush it on the skewers while they’re grilling (just remember to boil it first if it touched raw chicken).
6. Let Them Rest:
Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the juices inside the chicken.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious grilled Thai chicken skewers on a platter, lined with fresh lettuce leaves. Pair with a dipping sauce like peanut sauce, sweet chili sauce, or spicy peanut curry sauce for an extra flavor boost. They go wonderfully with rice or fresh veggies!
These skewers are an easy, flavorful dish that brings delicious Thai flavors right to your table! Enjoy your meal and happy grilling!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but keep in mind they may dry out faster than thighs. To help retain moisture, be sure to marinate them well and avoid overcooking.
What If I Don’t Have Fish Sauce?
No worries! If you don’t have fish sauce, you can substitute it with more soy sauce or use a vegan mushroom sauce for a similar umami flavor. Just adjust to taste!
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for a minimum of 1 hour, but for optimal flavor, try to marinate it for 3-4 hours or even overnight. Just be sure to keep it in the refrigerator!
What Should I Do with Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do it gently in the microwave or on the grill to keep them as juicy as possible!
Can I Make These Skewers in the Oven?
Absolutely! You can bake the skewers in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is fully cooked.
