These Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers are packed with flavor! Marinated in a tasty mix of soy sauce, garlic, and spices, they are juicy and perfect for summer grilling.
They disappear so fast at my BBQs, I have to hide a few for later! 😄 Serve them with a dipping sauce, and you’ll have a hit with friends and family. Super easy and so delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work best for this recipe due to their tenderness and flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just be aware that they may dry out faster, so watch the cooking time!
Sauces: Soy sauce gives a salty depth to the dish, while oyster sauce adds umami flavor. If you need a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce. For the fish sauce, coconut aminos is a good alternative for a milder taste.
Palm Sugar: This adds a unique sweetness, but you can easily substitute brown sugar if you have it on hand. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly; brown sugar will be more caramel-like.
Ground White Pepper: This adds a subtle kick. If you don’t have it, black pepper is fine. Ground ginger can be used instead of fresh, but fresh adds a bright flavor that enhances the dish.
Why is Marinating Important and How Do I Properly Marinate?
Marinating is key to infusing flavor into your chicken skewers. It also helps tenderize the meat. Here’s how to do it right:
- Mix your marinade ingredients well in a bowl until everything is combined.
- After adding the chicken, make sure it’s evenly coated by tossing it or using your hands (make sure to wash them afterward).
- Seal the marinated chicken in a container or plastic bag, removing as much air as possible, and refrigerate.
- The longer you marinate, the better! Aim for at least 1 hour, but 3-4 hours really helps the flavors mingle.
How to Make Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons palm sugar or brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ground white pepper
- Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
- Fresh lettuce leaves, for serving
- Optional dipping sauce (e.g., spicy peanut sauce or sweet chili sauce)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep, plus at least 1 hour to marinate the chicken. After that, you’ll spend about 10-15 minutes grilling. Overall, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish, including marinating time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, palm sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, lime juice, vegetable oil, and ground white pepper. Mix until the sugar is fully dissolved, creating a flavorful marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken thigh pieces to the marinade. Toss everything together until the chicken is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer it to a resealable bag. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but if you can, let it sit for 3-4 hours to really enhance the flavors.
3. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken marinates, heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. This ensures the chicken will get that perfect char!
4. Skewer the Chicken:
Once your chicken is ready, take the bamboo skewers and thread the marinated chicken pieces onto them. Make sure to pack the pieces snugly but not too tight to allow heat to circulate.
5. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the grill. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and has nice char marks. Feel free to baste with the leftover marinade during grilling, but remember to cook any marinade that touches raw chicken before using as a glaze!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once grilled, arrange the chicken skewers on a platter lined with fresh lettuce leaves. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce like a spicy peanut sauce or sweet chili sauce. Enjoy your flavorful Thai chicken skewers!
FAQ for Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can! While chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, chicken breasts will work too. Just be sure to monitor the cooking time closely since chicken breasts can dry out more easily.
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 3-4 hours. If you want to marinate overnight, that’s also great, but don’t exceed 24 hours as the meat may become too tender and affect texture.
Can I Make These Skewers Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and marinate the chicken skewers up to a day in advance. Just keep them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill. You can also grill them ahead and reheat for serving.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on a grill or in a skillet over low heat to maintain their juiciness.
