Name: Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken: 15 Mins Prep, Amazing Taste
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 27 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 ½ lbs chicken thighs, cut into 1 -inch pieces; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ginger, grated

Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken has a way of transporting me straight to a tropical paradise with every bite. I remember my first encounter with this dish at a small street food stall in Bangkok years ago; the aroma of grilling meat infused with sweet coconut and savory spices was intoxicating. That memory inspired me to perfect this easy grilled Thai coconut chicken recipe for my own backyard barbecues. The tender chicken, kissed by the grill and coated in a fragrant, sweet and savory marinade, is simply irresistible. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken

This recipe is a winner for so many reasons! Get ready to impress yourself and your guests.

Incredible Flavor: Experience a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic notes that scream Southeast Asian grilled chicken.
Quick & Easy Prep: With only 15 minutes of prep time, you can get this coconut marinated grilled chicken ready for the grill in no time.
Healthy & Delicious: Packed with protein and lean chicken thighs, this dish is a guilt-free way to enjoy a flavorful meal.
Budget-Friendly: Simple ingredients make this an affordable yet impressive meal for any occasion.
Family Approved: The mild sweetness and tender texture make this Thai style grilled chicken coconut a hit with kids and adults alike.
Perfect for Grilling: This grilled Thai coconut chicken recipe is designed to deliver fantastic results on the barbecue.
Versatile: Enjoy it as skewers or simply grill the marinated pieces for a delightful tropical grilled chicken experience.

Ingredients for Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken

Gather these simple ingredients for a taste of authentic Thai coconut chicken recipe right in your backyard. The marinade is key to infusing the chicken with that amazing flavor.

1 ½ lbs chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces – Thighs stay tender and juicy on the grill, making them perfect for this coconut marinated grilled chicken.
3 tablespoons soy sauce – This provides the savory, umami base for our marinade.
2 tablespoons honey – For that touch of sweetness that balances the savory notes and helps with caramelization on the grill.
1 tablespoon olive oil – Helps to bind the marinade ingredients and adds a little richness.
2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic adds a pungent kick that complements the other flavors beautifully.
1 teaspoon ginger, grated – Fresh ginger brings a zesty warmth, essential for that authentic Thai style grilled chicken coconut taste.

How to Make Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken

This easy grilled Thai coconut chicken recipe is a breeze to make, promising tender, flavorful chicken with minimal fuss. Get ready for a taste of Thailand!

Marinating the Chicken

First, let’s get our chicken ready for its flavor bath. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. This creates the luscious marinade that will transform your chicken. Add the chicken pieces and toss everything together until each piece is thoroughly coated. For the best flavor, cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. If you have the time, marinating overnight allows the flavors of this coconut marinated grilled chicken to really deepen.

Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken: 15 Mins Prep, Amazing Taste - Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken - additional detail

Grilling the Chicken

Now for the fun part – grilling! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. While the grill heats up, soak wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes to prevent them from burning. Once ready, thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking. Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Grill for about 10-12 minutes, turning them every few minutes. You’re looking for beautiful grill marks and for the chicken to be cooked through. The aroma of the grilling chicken with coconut milk will fill your backyard!

Step 1: While the chicken marinates, preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Step 2: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Step 3: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
Step 4: Place the skewers on the hot grill grates.
Step 5: Grill for approximately 10-12 minutes, turning them every 2-3 minutes to ensure even cooking and beautiful grill marks.
Step 6: The chicken is done when it’s cooked through and the juices run clear. The exterior should be nicely caramelized from the marinade.

Pro Tips for the Best Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken

Want to elevate your grilled Thai coconut chicken game? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make all the difference. Follow these simple tips for unbelievably delicious results every time you grill.

Always use chicken thighs for maximum juiciness; they are forgiving on the grill.
Don’t overcrowd the skewers; give each piece a little breathing room for even cooking and better caramelization.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a more tender bite.

What’s the secret to perfect Thai coconut grilled chicken?

The real secret to that amazing flavor in Thai coconut grilled chicken is patience with the marinade. Letting it sit for at least an hour, or ideally overnight, allows the coconut milk and spices to deeply penetrate the chicken, creating an authentic, mouthwatering taste. For more information on the benefits of marinating, you can check out this guide on the science of marinades.

Can I make Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Threading the skewers can also be done a few hours ahead and kept chilled. Just bring them to room temperature for about 15 minutes before grilling. You can find more tips on meal prep on our about page.

How do I avoid common mistakes with coconut marinated grilled chicken?

A common pitfall is overcooking, which dries out the chicken. Be sure to watch it closely on the grill. Also, remember to soak your wooden skewers to prevent burning. Lastly, don’t skip the resting period after grilling; it’s crucial for juicy results. For more grilling advice, consider visiting AmazingRibs.com.

Best Ways to Serve Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken

This vibrant Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Whether you’re looking for a light and refreshing meal or something a bit more substantial, these suggestions will complement the sweet and savory flavors perfectly.

Serving Suggestions

For a complete and satisfying meal, serve these skewers over fluffy jasmine rice or a bed of coconut rice. A crisp, refreshing cucumber salad or a simple green papaya salad also makes a wonderful accompaniment, cutting through the richness of the chicken.

Pairing Ideas

To enhance the tropical notes, consider pairing your Thai coconut grilled chicken with a crisp lager, a refreshing Thai iced tea, or even a light white wine like a Riesling. A peanut dipping sauce or a sweet chili sauce can add another layer of deliciousness. For more pairing ideas, check out our latest recipes.

Nutrition Facts for Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken

This Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken recipe offers a flavorful and satisfying meal with a good balance of macronutrients. These figures are based on the serving size specified.

Serving Size: 1 skewer
Calories: 250
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 400mg
Cholesterol: 110mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. For more information on our data sources, please see our privacy policy.

How to Store and Reheat Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken

Leftover Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken is a treat to have on hand! Once the chicken has cooled completely at room temperature (this shouldn’t take more than two hours), transfer it to an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Stored this way in the refrigerator, your delicious coconut marinated grilled chicken will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it even longer, you can freeze the grilled chicken. Wrap individual pieces securely and freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheating is simple: gently warm leftovers in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth, or microwave them for a minute or two until heated through. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender and juicy. For questions about our terms of use, please visit our terms of use.

Frequently Asked Questions About Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken

What is Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken?

Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken is a dish featuring chicken pieces marinated in a flavorful blend of coconut milk, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger, then grilled to perfection. It offers a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors characteristic of Thai cuisine.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breast, but I’d recommend adjusting the grilling time as breast meat cooks faster and can dry out more easily. For the juiciest results with this coconut marinated grilled chicken, thighs are my top choice because they stay wonderfully tender.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

For a good flavor infusion in your Thai coconut grilled chicken, aim for at least 1 hour. However, for the most intense and authentic taste, I highly recommend marinating it overnight. This allows the marinade to penetrate the chicken fully, resulting in a more delicious and tender final dish.

Variations of Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken You Can Try

This Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken recipe is fantastic as is, but it’s also a great base for creating your own unique flavors. Don’t be afraid to experiment with these delicious variations to suit your taste preferences.

Spicy Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken

If you love a little heat, amp up the spice in your Thai coconut grilled chicken! Add 1-2 chopped fresh red chilies (like bird’s eye chilies) to the marinade, or stir in a teaspoon of chili paste or sriracha. Adjust the amount to your desired level of spice for a fiery kick.

Lemongrass Coconut Grilled Chicken

For an even more aromatic and authentic Southeast Asian flavor, try incorporating lemongrass. Finely mince 1-2 stalks of fresh lemongrass (tender inner parts only) and add it to your marinade along with the garlic and ginger. This variation truly elevates the tropical notes of your coconut marinated grilled chicken.

Garlic Ginger Thai Style Grilled Chicken Coconut

While garlic and ginger are already stars in this recipe, you can double down on them for an intensely aromatic experience. Increase the minced garlic to 4 cloves and the grated ginger to 2 teaspoons. This focus on garlic ginger Thai style grilled chicken coconut brings out a robust, zesty flavor that’s incredibly satisfying.