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To make Coconut Lime Chicken Skewers, you need a few key items. The main star is chicken thighs. I like using boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They stay juicy and tender when grilled. You will also need: - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes - 1 cup creamy coconut milk - Zest of 2 vibrant limes - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional) - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon ground ginger - Salt and pepper, to taste - Wooden skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes The coconut milk gives a rich flavor that pairs well with lime. The zest adds a fresh note, and the honey balances the tartness. To boost the taste, consider adding a few optional ingredients. Fish sauce adds depth. You might also try extra spices like chili flakes for heat. Here are some ideas: - Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil - A splash of soy sauce for umami - A dash of red pepper flakes for spice These additions can take your skewers to the next level. When choosing chicken for skewers, I recommend thighs over breasts. Thighs stay moist and tender during cooking. They also absorb the marinade better. However, if you prefer chicken breasts, you can use them. Just be mindful to not overcook them. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to keep them juicy. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by grabbing a mixing bowl. Whisk together the creamy coconut milk, lime zest, lime juice, honey, and fish sauce if you like that depth of flavor. Next, add the minced garlic and ground ginger. Stir well until everything blends nicely. This marinade will give your chicken a bright and tasty kick. Now, take your chicken thighs and cut them into 1-inch cubes. Add these cubes to the marinade, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for at least 1 hour. For even better flavor, let it marinate for up to 4 hours. This step is key for tender and flavorful chicken. Before grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. While it heats up, soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent burning. Carefully thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers. Leave a small gap between pieces for even cooking. Season the skewers lightly with salt and pepper on all sides. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10 to 15 minutes. Turn them occasionally to get nice grill marks. Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures it’s safe to eat. Once cooked, take the skewers off the grill. Let them rest for about 5 minutes to keep the juices inside. Serve your Coconut Lime Chicken Skewers with fresh lime wedges and chopped cilantro for a pop of color. For a full meal, pair it with fluffy coconut rice or a cool cucumber salad. Enjoy each flavorful bite! Start with the coconut milk as your base. It adds rich creaminess. The lime zest brightens the flavor. Use fresh limes for the best taste. Honey adds a nice sweetness. If you want depth, add fish sauce. Mix all these in a bowl. Make sure to whisk until smooth. Add minced garlic and ginger, and stir well. This blend will soak into the chicken, making it juicy and flavorful. Marinate the chicken for at least an hour. For even better results, let it sit for four hours. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This step is crucial for nice grill marks. Thread the marinated chicken onto soaked skewers. Leave small gaps between each piece. This ensures even cooking and allows heat to circulate. Season the skewers lightly with salt and pepper. Grill the skewers for 10 to 15 minutes. Turn them often for even cooking. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. Once the skewers are done cooking, take them off the grill. Let them rest for five minutes. This step helps the juices stay inside the chicken. Serve the skewers with fresh lime wedges. A sprinkle of cilantro adds a nice touch. For a complete meal, pair with coconut rice or cucumber salad. This will enhance the tropical flavor. Enjoy your delicious coconut lime chicken skewers! Pro Tips Marination Time: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2-4 hours. This allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat, making it more delicious and tender. Grilling Temperature: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat before cooking. This ensures a proper sear on the chicken, locking in moisture and enhancing the overall taste. Resting Period: Allow the skewers to rest for about 5 minutes after grilling. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the chicken, keeping it juicy and flavorful. Skewer Soaking: Make sure to soak the wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning on the grill and helps them hold the chicken without breaking. {{image_4}} You can change the marinade to fit your taste. Try adding a bit of soy sauce for a salty kick. You can also use pineapple juice for a sweeter flavor. A dash of chili flakes can give it a spicy twist. Experiment with herbs like cilantro or basil for a fresh touch. Chicken is great, but other proteins work well, too. Try shrimp for a seafood twist. Cubes of pork or beef can also soak up the flavors nicely. If you want something leaner, turkey breast is a tasty choice. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on what you use. If you prefer not to use meat, tofu is a fantastic option. Use firm tofu and press it to remove excess moisture. Marinate it just like the chicken for great flavor. You can also thread colorful veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms onto skewers. These add crunch and bright colors to your dish. To keep leftover Coconut Lime Chicken Skewers fresh, place them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down first. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save them longer, freezing is a great option. To freeze the skewers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Place them inside a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. To reheat, place the skewers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also reheat them on the grill for a few minutes. This method keeps the flavors intact and adds a nice char. Enjoy your tasty leftovers! You can tell the chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (75°C) inside. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. The chicken should look golden brown and firm to the touch. If you cut into it, the juices should run clear, not pink. Yes, you can make these skewers in the oven or on a stovetop pan. If using an oven, preheat to 400°F (200°C). Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through. On a stovetop, use a grill pan over medium heat. Cook for 10-15 minutes, turning often. These skewers pair well with many sides. Try serving them with fluffy coconut rice. A fresh cucumber salad also adds a nice crunch. You can even add grilled veggies or a tangy dipping sauce for extra flavor. A sprinkle of chopped cilantro and lime wedges brightens the dish. In this post, I covered the essentials for making delicious chicken skewers. You learned about key ingredients, step-by-step grilling instructions, and tips for the best flavor. I also shared ways to add variety and how to store extras. Chicken skewers can be simple yet tasty. With a bit of care, you’ll impress your friends and family. Enjoy your cooking journey and keep experimenting to find your favorite flavors!

Coconut Lime Chicken Skewers

Delicious chicken skewers marinated in a creamy coconut lime sauce, perfect for grilling.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Tropical
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 cup creamy coconut milk
  • 2 none zest of vibrant limes
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • to taste none salt and pepper
  • as needed none wooden skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, lime zest, lime juice, honey, and fish sauce (if using). Add the minced garlic and ground ginger, stirring until the mixture is well blended.
  • Introduce the cubed chicken thighs into the marinade, making sure each piece is generously covered. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to marinate for a minimum of 1 hour, or for up to 4 hours for enhanced flavor absorption.
  • Preheat your grill to a medium-high setting, allowing it to heat up thoroughly.
  • Carefully thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers. Leave a small gap between each piece to ensure even cooking.
  • Lightly season the skewers with salt and pepper on all sides.
  • Place the skewers on the grill and cook for approximately 10-15 minutes. Turn them occasionally to achieve an even cook and beautiful grill marks. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before removing them from the grill.
  • Once cooked, take the skewers off the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes to retain their juices before serving.

Notes

Serve with fresh lime wedges and cilantro for garnish. Pair with coconut rice or cucumber salad.
Keyword chicken, coconut, grilling, lime, skewers