Coconut Lime Grilled Chicken Skewers
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
2 hrs 5 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
2 hrs 20 mins
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Servings
8 skewers
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Calories
189 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Appetizer, Dinner
Coconut Lime Grilled Chicken Skewers
Description
This recipe marinates skinless chicken thighs or breasts cut into bite-sized pieces in a blend of tamari soy sauce, creamy coconut milk, fresh lime juice, maple syrup for sweetness, fragrant sesame oil, and freshly minced garlic and ginger. The mixture is allowed to marinate for at least two hours, up to overnight, enabling the flavors to absorb fully into the chicken.
After soaking bamboo skewers to prevent burning, the chicken is threaded and grilled over direct medium-high heat. Basting with marinade while cooking helps build a flavorful glaze and ensures juiciness. The chicken cooks until a safe internal temperature of 165°F is reached, resulting in tender pieces with caramelized edges. Alternatively, the recipe includes instructions for air frying the skewers for convenience.
The dish balances savory tamari, creamy coconut, bright lime acidity, aromatic garlic and ginger, and gentle sweetness from maple syrup, creating a well-rounded flavor profile. These skewers work well as a main dish paired with rice or salad.
Notes advise that using half-fat coconut milk can reduce calories without losing much flavor. Even though the marinade flavors may seem strong prior to cooking, they mellow nicely on the grill. Cutting uniform chicken pieces promotes even cooking, and oiling grill grates helps prevent sticking. Metal skewers can also be used as they conduct heat efficiently.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken thighs or breasts cut into bite size cubes, skinless
- ½ cup tamari soy sauce or regular if not gluten free
- ¼ cup coconut milk
- 3 Tablespoons lime juice
- 3 Tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger minced
Instructions
- Mix together tamari soy sauce, coconut milk, lime juice, maple syrup, sesame oil, garlic and ginger in a mixing bowl.
- Add chicken and let marinate for at least 2 hours (up to overnight).
- Soak bamboo skewers for 30 minutes.
- Thread chicken onto skewers.
- Oil the grill grates, then preheat the grill (or griddle pan) to medium-high (direct heat).
- Grill chicken for 10-15 minutes, turning them a couple of times, and brushing on more marinade until golden and cooked through. Make sure to use your meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees F / 74 degrees C.
- You can reduce the remaining marinade in a saucepan over low heat until it thickens, and brush it over the cooked chicken for extra flavor.
Make in the Air Fryer
- Make the skewers like you did in the instructions above using steps 1-4.
- Preheat Air Fryer to 350 degrees F / 180 degrees C.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, making sure to turn once halfway through.
Notes
- For lower calories, substitute half-fat coconut milk without compromising much on flavor.
- Marinate the chicken longer to deepen flavor absorption, up to overnight for best results.
- Although marinade flavors are intense before cooking, they mellow during grilling to a balanced taste.
- Cut chicken into evenly sized cubes to ensure uniform grilling and thorough cooking.
- Oil grill grates before heating to prevent chicken from sticking, taking care to avoid burns.
- Brush the skewers constantly with marinade while grilling to enhance the coconut and lime flavors.
- Metal skewers are a good alternative to bamboo as they conduct heat well and speed cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8skewers
Amount Per Serving
Calories 189 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 189kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 7g | 2% |
| Protein | 24g | 48% |
| Fat | 7g | 11% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 108mg | 36% |
| Sodium | 913mg | 38% |
| Potassium | 348mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 27IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 23mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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