Coconut Lemongrass Chicken Skewers: A Taste of the Tropics

Meta Description: Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with these coconut lemongrass chicken skewers. This easy, flavorful recipe is perfect for grilling and a fantastic, healthy weeknight dinner.

I’ll never forget the first time I traveled to Southeast Asia. The moment I stepped off the plane, I was hit by the most incredible aroma—a fragrant mix of ginger, garlic, coconut, and something else that was bright, citrusy, and deeply aromatic. I later learned that “something else” was lemongrass. Throughout my trip, I ate countless variations of grilled chicken, but the ones that stood out were marinated in a creamy, coconut-based sauce and threaded onto skewers with chunks of fresh lemongrass. The chicken was so tender and juicy, and the flavors were perfectly balanced—a little sweet, a little savory, and a lot of fresh. I was determined to bring a piece of that experience home with me.

After many attempts and a lot of taste-testing, I finally perfected my own recipe for coconut lemongrass chicken skewers. It captures all the vibrant, fragrant flavors of that original dish, but in a way that’s simple and approachable for a home cook. This recipe is a fantastic way to take your taste buds on a vacation without ever leaving your kitchen. They’re a perfect meal for a summer barbecue, a light weeknight dinner, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. The key is the marinade, which tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with an incredible depth of flavor.¹ This is a grilled chicken skewer recipe that will transport you to a tropical paradise with every bite.

🥥 The Magic of the Marinade

The secret to these coconut lemongrass chicken skewers is a marinade that does double duty.² First, the coconut milk and a little bit of lime juice work together to tenderize the chicken, ensuring it stays incredibly juicy and moist on the grill. Second, the combination of lemongrass, ginger, garlic, and a hint of a sweet element creates a flavor profile that is both complex and deeply satisfying. Lemongrass, with its unique citrus-y and slightly floral notes, is the star of the show. We’ll also use a little soy sauce for a savory, umami flavor. This is a marinade that you’ll want to make again and again for everything from chicken to shrimp.

✅ Ingredients for the Marinade

• 1 (14-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk³
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemongrass, minced (from about 1 stalk)
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 3 cloves garlic, minced⁴
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Juice of 1 lime⁵

✅ Ingredients for the Skewers

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
• Wooden or metal skewers
• Optional: Bell peppers and red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces

✅ Ingredients for Topping and Serving

• Fresh cilantro, chopped⁶
• Crushed roasted peanuts
• Lime wedges⁷

📝 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken and Marinade: First, cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes and place them in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together all the marinade ingredients: coconut milk, minced lemongrass, grated ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and lime juice. Whisk until everything is well combined and the honey has dissolved.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Pour the marinade over the chicken cubes, making sure every piece is coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. Do not marinate for longer than 4 hours, as the lime juice can start to break down the chicken. This is a crucial step for infusing the lemongrass chicken skewers with flavor.
3. Soak the Skewers: If you are using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before you start. This prevents them from burning on the grill.
4. Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers.⁸ If you are using bell peppers and red onion, you can alternate them with the chicken for a colorful and flavorful skewer.
5. Grill the Skewers: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.⁹ Place the skewers on the hot grill. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a beautiful char. The exact cooking time will depend on your grill and the size of your chicken cubes.
6. Serve and Garnish: Remove the skewers from the grill. Place them on a serving platter and let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and crushed roasted peanuts. Serve with fresh lime wedges on the side for squeezing.

🌟 Pro Tips and Troubleshooting

Even with a simple recipe, a few key things can make all the difference.

• Lemongrass Prep: To get the most flavor from the lemongrass, you need to use the tender, inner part of the stalk. First, trim off the top and bottom, and peel away the tough outer layers. The inner, pale part is what you want to use. You can either finely mince it with a knife or use a food processor for a finer texture.
• The Right Chicken: While chicken breasts work, chicken thighs are a great option for skewers.¹⁰ They have more fat, which means they stay incredibly juicy on the grill and are more forgiving if you overcook them slightly.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Place the skewers on the grill in a single layer, leaving a little space between each one. This ensures they cook evenly and get a good sear instead of steaming.
• Using a Grill Pan: If you don’t have an outdoor grill, a cast-iron grill pan on the stovetop works wonderfully. Just be sure to get it nice and hot before you add the skewers.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What if I can’t find fresh lemongrass?

While fresh lemongrass is best for this recipe, you can use lemongrass paste from a tube. Use about 1 tablespoon for this recipe. The flavor won’t be as vibrant, but it will still be delicious.

Can I make this a non-spicy dish?

Yes! The honey and ginger provide a subtle heat, but if you want to make the marinade even milder, you can simply reduce or omit the amount of ginger.

The skewers themselves don’t have a lot of heat unless you add something like a chili sauce, but the flavors are all about the sweet and savory balance.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked?

The best way to know for sure is to use a meat thermometer. The chicken should have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).¹¹ The chicken will be firm to the touch and will have a nice golden-brown crust.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can cut the chicken and mix the marinade a day in advance. Combine them and let them marinate for no more than 4 hours. You can also thread the skewers a few hours before you plan to grill them. This is a perfect make-ahead chicken recipe.

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.

😋 Creative Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These coconut lemongrass chicken skewers are a full meal on their own, but you can also serve them with a few simple sides to round out your dinner.

• Fluffy Rice: A bed of warm, fluffy jasmine rice is the classic way to serve these skewers.¹² The rice soaks up any extra marinade and creates a delicious base.
• Simple Salad: Pair the warm, savory chicken with a crisp, cool salad. A simple cucumber and tomato salad with a squeeze of lime juice would be perfect.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roast a mix of your favorite vegetables, like broccoli, bell peppers, or carrots, to serve alongside the skewers.
• Dipping Sauce: Serve the skewers with a side of a simple peanut dipping sauce or a sweet chili sauce for an extra burst of flavor. This is a great dinner party appetizer.

✨ Variations to Try

Ready to experiment with your coconut lemongrass chicken skewers? Here are a few ideas to get you started.

• Spicy Skewers: Add a tablespoon of sriracha or a finely minced red chili pepper to the marinade for a fiery kick. The spice pairs beautifully with the sweet coconut milk.
• Grilled Pineapple: Thread some chunks of fresh pineapple onto the skewers with the chicken. The pineapple will caramelize on the grill and add a wonderful sweet and tangy element. This is a delicious tropical chicken skewer recipe.
• With Shrimp or Tofu: This marinade works beautifully with other proteins. You can use large shrimp or firm tofu instead of the chicken for a different take on the recipe.
• With a Creamy Sauce: For a richer sauce, whisk a tablespoon of creamy peanut butter into the leftover marinade before you simmer it. This will create a delicious sauce for drizzling over the skewers.

The Joy of Simple and Delicious

Cooking for me is about finding joy in the small things, and this recipe for coconut lemongrass chicken skewers does just that. It takes a simple, everyday protein and transforms it into a meal that is not only good for you but also tastes incredible. It’s a testament to the fact that you don’t need a complicated recipe to create something truly special. It’s a meal that’s perfect for a quiet night in, a quick lunch, or a fun barbecue with friends. It’s a versatile dish that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and discover the magic of these chicken skewers for yourself. It’s a dish that will not only satisfy your taste buds but also inspire you to see the potential in simple ingredients. Try it, share it with someone you love, and let me know how it goes! I’d love to hear about any of the creative variations you came up with. Happy cooking!