Thai Coconut Grilled Chicken

Thai Chicken made with creamy coconut milk, vibrant fresh lime, a delicious blend of spices, a hint of sweetness, and Sambal Oeleck for an exciting spicy kick!

Thai Coconut Chicken

It’s a simple Thai style chicken recipe that finishes with incredible results, thanks to a well rounded and nicely seasoned marinade. And yes it may seem like an interesting blend of ingredients but it will remind you of a good curry.

In other words you’ll never get tired of this chicken!

Pair it with steamed jasmine rice (or coconut rice) and grilled or sautéed vegetables (broccoli, bok choy, peas, asparagus, carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, etc), for an easy and nutritious dinner.

What to Make with Extra Coconut Milk

Wondering what to make with the leftover coconut milk? Bake my favorite coconut cake (use a hint of regular milk if you’re a tad short on coconut milk), add it to oatmeal, make french toast or try it in this tasty Hawaiian Fried Rice.

Ingredients Needed and Possible Substitutes

• Chicken thighs: Use boneless skinless for this recipe.
• Canned coconut milk: A key ingredient, it makes the marinade nice and rich. Canned coconut cream mixed with a bit of water will work fine too.
• Limes: This ingredient adds so much flavor to the marinade. In a pinch lemons will work.
• Sambal Oeleck: This is an Indonesian hot chili paste commonly used in Thai cooking. You could also use Sriracha.
• Brown sugar: Light or dark brown sugar can be used. If you are out just use granulated sugar.
• Vegetable oil: Olive oil will work great too.
• Coriander, cumin, turmeric and cinnamon: This blend of spices adds so much flavor to the chicken. You can omit the turmeric if you don’t have it.
• Ginger: As always fresh is best. In a pinch use 1 1 /2 tsp dried ginger.
• Garlic: Again go with fresh if you can. Use 1 1/2 tsp dried as a last option.
• Salt: Season the marinade to taste before you add the chicken.
• Cilantro: No substitutes here, just omit if you don’t like it.

How to Make Thai Coconut Chicken

1. Make marinade: In a medium mixing bowl whisk together coconut milk, lime juice and zest, sambal oelek, brown sugar, vegetable oil, coriander, cumin, turmeric cinnamon, ginger, garlic and season with salt to taste (I use about 1 to 1 1/2 tsp).
2. Reserve of portion of marinade: Measure out 1/3 cup of the marinade mixture (leaving plenty of the garlic and ginger behind), and reserve separately in the refrigerator for later use.
3. Pour marinade over chicken: Place chicken thighs in a gallon size resealable bag. Pour remaining marinade over chicken in bag. Seal bag while pressing out excess air.
4. Rest in fridge: Transfer to fridge and let marinate 1 – 6 hours.
5. Heat grill: Preheat a gas grill over medium-high heat, to about 400 degrees (clean grill grates).
6. Cook chicken on grill: Place chicken on grill and cook 5 minutes, then baste chicken with reserved 1/3 cup marinade mixture. Cook on opposite side until chicken registers 165 degrees in center.
7. Finish with cilantro: Serve warm garnished with fresh cilantro.

Can I Use Chicken Breasts?

Yes. Thighs are best but chicken breasts will work just fine too if that’s what you prefer. Just be careful not to over-cook because they’ll start to dry out.

Cooking Variations

• Stovetop: You could also cook this on a grill pan over medium-high heat on the stove top along with a bit of olive oil in the pan. Cook over medium-high heat. It should take about 6 minutes per side.
• Oven: Bake on a foil lined and greased baking sheet in a 425 degree oven until baked through (about 25 minutes).

More Thai Style Recipes to Try

• Chicken Satay
• Pad Thai
• Spicy Thai Peanut Noodles
• Thai Chicken Curry
• Thai Coconut Curry Chicken Soup

Recipe inspired by Bon Appetit