These Coconut Lime Grilled Chicken Skewers are a tropical delight, combining juicy, tender chicken with a zesty lime and creamy coconut marinade. Perfect for summer barbecues, quick dinners, or meal prep, they bring refreshing, vibrant flavors straight from the grill to your plate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this recipe because it’s simple, healthy, and full of flavor. The coconut and lime combination gives a perfect balance of creaminess and tang, while the grill adds a delicious smoky touch. It’s dairy-free, easy to prepare ahead of time, and versatile enough to serve with rice, salad, or veggies.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken:
1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tbsp coconut oil
2 tbsp coconut milk
Juice and zest of 1 lime
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp honey or maple syrup
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Wooden or metal skewers
For Garnish (optional):
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Lime wedges
Directions
Prepare the marinade:
In a bowl, whisk together coconut oil, coconut milk, lime juice and zest, minced garlic, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Marinate the chicken:
Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, toss to coat evenly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.
Prepare the skewers:
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 15–20 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers.
Grill the skewers:
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char on the edges.
Serve:
Remove from heat, garnish with chopped cilantro, and serve with lime wedges. These skewers pair perfectly with coconut rice, grilled vegetables, or a light salad.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marinating Time: 30 minutes to 2 hours
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes (depending on marination time)
Variations
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red chili flakes or a teaspoon of sriracha to the marinade for a spicy twist.
Herb Infusion: Add chopped basil or mint to give a fresh herbal note.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or paneer cubes and follow the same marinade and grilling process.
Oven Method: Bake skewers at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through, until cooked through.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through. You can also enjoy them cold in a salad or wrap.
FAQs
How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least 30 minutes, but for best results, marinate up to 2 hours.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are juicier and work wonderfully in this recipe.
Can I cook these skewers in the oven?
Absolutely. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through.
Can I use metal skewers?
Yes, metal skewers work perfectly and don’t require soaking.
What sides go best with these skewers?
Try coconut rice, jasmine rice, grilled corn, or a tropical mango salad.
Can I prepare them ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken overnight and grill when ready to serve.
Are these skewers dairy-free?
Yes, the recipe uses coconut milk and oil, making it completely dairy-free.
How can I make this recipe more flavorful?
Add a bit of soy sauce or fish sauce (halal) for a deeper umami taste.
Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
Yes, freeze the marinated chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before grilling.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and have no pink inside.
Conclusion
Coconut Lime Grilled Chicken Skewers are a perfect combination of freshness, creaminess, and smoky flavor. Quick to prepare and packed with tropical notes, they’re ideal for any occasion—from family dinners to outdoor gatherings. Once you try them, they’ll become a regular favorite in your grilling rotation.
These Coconut Lime Grilled Chicken Skewers feature juicy, tender chicken marinated in a zesty lime and creamy coconut mixture, then grilled to smoky perfection. A tropical, dairy-free dish ideal for summer barbecues or quick weeknight dinners.
Author:Sophia
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:12 minutes
Total Time:50 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield:Serves 4
Category:Main Course
Method:Grilling
Cuisine:Tropical / Southeast Asian-Inspired
Diet:Halal
Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tbsp coconut oil
2 tbsp coconut milk
Juice and zest of 1 lime
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp honey or maple syrup
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Wooden or metal skewers
Optional: Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Optional: Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
In a bowl, whisk together coconut oil, coconut milk, lime juice and zest, minced garlic, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, toss to coat evenly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 15–20 minutes. Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers.
Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill chicken skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and nicely charred.
Remove from grill, garnish with chopped cilantro, and serve with lime wedges.
Notes
For best results, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours.
Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
Can be cooked in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway.
Pairs well with coconut rice, salad, or grilled vegetables.
