Effortless Thai Coconut Chicken (Print)

Tender Thai-style chicken skewers glazed in coconut, served with optional peanut sauce for extra flavor.

# Ingredients:

→ Marinated Chicken

01 - 1 kg boneless chicken thighs or drumsticks, cut into 2.5 cm chunks
02 - 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced (approximately 4-5 slices)
03 - 1.5 tablespoons garlic, finely chopped (about 2 cloves)
04 - 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
05 - 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
06 - 2 tablespoons coconut cream
07 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
08 - 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

→ Coconut Glaze

09 - 6 tablespoons coconut cream
10 - 1.5 tablespoons honey
11 - 1 teaspoon light soy sauce

→ Optional Quick Peanut Sauce

12 - 2 tablespoons coconut cream
13 - 60 ml smooth, unsweetened peanut butter
14 - 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
15 - 1 teaspoon Thai red curry paste
16 - 2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey
17 - 2 teaspoons light soy sauce
18 - 2-3 tablespoons water, as needed
19 - 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
20 - 1 teaspoon chili oil (optional)
21 - Crushed roasted peanuts, for garnish (optional)

# Steps:

01 - Combine coconut cream, peanut butter, rice vinegar, red curry paste, maple syrup or honey, and soy sauce in a bowl. Mix until smooth, adding water for preferred consistency. Stir in sesame or chili oil if desired, and top with crushed peanuts. Set aside.
02 - Chop chicken into 2.5 cm cubes. Mince ginger and garlic. Place chicken, ginger, and garlic in a large bowl.
03 - Add light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, coconut cream, granulated sugar, and oyster sauce to the bowl. Toss to coat chicken evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
04 - Mix coconut cream, honey, and light soy sauce in a small bowl. Set aside for glazing.
05 - If using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes. Thread marinated chicken pieces onto soaked skewers, fitting them snugly.
06 - Preheat grill to 260°C. Place skewers over direct heat and grill, turning every 2 minutes, for 15-18 minutes until fully cooked and golden.
07 - Brush skewers generously with coconut glaze. Flip and repeat to achieve a sticky, caramelized finish.
08 - Transfer hot skewers to a serving platter. Offer with lettuce leaves and optional peanut sauce for dipping or wrapping.

# Additional Notes:

01 - Full-fat coconut milk can replace coconut cream, yielding a lighter result.
02 - For a leaner dish, remove the chicken skin before marinating.
03 - If omitting oyster sauce, substitute with additional soy sauce and sugar for balance.
04 - Pork shoulder can be used instead of chicken; cut to similar sizes.
05 - Light soy sauce provides salt, while dark soy sauce enhances color and richness.
06 - Substitute honey with dissolved sugar in hot water for the glaze, if desired.