Get ready to transport your taste buds to a culinary paradise with these irresistible Toasted Coconut Chicken Skewers! Imagine golden, crispy coconut-crusted chicken, perfectly grilled and drizzled with a creamy, rich peanut sauce that will make your mouth water. This Asian-inspired dish combines the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy textures that will turn an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary dining experience. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, these skewers are about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
- Skewers
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by cutting 1 lb of chicken breast into uniform 1-inch cubes, ensuring even cooking.
- In a large shallow dish, toast the shredded coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Create the marinade by whisking together soy sauce, honey, lime juice, and minced garlic in a mixing bowl until well combined.
- Add chicken cubes to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 10 minutes to prevent burning during cooking.
- Remove chicken from marinade and roll each piece in the toasted coconut, pressing gently to help coconut adhere to the meat.
- Thread the coconut-coated chicken pieces onto the prepared skewers, leaving a small space between each piece for even cooking.
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F).
- For the peanut sauce, whisk together peanut butter, remaining soy sauce, and a splash of water to create a smooth, drizzleable consistency.
- Grill skewers for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure all sides are golden brown and chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Remove skewers from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve hot, drizzled with peanut sauce, and garnish with additional toasted coconut or chopped cilantro if desired.
Tips
- Toasting Coconut Like a Pro: Watch your coconut carefully when toasting. It can burn quickly, so keep stirring and remove from heat the moment it turns golden brown and becomes fragrant.
- Marinade Magic: For maximum flavor, don't rush the marinating process. Even 15-20 minutes can help the chicken absorb those delicious seasonings.
- Skewer Success: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 10 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning. If you have time, try soaking them in beer or coconut water for an extra flavor boost!
- Temperature is Key: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F internally. This guarantees both safety and juicy, perfectly cooked meat.
- Sauce Consistency: If your peanut sauce is too thick, add a little water or coconut milk to create a smooth, drizzleable texture.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the marinade and toast the coconut a day in advance to save time on cooking day.
- Garnish Upgrade: For extra flair, sprinkle some chopped cilantro or green onions over the skewers before serving to add a fresh, vibrant touch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 95mg
