Coconut Lime Grilled Chicken Skewers
If you’re looking for a bright, fresh grilling recipe that’s full of flavor, these Coconut Lime Grilled Chicken Skewers are a perfect choice. Tender pieces of chicken are marinated in creamy coconut milk, fresh lime juice, and garlic, then grilled until lightly charred and juicy.
The result is a dish with tropical flavor, a hint of citrusy brightness, and beautifully grilled chicken that’s perfect for warm-weather dinners, backyard cookouts, or quick weeknight meals.
Best of all, this recipe is simple and comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a great option when you want something flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why I Love This Recipe
These skewers are one of my favorite grilled chicken recipes because they’re both light and incredibly flavorful.
Here’s why they work so well:
- Simple marinade with bold flavor
- Quick grilling time
- Perfect for summer cookouts
- Healthy, high-protein meal
- Pairs well with many sides
The coconut milk keeps the chicken tender while the lime adds a refreshing citrus punch that balances everything beautifully.
Coconut Lime Grilled Chicken Skewers
Juicy grilled chicken skewers marinated in creamy coconut milk, fresh lime, and garlic for a bright tropical flavor perfect for summer grilling.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 30 min
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (680 g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 cup coconut milk
- Juice of 1 lime
- Zest of 1 lime
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together coconut milk, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes.
- Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers, leaving small gaps between pieces for even cooking.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 4-6 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and lightly charred.
- Optionally brush the skewers with extra marinade during grilling for added flavor.
- Remove from the grill, garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, and serve warm.
Nutrition
- Calories: 360 calories
- Fat: 20 g
- Carbs: 6 g
- Protein: 36 g
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Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (680 g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 cup coconut milk
- Juice of 1 lime
- Zest of 1 lime
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
Optional garnish:
- Fresh cilantro
Ingredient Swaps and Notes
This recipe is flexible and easy to adjust depending on what you have on hand.
Chicken options
You can substitute:
- boneless chicken thighs for extra juiciness
- shrimp for a seafood variation
- tofu for a vegetarian option
Flavor additions
For extra flavor try adding:
- grated ginger
- chili flakes
- honey for a sweet balance
Cooking methods
If you don’t have a grill, you can cook these skewers:
- in a grill pan
- under the broiler
- in an air fryer
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Marinade
In a mixing bowl whisk together:
- coconut milk
- lime juice
- lime zest
- minced garlic
- olive oil
- salt and black pepper
Mix until everything is fully combined.
2. Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss to coat evenly.
Cover and refrigerate for 15–30 minutes so the flavors absorb into the chicken.
3. Prepare the Skewers
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers.
Leave small gaps between pieces so the heat circulates evenly while cooking.
4. Preheat the Grill
Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
5. Grill the Chicken
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 4–6 minutes per side.
Turn occasionally until the chicken is fully cooked and lightly charred.
Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
6. Garnish and Serve
Remove the skewers from the grill and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
Serve warm.
Tips for the Best Grilled Chicken Skewers
A few simple tricks will make these skewers even better.
Don’t skip soaking the skewers
This prevents them from burning on the grill.
Cut chicken evenly
Uniform pieces cook at the same speed.
Don’t over-marinate
Citrus can start to break down the chicken if left too long.
Use medium-high heat
This creates those delicious grill marks while keeping the chicken juicy.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These skewers pair beautifully with fresh sides and light salads.
Serve them with
Easy Homemade Caesar Salad with Chicken for a balanced dinner.
They also work great alongside
Easy Classic Pasta Salad for Any Gathering at picnics or cookouts.
For quick lunch combinations, try serving them with
The Ultimate Turkey Club Wrap for Easy Lunches.
You can also pair them with lighter meals like
Classic Tuna Salad with a Healthy No Mayo Twist.
For meal prep ideas, check out
Easy Meal Prep Chicken Salad – Classic & Creative Riffs.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Approximate values:
- Calories: 360
- Fat: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Protein: 36 g
Storage and Leftover Tips
These chicken skewers store well and are great for meal prep.
Refrigerator
Store cooked skewers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Reheating
Warm them gently in a skillet, microwave, or air fryer.
Meal prep idea
Remove the chicken from the skewers and add it to salads, rice bowls, or wraps.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoy easy chicken meals and fresh flavors, try these recipes:
- Easy Homemade Caesar Salad with Chicken
- Easy Classic Pasta Salad for Any Gathering
- Easy Meal Prep Chicken Salad – Classic & Creative Riffs
- The Ultimate Turkey Club Wrap for Easy Lunches
- Classic Tuna Salad with a Healthy No Mayo Twist
Final Thoughts
These Coconut Lime Grilled Chicken Skewers are a perfect combination of fresh citrus, creamy coconut flavor, and smoky grilled chicken. They’re quick, healthy, and packed with tropical flavor, making them ideal for summer grilling or easy weeknight dinners.
Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting a backyard cookout, or prepping meals for the week, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite.
If you try these skewers, feel free to share your variations and serving ideas—and keep following Jason Griffith at ChefManiac for more flavorful recipes.





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