Coconut Chicken Skewers

Making these coconut chicken skewers is very simple, and the marinade has a lovely fragrant flavor that isn't too hot for kids (or those who aren't keen on too much spice!). Super versatile, you can grill outdoors when the sun is shining or indoors if the weather isn't playing ball. Pair with a fresh slaw, pasta salad or grilled veggies for a fun dinner!

If your family loves a chicken dinner, then you may also like to see my ginger chicken pilaf traybake and rosemary chicken fillets. Both so flavourful yet easy to make!

And if the BBQ is calling you in the summer months, then my grilled herb turkey kabobs are another fun choice.

🐓 Ingredients

The marinade comprises ingredients that are mostly pantry staples. You will need:

• Chicken - you want to use boneless skinless chicken breasts for this recipe, and dice into similar size chunks.
• Coconut cream: you can either use coconut cream as it is, or if you're out the thick cream that is at the top of a can of coconut milk. To get more of the cream rather than the runny liquid, place the can in the fridge (unopened) for an hour or two before using.
• Sweet paprika: this spice scores 0 on the SIGHI list, which is great as it gives lots of flavour. Smoked or hot paprika is off-limits, but the sweet version has a mild sweet tang that is perfect as a marinade. If you don't follow a low histamine diet, smoked paprika works too!
• Coriander: I know, I know, it's a love it or hate it herb. Personally I love it and have a fresh plant on my windowsill most of the time. This chicken skewers recipe uses dried coriander, but if you're not a fan then swap it out for an alternative such as thyme.
• Fresh ginger. Gives so much flavour and has reputed anti-inflammatory properties. Also warming for the colder months.
• Apple cider vinegar. For that acidic tang that balances out the coconut cream. If you prefer a vinegar that scores 0 on the SIGHI list, then swap out for white distilled vinegar.
• Pink Himalayan salt: don't under-estimate salt for upping your flavour! Pink Himalayan salt has a lovely mild taste that is less intense or sharp than regular table salt.

📖 Swaps and variations

Swap fresh ginger for ground ginger. If you don't have ginger root to hand, a pinch of ground can be used - just don't use too much as it's quite pungent!

Swap sweet paprika for hot paprika. You can use more pungent paprika or smoked paprika, but those here for low histamine recipes will likely want to stick to the sweet variety.

🔪 Step by step instructions

These coconut chicken skewers are so quick and easy to make, in just a few steps:

Step 1

Prepare the chicken. Dice your chicken breasts into small pieces, then place in a dish that can be sealed. Pour the ingredients for the coconut marinade over the chicken. Use your hands or a spoon to fully coat the chicken. Set aside for your preferred time to marinate (see below for more on this).

Step 2

Grill your chicken. Thread the chicken pieces, bell peppers and zucchini onto the skewers.

Either grill outdoors or indoors until the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165F.

Serve with slaw or other salads or sides of choice.

📖 Prepping your skewers

One of the most important steps in making these coconut milk chicken skewers is prepping your wooden skewers. Be sure to soak them in water for at least thirty minutes or they may set alight. While firemen in your home may seem like a good thing for some of us ladies 😉 the actual house being on fire is most definitely not. No coconut chicken skewer recipe is worth that . . .

📋 How long to marinate

Ideally, these skewers would be left for an hour or two in the fridge to soak up the flavors of coconut and the spices.

For those that follow a low histamine diet, the Swiss Interest Group Histamine Intolerance suggests that meat and fish should be kept in the fridge to avoid bacteria beginning to form histamines and then cooked immediately. Making sure it is covered or wrapped helps avoid germs from entering the food from the air. I tend to use sealable glass containers for this. For those that would react to the histamine formation in an hour, you could just give the chicken a good stir through the marinade and cook straightaway. The flavor won't be as strong, but will still be tasty!

🥗 Suggestions for sides

Skewers are always on our table for summer BBQs, along with a selection of salads. A few you may like to try with these chicken kebabs:

• Tasty slaws are always a good idea with BBQ food, so have a peek at my broccolini slaw and tropical mango slaw.
• Potato salad is such a crowd-pleaser, and my herbed roasted potato salad is a little different for a change!
• Light salads pair well with meats and chicken, so check out my easy to make apple, fennel and radish salad and mango cucumber salad for a light and refreshing option.

And don't forget a fun drink such as my cucumber mint mocktail or blueberry mocktail to go with your meal!

🍽 More tasty chicken recipes

Enjoy many tasty chicken recipes, from my pesto chicken risotto to my turmeric chicken soup and so many more. Some recent recipes to try out:

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