Spicy Coconut Grilled Chicken
Spicy Coconut Grilled Chicken is a vibrant, creamy, and tangy dish combining the tropical richness of coconut milk with fiery heat from red chili flakes. Perfect for grilling, this recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chicken thighs with a smoky char and a fresh finish of cilantro. Ideal for summer BBQs, weeknight dinners, or any occasion, it is easy to prepare and balanced with healthy proteins and fats.
- Author: Nina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Tropical / BBQ
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon red chili flakes
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together coconut milk, lime juice, minced garlic, red chili flakes, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and olive oil until fully blended. This marinade is essential to infuse the chicken with bold, spicy, and creamy flavors.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs into a large resealable bag or container. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal tightly, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for best flavor absorption.
- Preheat Your Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high, about 375-400°F (190-204°C), to ensure even cooking with perfect grill marks and a delicious smoky char.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Place chicken pieces on the hot grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the exterior is nicely caramelized and charred.
- Rest and Garnish: Transfer grilled chicken to a plate and allow to rest for 5 minutes to retain juices. Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top before serving for a bright, herbaceous finish.
Notes
- Marinate overnight for the most intense flavor.
- Allow chicken to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before grilling to ensure even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Oil grill grates before cooking to prevent sticking and achieve perfect grill marks.
- Do not overcrowd the grill; leave space between chicken pieces for proper air circulation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: spicy chicken, grilled chicken, coconut chicken, BBQ recipe, tropical chicken, coconut milk chicken, easy grilled chicken, summer BBQ