Indonesian Chicken Skewers and Spicy Coconut Salad
These Indonesian chicken skewers with spicy coconut salad are bursting with fresh herbs, fragrant spices, juicy grilled chicken, and crunchy vegetables.
Perfect for warm-weather dinners or weekend barbecues, this healthy Asian-inspired dish combines smoky chicken skewers with a vibrant coconut salad packed with flavour.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh and healthy dinner idea
- Packed with bold Indonesian flavours
- Great for barbecues or entertaining
- High in protein
- Naturally colourful and vibrant
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers
- Red onion
- Garlic
- Red chillies
- Fresh ginger
- Raw sugar
- Grapeseed oil
- Lemongrass
- Lime
- Kecap manis
- Chicken thigh fillets
For the Spicy Coconut Salad
- Desiccated coconut
- Green beans
- Wombok (Chinese cabbage)
- Bean sprouts
- Reserved spice paste
How to Make Indonesian Chicken Skewers
Step 1: Make the Spice Paste
Blend:
- Onion
- Garlic
- Chilli
- Ginger
- Sugar
- Oil
until smooth.
Reserve part of the paste for the salad.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add:
- Lemongrass
- Lime rind and juice
- Kecap manis
to the remaining spice paste.
Coat the chicken and thread onto skewers.
Step 3: Prepare the Coconut Salad
Cook the reserved spice paste in a pan until fragrant.
Add:
- Desiccated coconut
- Water
and cook until thick and aromatic.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Cook the skewers on a barbecue or chargrill pan until golden and cooked through.
Brush with extra kecap manis if desired.
Step 5: Prepare the Vegetables
Blanch:
- Green beans
- Wombok
- Bean sprouts
until tender-crisp.
Toss with the coconut mixture.
Step 6: Serve
Serve the chicken skewers with:
- Spicy coconut salad
- Extra lime halves
- Additional kecap manis
Tips for the Best Chicken Skewers
- Chicken thighs stay juicier than breast meat
- Marinate overnight for deeper flavour
- Don’t overcrowd the grill
- Use soaked bamboo skewers to prevent burning
- Serve immediately while hot
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with:
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Coconut rice
- Fresh cucumber salad
- Grilled corn
- Asian-style pickles
Recipe Variations
Extra Spicy
Add more chilli or sambal.
Low Carb Option
Serve without rice for a lighter meal.
Different Protein
Swap chicken for:
- Prawns
- Beef strips
- Tofu
- Pork
Meal Prep & Storage
- Marinate chicken up to 24 hours ahead
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Reheat skewers on a grill or pan
- Coconut salad is best eaten fresh
Final Thoughts
These Indonesian chicken skewers with spicy coconut salad are fresh, smoky, and packed with authentic Asian-inspired flavours. Perfect for easy entertaining or healthy weeknight dinners, this recipe delivers a delicious balance of spice, sweetness, and crunch.