Grilled Lemon Turmeric Chicken Skewers with Spiced Coconut Cabbage Slaw - A delicious recipe by DigiDish

Grilled Lemon Turmeric Chicken Skewers with Spiced Coconut Cabbage Slaw

Fire up the grill and let’s get vibrant! These Grilled Lemon Turmeric Chicken Skewers pack a tangy, golden punch, perfectly paired with a creamy, spiced coconut cabbage slaw. It’s smoky, zesty, and oh-so-tasty—a flavor-packed combo that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

4.6 out of 5 (5 ratings)

Grilled Lemon Turmeric Chicken Skewers with Spiced Coconut Cabbage Slaw is like a tropical vacation on a plate! Imagine tender, golden chicken skewers infused with zesty lemon and earthy turmeric, paired with a crispy, creamy coconut cabbage slaw that hints at warm spices like cumin and a touch of chili. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a little party—vibrant, colorful, and bursting with life. I can’t help but imagine serving this at a backyard barbecue while the summer sun sets, or even just pulling it off my home stovetop grill pan on a chilly evening, pretending I’m somewhere sunny and warm. It’s dishes like this that keep the kitchen exciting, don’t you think?

Grilled Lemon Turmeric Chicken Skewers With Spiced Coconut Cabbage Slaw Recipe

What makes this recipe truly shine is the bold combination of ingredients. Turmeric doesn’t just give the chicken its gorgeous golden hue—it also adds an earthy warmth that pairs beautifully with the tangy lemon marinade. And then there’s the cabbage slaw! Oh, that slaw! The creamy coconut milk base gets a pop of flavor from toasted cumin seeds, fresh lime juice, and a whisper of chili heat. The crunch of the cabbage and carrots against the creamy dressing is pure textural heaven. Plus, this dish is a great homage to global flavors, blending spice profiles from South Asia and the Caribbean into one harmonious bite. It’s not your average grilled chicken and slaw, that’s for sure.

Now, here’s a tip for getting those skewers just right: marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours (though overnight is even better) to let the lemon and turmeric really soak in and work their magic. Use wooden skewers soaked in water for 30 minutes if you’re grilling, so they don’t burn. And don’t feel like you have to stick to chicken—you could absolutely use shrimp or tofu for a fun twist. As for the slaw, make it just before serving so it stays fresh and crisp. If you’re prepping in advance, keep the dressing separate and toss everything together just before mealtime. It’s all about keeping those textures and flavors at their peak!

Trust me, you need to try this one. Serve the skewers with a warm pita or a side of fragrant jasmine rice, and you’ve got yourself an unforgettable meal. Want to mix it up? Add some grilled pineapple or mango chunks to the skewers for a sweet surprise, or sprinkle some toasted coconut flakes on the slaw for extra crunch. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, this recipe turns any meal into something special. So, what are you waiting for? Light up the grill, channel those tropical vibes, and let’s get cooking. I promise, your taste buds are in for an adventure!

Keywords: grilled turmeric chicken recipe, coconut cabbage slaw ideas, unique summer grilling recipes, lemon turmeric chicken skewers, creamy coconut cabbage side dish, spiced slaw for grill night, global-inspired chicken recipes

Prep Time

25 minutes

Cook Time

15 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Cuisine

Global Fusion

Ingredients

  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Wooden or metal skewers
  • 2 cups shredded green cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
  • 1 large carrot, grated
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut, toasted
  • 1/3 cup coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. 1

    In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, turmeric, cumin, smoked paprika, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.

  2. 2

    Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.

  3. 3

    If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning.

  4. 4

    Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, ensuring they are evenly spaced for even cooking.

  5. 5

    Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Cook the skewers for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through.

  6. 6

    While the chicken cooks, prepare the slaw by combining green cabbage, purple cabbage, grated carrot, chopped cilantro, and toasted coconut in a large mixing bowl.

  7. 7

    In a small bowl, whisk together coconut milk, lime juice, honey, ground ginger, chili powder, and salt to make the slaw dressing.

  8. 8

    Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss until evenly coated.

  9. 9

    Serve the grilled chicken skewers with the spiced coconut cabbage slaw on the side, optionally garnished with extra cilantro or lime wedges.

Nutrition Information

Calories

380 calories

Protein

40g

Carbs

14g

Fat

18g

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?

A: Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs. However, chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful. If using breasts, be careful not to overcook them as they can become dry. Cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

Q: What can I use as a substitute for turmeric if I don’t have it?

A: If you don’t have turmeric, you can use curry powder or a smaller amount of saffron for a similar flavor profile. You can also omit it entirely, though the dish will lose some of its color and distinctive taste.

Q: How long can I store leftovers, and what’s the best way to store them?

A: Store any leftover chicken and slaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken will keep for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave. The slaw is best eaten within 1-2 days as it may start to lose its crunch.

Q: Can the slaw be made ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the slaw a few hours in advance. However, if you do, keep the dressing separate and mix it with the vegetables just before serving to avoid the cabbage becoming too soggy.

Q: What can I use in place of coconut milk in the slaw dressing?

A: If you don’t have coconut milk, you can use plain yogurt, a non-dairy yogurt, or even a mix of olive oil and lime juice for a lighter dressing. Keep in mind this will alter the creamy texture and tropical flavor of the slaw.

Q: How can I cook the chicken if I don’t have a grill?

A: If you don’t have a grill or grill pan, you can cook the skewers in the oven. Place them on a baking sheet lined with foil and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. You can also use a stovetop skillet to sear the skewers on medium-high heat.

Q: What are some variations for serving this dish?

A: You can serve the skewers and slaw as part of a larger meal with rice, quinoa, or naan bread. For a low-carb option, serve the chicken over a bed of greens or cauliflower rice. The slaw itself can also double as a refreshing topping for tacos or sandwiches.

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