– **Title**: Thai Grilled Chicken Thighs (Gai Yang)
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 stalks lemongrass, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup fish sauce
– 2 tbsp sugar
– 1 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp ground black pepper
– 1 tsp coriander powder
– 1 tsp cumin powder
– 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
– Lime wedges (for serving)
– **Instructions**:
1. In a large bowl, mix together the minced garlic, chopped lemongrass, fish sauce, sugar, soy sauce, black pepper, coriander powder, and cumin powder to create a marinade.
2. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, ideally overnight for better flavor.
3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess marinade drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
5. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill. Cook for about 6-8 minutes before flipping, until the skin is crispy and browned.
6. Flip the chicken and grill for another 6-8 minutes on the other side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
7. Once cooked, remove from the grill and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes.
8. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side.
Enjoy your flavorful Thai grilled chicken thighs!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless and skinless thighs are perfect because they stay juicy and flavorful on the grill. If you prefer, you can use chicken breasts, but remember they can dry out more easily.
Soy Sauce: This adds depth to the marinade. If you’re gluten-free, swap it with tamari or coconut aminos for a similar taste.
Fish Sauce: A classic in Thai cooking, it adds umami. If you can’t find it, try using soy sauce or a little more salt as a replacement. Just remember that it might change the flavor a bit.
Brown Sugar: It balances the saltiness of the soy and fish sauces with sweetness. Coconut sugar or honey can work as substitutes, though honey may alter the texture of the marinade slightly.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime adds brightness to the dish. In a pinch, you could use lemon juice, but lime is more authentic.
How Can I Ensure My Chicken is Perfectly Grilled?
Grilling chicken is simple, but you must pay attention to a few key details:
- Make sure to marinate your chicken for at least 1 hour, but overnight is best for maximum flavor.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This helps the chicken sear quickly and keeps it juicy.
- Remove excess marinade from the chicken before grilling to prevent flare-ups.
- Cook each side for about 6-7 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest after grilling to keep it juicy and flavorful. Slicing it too soon lets the juices escape.
Enjoy your meal with fresh garnishes for a lovely finish!
How to Make Thai Grilled Chicken Thighs (Gai Yang)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
For Garnish and Serving:
- 1 red chili, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
- Fresh cilantro or microgreens (for garnish)
- Cooked jasmine rice (for serving, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Thai Grilled Chicken Thighs recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and needs at least 1 hour to marinate (or preferably overnight) before grilling. Cooking on the grill will take about 12-14 minutes, so total time around 1 hour 30 minutes, or more if you marinate overnight.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, mix together the soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, vegetable oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, and lime juice. Stir well until everything is combined to create a yummy marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken thighs in the bowl with the marinade, making sure each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour; if you have more time, letting it sit overnight will make it even tastier!
3. Prepare to Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Take the chicken out of the marinade and let any excess drip off. You don’t want it too saucy when it hits the grill!
4. Grill the Chicken:
Place the chicken thighs on the preheated grill. Cook them for about 6-7 minutes on one side. Flip the chicken and grill the other side for another 6-7 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to make sure the inside reaches 165°F (75°C), so it’s cooked through. You should see beautiful grill marks too!
5. Rest and Slice:
When the chicken is fully cooked, take it off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps it stay juicy! After resting, slice the chicken into portions.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Arrange the grilled chicken on a serving plate. Top it with the sliced red chili and sprinkle some fresh cilantro or microgreens on top. Serve with lime wedges and a side of jasmine rice if you like. Enjoy your tasty Thai Grilled Chicken Thighs!
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes, you can! Just remember that bone-in chicken thighs will take a bit longer to cook—about 8-10 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving.
What If I Don’t Have Fish Sauce?
No worries! You can substitute fish sauce with an equal amount of soy sauce for a vegetarian option, or use a mixture of soy sauce and a little bit of lemon juice (or vinegar) to achieve a savory flavor.
Can I Marinate the Chicken for Longer?
Absolutely! Marinating it overnight is actually recommended for deeper flavor. Just be careful not to marinate for more than 24 hours, as the acidity from the marinade can begin to change the texture of the chicken.
How to Store Leftover Grilled Chicken?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the grill or in a skillet to maintain its delicious flavor. If needed, add a splash of water to prevent it from drying out!
