This Thai Grilled Chicken, also known as Gai Yang, is full of flavor and super juicy! It’s marinated in a tasty mixture of herbs and spices, making it irresistible!
Cooking it on the grill gives the chicken a nice smoky touch. I love serving it with rice and a side of spicy dipping sauce. Perfect for a sunny day or any good meal! 🌞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skin-on chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful. If you prefer, you can use chicken breasts, but they may dry out faster on the grill.
Soy Sauce: This is essential for umami flavor. Low-sodium soy sauce works well if you’re watching your salt intake. Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative.
Fish Sauce: Fish sauce adds depth. If you’re vegetarian, consider using a mix of soy sauce and a hint of lime juice for flavor. Miso paste can also be a good substitute.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds sweetness. You can swap it for honey or coconut sugar if desired. Just remember, honey can cause the chicken to caramelize faster.
Red Chilies: Adjust the heat to your liking! If you prefer milder flavors, you can use bell peppers or omit them. If you want more heat, you can add some chili flakes.
How Can I Make Sure the Chicken Stays Juicy on the Grill?
Grilling chicken can be tricky, but following these steps will help keep it juicy and flavorful!
- Marinate overnight if you can. The longer, the better for flavor absorption.
- Let the chicken sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before grilling. This helps it cook evenly.
- Don’t flip the chicken too often; let it sear for 6-7 minutes on each side for nice grill marks.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C). This guarantees it’s cooked through without drying out.
How to Make Thai Grilled Chicken (Gai Yang)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 4 boneless chicken thighs, skin-on
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-2 red chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1 tablespoon of lime zest
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
For Serving:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Thai grilled chicken recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time for the marinade, plus at least 1 hour to marinate (or even overnight for better flavor). Grilling will take around 15-20 minutes. In total, set aside about 1 hour and 35 minutes for a flavorful meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, vegetable oil, minced garlic, chopped chilies, lime juice, lime zest, ground coriander, and ground cumin. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, making sure they are completely covered. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour—longer for more flavor, if you have time!
2. Prepare the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a charcoal grill, wait until the coals are fully ashed over for even cooking.
3. Grill the Chicken:
Once the grill is hot, take the chicken out of the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off. Place the chicken thighs on the grill and cook them for around 6-7 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and have a lovely char on the outside.
4. Serve:
When the chicken is done, take it off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the juices in! After resting, slice the chicken and garnish it with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side for that extra zing!
5. Optional:
For a complete meal, consider serving your Thai grilled chicken with grilled lime halves and a side of fluffy jasmine rice or a fresh salad. Enjoy every bite of your authentic Thai Gai Yang!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! You can substitute boneless chicken breasts for thighs. Just note that breast meat can dry out more easily, so be careful not to overcook them. Aim for a grilling time of about 5-6 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What If I Don’t Have Fish Sauce?
No problem! You can use soy sauce as a substitute, although it will alter the flavor slightly. If you want a closer match, consider adding a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce or a few drops of vegan fish sauce, which can work well if you’re looking for a similar umami taste without the fish.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep it moist, consider placing a damp paper towel over the chicken in the container. You can reheat it on the grill or in the microwave, but avoid overcooking to maintain its juiciness.
Can I Grill the Chicken Indoors?
Yes, you can! If you don’t have an outdoor grill, a grill pan on the stovetop works great. Preheat the pan over medium-high heat and add a bit of oil to prevent sticking. Follow the same cooking times, turning the chicken for a nice char on both sides.
