This Easy Grilled Thai Chicken, known as Gai Yang, is bursting with flavors from garlic, lime, and soy sauce. It’s perfect for a summer BBQ or a cozy dinner night!
Grilling gives it that delicious smoky taste, and the marinated chicken stays juicy. Trust me, you’ll want to make extra for leftovers—if there are any! 😄
I love pairing it with some fresh rice or a tangy salad. It’s super easy to prepare, and the bright flavors always brighten my day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful. If you prefer dark meat, drumsticks work well too. If you’re looking for a lighter option, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used but may need less grilling time.
Garlic and Ginger: Freshly minced garlic and grated ginger give this dish a fragrant kick. If you run out, garlic powder and ground ginger can serve in a pinch, but fresh is always best for flavor.
Cilantro Stems: These add great flavor and should not be wasted! If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can try using green onions or parsley instead.
Sauces: Soy sauce and fish sauce create depth in this dish. If you’re avoiding fish, coconut aminos can be a nice substitute for soy sauce, and adjust the fish sauce as needed or skip it entirely.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar or palm sugar adds sweetness. If you want a lower-calorie option, you can use honey, but adjust the quantity since it’s a bit sweeter.
How Can I Get the Best Flavor from the Marinade?
Marinating is key to packing the chicken with flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Mix the marinade well until the sugar is dissolved—it helps ensure even flavor distribution.
- Massage the marinade into the chicken; this step is important for letting the flavors penetrate.
- For optimal taste, let the chicken marinate for at least 4 hours. If you can, overnight is ideal!
- Make sure to keep it in the fridge while marinating to prevent any food safety issues.
What’s the Best Way to Grill the Chicken to Perfection?
Grilling is where the magic happens! Here’s how to achieve juicy chicken with crispy skin:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat; this ensures a good sear.
- Remove excess marinade before placing the chicken on the grill to prevent flare-ups.
- Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side. Look for a nice char for added flavor.
- Always check the internal temperature—it should reach 165°F (74°C) to be safe to eat.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling to help keep it juicy.
With these tips and insights, you’re set to make a fantastic dish everyone will love! Happy grilling!
Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Recipe (Gai Yang)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or drumsticks)
For the Marinade:
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro stems, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or palm sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
- 1 teaspoon ground white pepper
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Lime wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes for preparation and cooking time, plus at least 1 hour for marinating (ideally 4 hours or overnight for the best flavor). So, plan accordingly, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, combine minced garlic, chopped cilantro stems, grated ginger, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, vegetable oil, and white pepper. Mix everything well until the sugar gets dissolved. This will create a tasty marinade that will infuse into the chicken.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken pieces in a large resealable plastic bag or a bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure to coat it evenly. Seal the bag or cover the bowl with plastic wrap, then put it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, but for the best flavor, try to let it sit for 4 hours or overnight.
3. Prepare the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This step is important as it helps achieve that lovely char on the chicken.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Take the chicken out of the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Discard the leftover marinade (to avoid any food safety issues). Place the chicken on the grill and cook it over direct heat for about 5-7 minutes on each side. Look for that golden, charred skin, and use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe eating.
5. Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken is cooked, take it off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices settle back into the meat, keeping it moist. Then, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve with lime wedges on the side.
6. Enjoy Your Meal!
Dig in and enjoy your delicious Easy Grilled Thai Chicken (Gai Yang) with sticky rice or a fresh salad. It’s a meal that’s sure to impress!
FAQ About Easy Grilled Thai Chicken (Gai Yang)
Can I Use Boneless Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts will work well, but be aware that they will cook faster, so keep a close eye on them to avoid drying out.
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade the day before and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick stir before using it to ensure everything is well combined!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on a skillet over low heat until warmed through. Enjoy it in salads, wraps, or sandwiches!
What Should I Serve with Gai Yang?
This grilled chicken pairs wonderfully with sticky rice, fresh salads, or grilled vegetables. You can also serve it with a simple dipping sauce for extra flavor!
