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Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in and skin-on thighs are great for moisture and flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, chicken breasts can be used, but they might dry out without proper care.
Soy Sauce: A key component for umami. For a gluten-free option, use tamari. Low-sodium soy sauce reduces salt content while keeping flavor.
Fish Sauce: Adds depth. For a vegetarian version, opt for soy sauce or a vegetarian fish sauce alternative, like mushroom soy sauce.
Brown Sugar: It brings sweetness to balance the salty and tangy. If you need a substitute, coconut sugar or honey work well, but adjust quantities as honey is sweeter.
Chili Flakes: Adjust according to your spice tolerance. Fresh chilies can be used for more heat or flavor, especially Thai bird’s eye chilis.
How Do You Marinate Chicken for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating chicken is crucial for infusing flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Mix all marinade ingredients well in a bowl. Taste and adjust to your liking!
- Use a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, ensuring every part of the chicken is coated.
- Marinate for at least 1 hour, but overnight is best for deep flavor absorption.
Remember to not skip draining excess marinade before grilling; this helps achieve that crispy skin. Enjoy your flavorful chicken!
How to Make Thai Grilled Chicken Thighs (Gai Yang)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinate:
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp white pepper
- 1 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
For Garnishing:
- Fresh cilantro or greens
- Sliced fresh red chilies
- 2 limes, halved for grilling
- Cooked jasmine rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and at least 1 hour to marinate. If you can let the chicken marinate overnight, that’s even better! Cooking on the grill will take about 20 minutes, so overall, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 35 minutes for a delightful meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, ground coriander, white pepper, and chili flakes. Whisk everything together until it’s mixed well and the sugar is dissolved. This will be your tasty marinade!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take your chicken thighs and put them in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each thigh is well coated. Move the chicken around a bit to absorb all those delicious flavors. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. For even tastier chicken, let it marinate overnight.
3. Grill the Chicken:
When you are ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Take the chicken out of the marinade and let any excess liquid drip off, but don’t discard the marinade—you’ll need it later for basting! Place the chicken thighs on the grill skin-side down. Grill for about 6-7 minutes until you see crispy skin and lovely grill marks.
4. Flip and Baste:
Now, it’s time to flip the chicken! Reduce the heat to medium and baste the chicken with the reserved marinade. Grill for another 8-10 minutes, making sure the chicken is fully cooked. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Grill the Limes:
In the last few minutes of grilling, take the lime halves and place them cut-side down on the grill. Let them caramelize a bit while the chicken finishes cooking.
6. Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps lock in all the juicy flavors! To serve, garnish your grilled chicken thighs with fresh cilantro, sliced red chilies, and the caramelized lime halves. Serve alongside jasmine rice for a complete meal. Enjoy your delicious Thai grilled chicken!
Can I Use Skinless Chicken Thighs for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use skinless chicken thighs! Just note that the cooking time may be slightly shorter, as skin-on thighs tend to retain moisture better. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and consider adding a bit of oil to maintain moisture.
Can I Marinate the Chicken for Longer Than Overnight?
Absolutely! Marinating the chicken for up to 24 hours is fine and may enhance the flavor even further. Just be cautious not to exceed this time as the acid from the lime juice can start to break down the chicken and affect the texture.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through, to keep it juicy.
Can I Use Other Meats Besides Chicken?
Definitely! This marinade works well with pork or even firm fish like salmon. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly; for example, fish will cook much faster, usually within 5-7 minutes on the grill.
