Juicy Thai Grilled Chicken (Gai Yang) Recipe
Introduction
Thai Grilled Chicken, or Gai Yang, is a flavorful and aromatic dish that brings vibrant Thai flavors to your grill. This simple recipe combines garlic, soy sauce, and lime to create a delicious marinade that tenderizes the chicken and adds a zesty punch.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine minced garlic, soy sauce, and fresh lime juice. Add the chicken pieces and coat them thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to absorb the flavors.
- Step 2: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has a nice char.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a tablespoon of fish sauce or a pinch of sugar to the marinade.
- Serve with sticky rice and a spicy dipping sauce for a complete Thai meal.
- If you don’t have an outdoor grill, you can cook the chicken under a broiler or in a grill pan on the stovetop.
Storage
Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to avoid drying out the meat.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of whole chicken?
Yes, chicken thighs work great and tend to stay juicier. Adjust the grilling time to about 6-7 minutes per side depending on thickness.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinating for at least 1 hour is best, but you can marinate for up to 8 hours for deeper flavor.
PrintJuicy Thai Grilled Chicken (Gai Yang) Recipe
Thai Grilled Chicken, known as Gai Yang, is a flavorful and aromatic dish featuring marinated chicken grilled to perfection. The marinade combines garlic, soy sauce, and lime, infusing the chicken with a tangy and savory taste that is quintessentially Thai. Perfect for a casual meal or a festive barbecue, this recipe is simple yet packed with authentic flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces (about 3–4 lbs)
Marinade
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional for authenticity)
- 1 tablespoon palm sugar or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, soy sauce, lime juice, fish sauce, palm sugar, black pepper, and vegetable oil. Mix well until the sugar dissolves and ingredients are thoroughly blended.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken pieces into a large bowl or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Preheat the grill: Set your grill to medium-high heat. Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the chicken: Place the marinated chicken pieces on the grill. Cook for 6-8 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is nicely charred and crisp.
- Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute for a moist, flavorful result.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken overnight to maximize flavor absorption.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can broil the chicken in the oven or cook it on a stovetop grill pan.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and lime according to your taste preferences.
- Serve with sticky rice and a spicy dipping sauce like Nam Jim for an authentic Thai experience.
Keywords: Thai grilled chicken, Gai Yang, grilled chicken recipe, Thai chicken marinade, lime garlic chicken
