Thai Grilled Chicken (Gai Yang) Recipe
Introduction
Thai Grilled Chicken, or Gai Yang, is a flavorful and aromatic dish that brings the taste of Thailand to your table. With a simple marinade and smoky grilling, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine minced garlic, fish sauce, and lime juice to create the marinade. Add the chicken pieces and coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to infuse.
- 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 cooked through and has a nice char. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra depth of flavor, add a tablespoon of brown sugar and a teaspoon of ground white pepper to the marinade.
- Serve with sticky rice and a spicy dipping sauce for a complete Thai meal.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken under a broiler or in a hot skillet.
Storage
Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or oven to avoid drying out the meat.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken?
Yes, boneless chicken breasts work well. Just adjust the grilling time as breasts cook faster than bone-in pieces.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinating for at least 1 hour is best to allow the flavors to penetrate, but you can marinate up to overnight for a stronger taste.
PrintThai Grilled Chicken (Gai Yang) Recipe
Thai Grilled Chicken, or Gai Yang, is a flavorful and juicy grilled chicken dish marinated in a mixture of garlic, fish sauce, and lime juice. This popular street food from Thailand offers a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and aromatic flavors, ideal for a quick and delicious meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 whole chicken or 4 chicken thighs, skin on
Marinade
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine minced garlic, fish sauce, lime juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and black pepper. Mix well until sugar dissolves and flavors meld.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl or zip-lock bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure 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: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, about 375-400°F (190-205°C), preparing for direct grilling.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken on the grill skin side down. Grill for about 6-8 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice char marks. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juices and enhance flavor.
- Serve: Slice and serve the Thai grilled chicken with sticky rice and a side of fresh vegetables or dipping sauce for an authentic experience.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add chopped cilantro roots to the marinade.
- Adjust lime juice for more or less tanginess according to taste.
- Grilling over charcoal adds an authentic smoky flavor typical to Thai street food.
- If grilling outdoors is not possible, use a grill pan or broil in the oven.
Keywords: Thai grilled chicken, Gai Yang, Thai street food, grilled chicken recipe, chicken marinade, Southeast Asian cuisine
