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Thai Grilled Chicken (Gai Yang) Recipe

4.5 from 84 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, about 375-400°F (190-205°C), preparing for direct grilling.
  4. 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).
  5. Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juices and enhance flavor.
  6. 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