Thai Grilled Chicken (Gai Yang) Recipe

Introduction

Thai Grilled Chicken, or Gai Yang, is a flavorful and aromatic dish perfect for any grilled meal. Infused with garlic, lime, and fish sauce, this recipe delivers a delicious balance of savory and tangy notes that will impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon sugar

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine minced garlic, fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar to create the marinade. Mix well until the sugar dissolves.
2. Step 2: Place the chicken pieces in the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate.
3. Step 3: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for about 6–8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char.
4. Step 4: Let the grilled chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to retain its juices and maximize flavor.

Tips & Variations

• For extra smoky flavor, add a handful of soaked wood chips to your grill.
• If you prefer a bit of heat, include sliced fresh chili or chili flakes in the marinade.
• Serve with a side of sticky rice and a tangy dipping sauce for an authentic experience.

Storage

Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in an oven or skillet to keep it moist and flavorful. Avoid microwaving to prevent 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 very well with this recipe and tend to stay juicy during grilling. Adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure they are fully cooked.

Is fish sauce necessary for authentic flavor?

Fish sauce is a key ingredient in Thai cuisine and provides that distinctive umami flavor. If unavailable, you can substitute with soy sauce, but the taste will differ slightly.

Thai Grilled Chicken (Gai Yang) Recipe

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5 from 123 reviews

Thai Grilled Chicken, or Gai Yang, is a flavorful and aromatic dish featuring marinated chicken infused with garlic, fish sauce, lime, and sugar, then grilled to perfection for a smoky and juicy result. This easy-to-make recipe highlights the balance of savory, tangy, and sweet flavors characteristic of Thai cuisine.

• Author: Cleo
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including marinating time)
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Thai

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 2 pounds whole chicken, cut into halves or quarters

Marinade

• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon sugar (preferably palm sugar)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine minced garlic, fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely to create a balanced marinade that is savory, tangy, and slightly sweet.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces into a large resealable bag or container. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to infuse the flavors deeply into the meat.
3. Preheat the Grill: Heat a charcoal or gas grill to medium-high heat, around 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 205°C). If using a charcoal grill, ensure coals are white-hot for even cooking and smoke flavor.
4. Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill the chicken pieces skin-side down first for about 6-8 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the skin is crispy and charred in spots and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Rest and Serve: Transfer the grilled chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in moist and flavorful chicken. Serve with sticky rice, fresh vegetables, or a dipping sauce as desired.

Notes

• For added smoky flavor, use charcoal grilling and add wood chips if desired.
• Adjust the amount of sugar based on your preferred level of sweetness.
• If you don’t have fish sauce, substitute with soy sauce for a milder taste, keeping in mind the flavor difference.
• Ensure the chicken is cooked through to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Marinating overnight yields the best flavor, but at least 2 hours is sufficient.

Keywords: Thai grilled chicken, gai yang, grilled chicken recipe, Thai marinade, fish sauce chicken, lime chicken, garlic chicken