If you are craving a dish bursting with bold flavors and irresistible aromas, look no further than this Grilled Thai Chicken Recipe. It perfectly balances the tender juiciness of chicken thighs with a vibrant blend of Thai-inspired seasonings and a tangy, spicy glaze that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue, this recipe is a go-to favorite that brings warmth, zest, and a little culinary adventure right to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Grilled Thai Chicken Recipe lies in its simplicity, with each ingredient playing a vital role in creating a harmony of flavor, texture, and color. From the savory chicken thighs to the punchy seasoning and zesty glaze components, these basics come together effortlessly for an unforgettable dish.
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Choose thighs for juicy, flavorful meat that stays tender on the grill.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or vegetable oil): Helps the seasoning stick and keeps the chicken moist during grilling.
- 3 tablespoons Thai seasoning: A blend of aromatic herbs and spices that infuses the chicken with authentic Southeast Asian flair.
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce: Adds a luscious sweet heat that complements the savory chicken perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Brings depth with its salty umami richness.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Provides a bright, tangy contrast that livens up the glaze.
- 1 tablespoon sriracha: For a kick of spicy warmth that wakes up your palate.
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro (chopped): Fresh herbaceous notes that finish the glaze with a burst of green freshness.
How to Make Grilled Thai Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepping the Grill and the Chicken
Start by heating your grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F, so it’s ready to sear the chicken beautifully. While it warms up, rub your chicken thighs with olive oil to create a slick base for the spices and ensure they stay juicy as they cook.
Step 2: Seasoning Like a Pro
Once the oil is on, sprinkle the Thai seasoning evenly over every piece of chicken. This step is essential because it allows the complex flavors of the seasoning blend to soak into the meat, setting the stage for that signature Grilled Thai Chicken Recipe flavor explosion.
Step 3: Making the Zesty Glaze
Mix together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, sriracha, and chopped cilantro in a small bowl. The glaze pulls all these flavors together, giving the chicken a sticky, tangy, and spicy finish that’s totally addictive.
Step 4: Grilling the Chicken to Perfection
Place the seasoned chicken on the hot grill and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side. This will create a crisp, slightly charred exterior while locking in the juices inside.
Step 5: Glazing for Maximum Flavor
During the last 2 minutes of grilling, brush half of your prepared glaze over the chicken. This prevents the sugars in the glaze from burning and lets it caramelize just right.
Step 6: Resting and Final Touches
Remove the chicken when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F—remember it will rise slightly as it rests. Brush the remaining glaze over the meat, then let the thighs rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes to let all those delicious juices settle.
Step 7: Ready to Serve
Slice or dice the chicken to your preference, and get ready to indulge in the wonderful flavors of your freshly grilled masterpiece.
How to Serve Grilled Thai Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh, vibrant garnishes like extra chopped cilantro, crushed roasted peanuts, or thinly sliced red chilies impart additional texture and brighten the flavors. They make the dish visually stunning and even more appetizing.
Side Dishes
Pair this flavorful chicken with fragrant jasmine rice or sticky rice to balance the spices. A crisp cucumber salad or steamed greens also make an excellent refreshing complement to the rich, bold flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond just plating—try serving the grilled chicken over a bed of noodles tossed in a light Thai dressing, or roll slices into lettuce wraps for a fun, interactive bite-friendly option. Even layering the chicken atop a crunchy Asian slaw creates an exciting textural surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. It keeps well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to save some for longer, wrap the chicken tightly and freeze it. Stored properly, it maintains great flavor and texture for up to 2 months, providing a ready-to-go meal anytime you need.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or briefly in the microwave to avoid drying out the chicken. Adding a splash of water or extra glaze can help keep the meat moist and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but be mindful that they tend to dry out faster when grilled. Lower the grill temperature slightly and watch closely to keep them juicy.
What can I use if I don’t have Thai seasoning?
If you don’t have a pre-made Thai seasoning blend, you can mix spices like garlic powder, coriander, cumin, paprika, and a touch of chili powder for a homemade alternative that still packs flavor.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild to moderate heat due to the sriracha and chili sauce, but you can adjust the amount of chili to make it as spicy or mild as you prefer.
Can I make this recipe indoors?
Absolutely! Use a grill pan or a broiler to achieve similar results when you don’t have outdoor grilling options.
How long does the chicken need to rest after grilling?
Letting the chicken rest for about 5 minutes allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite tender and juicy, which is a crucial part of this Grilled Thai Chicken Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Thai Chicken Recipe is a true delight that brings bright, balanced flavors and effortless cooking to your kitchen. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s become a beloved favorite to share with friends and family. Dive in, fire up your grill, and savor the deliciousness that only homemade Thai-inspired goodness can bring!
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Grilled Thai Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Thai
Description
This Grilled Thai Chicken recipe features tender boneless, skinless chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful blend of Thai seasoning and a tangy sweet chili glaze. Quickly grilled over medium-high heat, the chicken is brushed with a zesty, cilantro-infused sauce, making it perfect for a fast, delicious meal with vibrant Southeast Asian flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 3 tablespoons Thai seasoning (blend of spices like lemongrass, garlic powder, coriander, cumin, and chili flakes)
Glaze
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat a grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F, ensuring it is hot enough for grilling the chicken evenly and getting nice grill marks.
- Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken thighs all over with olive oil to keep them moist. Then, evenly sprinkle the Thai seasoning onto the chicken, coating both sides thoroughly to infuse the flavors.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, sriracha, and chopped fresh cilantro to form a flavorful glaze. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken thighs onto the preheated grill. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on one side, then flip to the other side for another 5-6 minutes, ensuring the chicken cooks through with nice char marks.
- Apply the Glaze: In the last 2 minutes of grilling, brush half of the prepared glaze liberally over the chicken thighs to add a sweet, tangy, and spicy flavor layer. Continue grilling until the glaze sets slightly.
- Check Doneness and Rest: Remove the chicken from the grill once it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F, as the temperature will continue to rise by about 5°F while resting. Brush the remaining glaze over the chicken and let it rest for 5 minutes on a cutting board to retain juices.
- Serve: Slice or dice the rested chicken thighs and serve immediately, perfect for pairing with rice, salad, or noodles.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches 160°F internally for safe consumption.
- Thai seasoning can be homemade or store-bought; it typically includes lemongrass, garlic, coriander, cumin, and chili flakes.
- The glaze adds sweetness and spice, so adjust sriracha according to your preferred heat level.
- Letting the chicken rest after grilling helps keep it juicy and flavorful.
- This dish pairs well with jasmine rice, fresh cucumber salad, or steamed vegetables.
