How to Cook Thai-Style Grilled Chicken with Spicy Sauce
Thai-style grilled chicken, known for its aromatic flavors and tender texture, is a delightful dish that can elevate any meal. Coupled with a spicy dipping sauce, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Follow these steps to create a flavorful Thai grilled chicken experience in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
To prepare Thai-style grilled chicken, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in and skin-on for best flavor)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar (preferably palm sugar)
- 1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon lemongrass (minced)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish
For the Spicy Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1-2 Thai bird chilies (sliced, adjust according to your spice preference)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
Instructions
Marinating the Chicken
1. In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, minced garlic, minced lemongrass, lime juice, and black pepper to create the marinade.
2. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
Preparing the Grill
3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a charcoal grill, make sure the coals are hot and glowing. For gas grills, let them preheat for about 10-15 minutes.
4. Oil the grill grates lightly to prevent sticking. You can use a paper towel dipped in oil and held with tongs for this purpose.
Grilling the Chicken
5. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off.
6. Place the chicken thighs skin side down on the grill. Grill for about 6-8 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
7. Flip the chicken over and continue grilling for another 6-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear.
8. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Making the Spicy Sauce
9. While the chicken is resting, prepare the spicy sauce. In a small bowl, mix together fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, sliced chilies, and minced garlic until the sugar dissolves.
Serving
10. Serve the grilled chicken with the spicy sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for an added burst of flavor.
Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with jasmine rice and fresh vegetables, this Thai-style grilled chicken is a treat for the senses. Enjoy the balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors that make this dish a favorite among Thai cuisine lovers!
Conclusion
Now that you know how to cook Thai-style grilled chicken with a spicy sauce, you can easily recreate this delicious dish at home. This recipe not only brings the vibrant flavors of Thailand to your kitchen but also offers a unique way to impress your guests at your next gathering.