How to Make Thai-Style Grilled Chicken (Gai Yang)
Thai-style grilled chicken, or Gai Yang, is a flavorful dish known for its aromatic herbs and spices. This dish is perfect for gatherings or a simple family dinner and can be paired with rice and fresh vegetables. Follow this guide to make your own delicious Gai Yang at home.
Ingredients
To prepare Thai-style grilled chicken, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), spatchcocked
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons coriander roots or stems, minced
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 cup coconut milk (optional for additional flavor)
Marinating the Chicken
The key to flavorful Gai Yang lies in the marinade. Start by combining minced garlic, ginger, coriander roots, black pepper, salt, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, and coconut milk in a large mixing bowl.
Mix well until all ingredients are combined. Place the spatchcocked chicken in a large zip-top bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for optimal flavor.
Preparing the Grill
Once the chicken has marinated, it’s time to prepare your grill. If using a charcoal grill, light the coals and let them burn until covered with ash, then arrange them for indirect cooking. For a gas grill, preheat to medium-high heat.
Grilling the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off. Reserve the marinade for basting if desired. Place the chicken on the grill, skin side down, and cook for about 10-15 minutes or until the skin starts to brown and crisp up. Turn the chicken to the other side, reduce the heat to medium, and continue cooking for another 30-40 minutes, basting occasionally with the reserved marinade.
Check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh; it should read at least 165°F (75°C).
Serving Suggestions
Once the chicken is perfectly grilled, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve the Gai Yang with sticky rice, a fresh cucumber salad, and a side of spicy dipping sauce such as Nam Jim Jaew or sweet chili sauce.
Tips for Perfect Gai Yang
For the best results, consider the following tips:
- Use fresh herbs for a more aromatic and flavorful marinade.
- If you have a specific preference, customize the level of spiciness by adding Thai chili peppers to the marinade.
- For an authentic flavor, try using a charcoal grill for a smoky taste.
By following this recipe, you can enjoy homemade Thai-style grilled chicken that rivals your favorite Thai restaurant. The bold flavors and tender meat make Gai Yang a dish that everyone will love!