Thai Grilled Chicken (Gai Yang) Recipe
Introduction
Thai Grilled Chicken, or Gai Yang, is a flavorful and juicy dish that’s perfect for outdoor cooking or a simple weeknight dinner. This recipe combines fragrant garlic and cilantro with classic Thai seasonings for a perfectly marinated and charred chicken.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine minced garlic, chopped cilantro, fish sauce, and sugar. Mix well to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Rub the marinade all over the chicken pieces, ensuring they are well coated. Let them marinate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
- Step 3: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char.
- Step 4: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving to retain its juices.
Tips & Variations
- For extra smoky flavor, grill the chicken over charcoal instead of gas.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to the marinade for a citrusy twist.
- If you prefer, use chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of whole chicken pieces for quicker cooking.
Storage
Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or oven to keep it moist.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of chicken for this recipe?
Yes, chicken thighs, drumsticks, or breasts can be used. Thighs and drumsticks stay juicier when grilled, while breasts cook faster.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least 1 hour is recommended for good flavor, but marinating overnight will deepen the taste and tenderness.
PrintThai Grilled Chicken (Gai Yang) Recipe
Thai Grilled Chicken, or Gai Yang, is a flavorful and juicy grilled chicken dish marinated with aromatic garlic, fresh cilantro, savory fish sauce, and a hint of sweetness from sugar. This authentic street food favorite from Thailand offers a perfect balance of smoky, salty, and slightly sweet flavors, making it an irresistible grilled delight.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Thai
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Marinade Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 3–4 lbs), butterflied or split
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine minced garlic, chopped cilantro, fish sauce, and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely, creating a fragrant marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the butterflied chicken in a large dish or resealable bag and pour the marinade over it. Massage the marinade thoroughly into the chicken skin and meat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for deeper flavor penetration.
- Preheat the Grill: Get your charcoal or gas grill hot, aiming for a medium-high temperature that will sear the chicken while cooking it through evenly.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken skin side down on the grill. Grill for about 10-15 minutes per side, turning occasionally until the skin is charred and crispy, and the meat is juicy and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps retain juiciness. Serve with sticky rice and a spicy dipping sauce for an authentic Thai meal experience.
Notes
- Marinating overnight enhances the depth of flavor significantly.
- You can adjust the sugar level depending on your preferred sweetness.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can also broil the chicken in the oven, but grilling gives the best smoky flavor.
- Use fresh fish sauce for the most authentic taste.
- Serve with fresh vegetables like cucumber and a side of sticky rice for a complete meal.
Keywords: Thai grilled chicken, Gai Yang, grilled chicken recipe, Thai street food, marinated chicken, garlic cilantro chicken
