This Thai Grilled Chicken (Gai Yang) is a mouthwatering dish straight from the streets of Thailand! Juicy, bone-in chicken thighs are marinated in a fragrant blend of lemongrass, garlic, and fish sauce, then grilled to smoky perfection. Paired with sticky rice, sweet chili sauce, and cucumber slices, it’s a vibrant, authentic meal that’s perfect for BBQs or weeknight dinners. Ready in 40 minutes (plus marinating time), it’s a must-try for Thai food lovers!

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or leg quarters)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 stalk lemongrass, white part only, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp coriander (cilantro) root or stems, minced
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp white pepper

For Serving (Optional)

• Sweet chili sauce
• Sticky rice
• Fresh cucumber slices

Instructions

1. Make Marinade: In a large bowl, combine garlic, lemongrass, coriander root/stems, soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and white pepper. Mix into a thick paste. (~5 minutes)
2. Marinate Chicken: Add chicken thighs to the marinade, rubbing it thoroughly into the meat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or overnight for best flavor. (~5 minutes prep + 6–12 hours marinating)
3. Preheat Grill: Preheat grill to medium heat (about 350°F/175°C). Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. (~5 minutes)
4. Grill Chicken: Place chicken skin-side down and grill for 5–6 minutes until slightly charred. Flip and grill for 15–20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). (~20–25 minutes)
5. Rest & Serve: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes. Serve with sticky rice, sweet chili sauce, and cucumber slices for an authentic Thai experience. (~5 minutes)

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes (plus 6–12 hours marinating)
• Serves: 4
• Calories: Approx. 320 kcal per serving

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with sticky rice molded into small balls for easy dipping in sweet chili sauce.
• Pair with a fresh Thai papaya salad (som tam) for a complete meal.
• Enjoy with a cold Thai iced tea or a crisp lager for a refreshing combo.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Thai Flavors: Lemongrass, fish sauce, and garlic create a bold, aromatic marinade.
• Grill-Ready: Perfect for outdoor BBQs or indoor grill pans.
• Versatile: Great for casual dinners, gatherings, or meal prep.

Optional Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add 1 tsp chili flakes or fresh Thai chilies to the marinade.
• Protein Swap: Use chicken breasts or drumsticks, adjusting grill time as needed.
• Herb Boost: Garnish with fresh Thai basil or mint for extra freshness.

Make this Thai Grilled Chicken (Gai Yang) for a vibrant, smoky dish that transports you to Thailand’s bustling street markets! Share your creations in the comments or tag us on social media. #ThaiGrilledChicken #GaiYang #StreetFoodVibes