If you’re craving a flavorful meal that bursts with savory, tangy, and just the right amount of spicy notes, this Grilled Thai Chicken Recipe is your new go-to. It perfectly balances tender, juicy chicken thighs with a vibrant marinade made from sweet chili, lime, and a kick of sriracha, all grilled to smoky perfection. Whether you’re feeding family or entertaining friends, this dish brings a little taste of Thailand right to your backyard grill.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Grilled Thai Chicken Recipe is delightfully simple, relying on just a handful of essentials that each add their own magic to the dish. From the richness of olive oil to the freshness of cilantro, every ingredient works in harmony to build layers of flavor and texture.
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Perfectly juicy and tender, chicken thighs stay moist on the grill and soak up marinades beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or vegetable oil): Helps the seasoning stick to the chicken while promoting a wonderful char when grilled.
- 3 tablespoons Thai seasoning: A vibrant spice blend that gives the chicken its authentic Thai flavor profile.
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce: Adds a sweet and mildly spicy glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Gives the chicken a salty depth that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Brightens the marinade with fresh acidity and a zesty punch.
- 1 tablespoon sriracha: Brings a smoky heat that wakes up the palate without overwhelming the other flavors.
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped: Introduces a fresh herbal note that complements the grilled flavor exquisitely.
How to Make Grilled Thai Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Grill and Chicken
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat, around 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures a hot surface ready to sear the chicken thighs, locking in juices and creating those irresistible grill marks. While the grill warms up, rub the chicken evenly with olive oil, then sprinkle your Thai seasoning all over. This simple step sets the flavor foundation and prevents sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Glaze
Whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, sriracha, and freshly chopped cilantro in a small bowl. This glaze is where the magic happens—the sweet, spicy, tangy, and fresh elements all come together to beautifully coat the chicken both during and after grilling. Set this mixture aside for basting.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Place the seasoned chicken thighs on the grill and cook them for 5 to 6 minutes on each side. Resist the urge to flip too often; letting the chicken cook undisturbed ensures a nice crust. About two minutes before the chicken finishes, start brushing half of the glaze over the pieces. This caramelizes the sugars and intensifies the flavor.
Step 4: Finish and Rest
Once the internal temperature hits 160 degrees Fahrenheit (a meat thermometer helps here), remove the chicken from the grill. The temperature will continue to rise slightly as it rests. Brush the remaining glaze all over the thighs, then let them rest on a cutting board for at least five minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite tender and succulent.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
After resting, slice or dice the chicken as preferred. This makes the perfect table-friendly presentation and gets it ready to soak up any extra glaze or sides you add. The aroma alone will have everyone ready to dig in.
How to Serve Grilled Thai Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes to your Grilled Thai Chicken Recipe elevates the experience with fresh texture and contrast. Try sprinkling more chopped cilantro, some thinly sliced green onions, or even a few crushed peanuts for crunch. A wedge of lime on the side adds a fresh zing right before eating.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs wonderfully with classic Thai-inspired sides like jasmine rice or sticky rice to soak up the sauce. For a refreshing balance, consider a crunchy cucumber salad tossed with vinegar, sugar, and chili flakes. Grilled vegetables or a simple Asian slaw with cabbage and carrots also complement the flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the sliced Grilled Thai Chicken Recipe over a bed of greens for a vibrant salad, drizzle extra glaze as a dressing, or stuff it into soft pita pockets with crunchy slaw for an easy meal. You can even skewer the chicken before grilling for relaxed outdoor parties. The versatility is endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover grilled Thai chicken keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place it in an airtight container to maintain its flavor and juiciness. This makes an excellent next-day lunch or a quick weeknight dinner option.
Freezing
If you want to save your Grilled Thai Chicken Recipe for longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap each piece tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen cooked chicken will stay fresh for up to three months, perfect for future meal prep sessions.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat or use an oven set to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid microwaving if possible to retain the juicy texture and avoid drying out the chicken. You can add a splash of water or extra glaze to keep things moist.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used, but they tend to cook faster and are leaner, so watch the grill carefully to avoid drying them out. Thighs are more forgiving and stay juicy longer.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No grill? No problem! You can cook the chicken under a broiler or on a hot grill pan. Both methods will still give you beautiful caramelization and great flavor.
How spicy is this Grilled Thai Chicken Recipe?
The heat level is moderate thanks to the sriracha and sweet chili sauce. You can adjust the spice by adding more or less sriracha, or even swapping it out for a milder chili paste if you prefer.
Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
Yes, marinating the chicken overnight will deepen the flavors and make the meat even more tender. Just be sure to keep it refrigerated while marinating.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Grilled Thai Chicken Recipe enough if you want a dish that’s as exciting as it is easy to prepare. It brings together vibrant flavors and juicy, smoky grilled goodness to brighten any meal. Give it a try at your next cookout or cozy dinner, and prepare for plenty of compliments!
Print
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 juicy boneless skinless chicken thighs marinated with flavorful Thai seasoning and a sweet-spicy glaze. Grilled to perfection over medium-high heat, it’s a quick 25-minute dish perfect for a vibrant, delicious meal with bold 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 ground coriander, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, and paprika)
Glaze
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Grill: Preheat a grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F, ensuring it is hot and ready for cooking.
- Season Chicken: Lightly rub the chicken thighs all over with the olive oil. Evenly sprinkle the Thai seasoning over the oiled chicken, coating each piece thoroughly.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, sriracha, and chopped fresh cilantro until well combined. Set aside for glazing later.
- Grill Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken thighs on the preheated grill. Grill for about 5-6 minutes on one side without moving to achieve good grill marks.
- Flip and Glaze: Turn the chicken thighs over and grill for another 5-6 minutes. During the last 2 minutes of grilling, generously brush half of the prepared glaze over the chicken to build layers of flavor.
- Check Temperature and Rest: Remove the chicken from the grill when its internal temperature reaches 160°F; it will continue to cook while resting. Immediately brush the remaining glaze over the chicken thighs. Let the chicken rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes to retain juices.
- Serve: Slice or dice the rested chicken thighs and serve with your favorite sides or salads for a vibrant Thai-inspired meal.
Notes
- Thai seasoning can be made at home using a blend of coriander, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, and paprika if a pre-made mix is unavailable.
- Ensure the grill is properly preheated to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee the chicken is safely cooked through without drying out.
- Leftover grilled chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
