This Thai grilled chicken is the perfect balance of sweet and spicy! It’s marinated in a tasty sauce that gives it a yummy flavor everyone will love. Plus, it’s easy to throw on the grill!
You can serve this chicken with rice or a fresh salad, and you’ll feel like a chef in no time. Just be careful—one bite and you’ll want more! 😄
I find it great for summer cookouts with friends. Just mix up the marinade, let the chicken soak overnight, and you have a delicious meal that everyone will enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I recommend using bone-in, skin-on thighs for their juicy and tender texture. If you prefer a leaner option, skinless boneless thighs will work, but they may dry out faster on the grill.
Soy Sauce: This adds a deep umami flavor. If you’re watching your sodium intake, low-sodium soy sauce is a great alternative. You could also try tamari for a gluten-free option.
Honey: Honey provides sweetness and balances the heat. Maple syrup can be a good substitute for a different flavor profile or if you need a vegan option.
Fish Sauce: It gives a unique depth and is crucial in Thai cuisine. If you want to skip it, you can use soy sauce or a vegan substitute like mushroom sauce for a similar umami hit.
Chili Flakes & Thai Bird’s Eye Chilies: Adjust the amount based on your heat tolerance. If you can’t find bird’s eye chilies, jalapeños or serranos are a good substitute, though they’ll change the flavor slightly.
How Do I Marinate Chicken for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating is key for infusing flavor into the chicken. Start by mixing your marinade thoroughly to combine all flavors. It’s important to let the chicken soak up the marinade.
- Put the marinade and chicken in a resealable bag or dish. Make sure to coat every piece well.
- For the best results, refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Overnight is ideal for deeper flavor.
- Remember to discard any leftover marinade that has been in contact with raw chicken.
How to Make Sweet & Spicy Thai Grilled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1-2 Thai bird’s eye chilies, sliced (optional for extra heat)
For the Chicken:
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes to prep, plus at least 1 hour (or up to overnight) for marinating in the fridge. After marination, grilling will take about 15 minutes. So, all in all, plan for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or longer if marinating overnight for extra flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, soy sauce, honey, fish sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, red chili flakes, and sliced bird’s eye chilies. This mixture is going to pack lots of flavor into your chicken!
2. Marinade the Chicken:
Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and pop it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, but for the best flavor, leave it overnight if you can!
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Take the chicken out of the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off. This will help it get that perfect grill char!
4. Grill the Chicken:
Place the chicken thighs on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You want them to be cooked all the way through with a beautiful char on the outside. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe eating!
5. Char Some Limes:
During the last few minutes of cooking, cut lime halves and place them cut-side down directly on the grill. Let them char just a little for added flavor. Yum!
6. Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices settle in. Serve the chicken garnished with fresh cilantro and the charred lime wedges on the side. Enjoy your tasty meal!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs will work well and can reduce cooking time. Just grill them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, checking for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Keep an eye on them, as they can cook faster than bone-in thighs.
What If I Don’t Have Fish Sauce?
No worries! You can substitute fish sauce with soy sauce for a vegetarian option or use a mixture of soy sauce and a little lemon juice to mimic the tangy flavor. Use about 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to every 2 tablespoons of soy sauce to balance the flavors.
Can I Marinate the Chicken Longer?
Yes, marinating the chicken overnight is ideal for the best flavor! If you’re short on time, marinate it for at least 1 hour, but remember that longer marination helps deepen the taste. Avoid marinating for more than 24 hours, as the chicken may begin to break down from the acidity.
How Should I Store Leftover Grilled Chicken?
Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave it for 1-2 minutes or warm it in a skillet over low heat until heated through. Enjoy it sliced in salads or tacos!
