If you are craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and smoky goodness, this Grilled Thai Chicken Recipe is an absolute must-try. Juicy, tender chicken thighs are infused with a perfect blend of Thai seasoning, sweet chili, and a touch of sriracha heat, all enhanced by the fresh brightness of lime and cilantro. This recipe strikes that magical balance between sweet, spicy, and savory, grilling to perfection in just about 25 minutes—making it ideal for weeknight dinners or weekend BBQs that impress without the fuss. Trust me, once you’ve tried this Grilled Thai Chicken Recipe, it will quickly become a favorite you’ll want to share with friends and family again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients come together in this recipe to create an unforgettable flavor profile. Each component plays an essential role, whether it’s the juicy chicken thighs that provide richness, the Thai seasoning that brings depth, or the sweet chili sauce that adds that perfect hint of sweetness and tang.
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Tender and juicy, these cook quickly and soak up flavors beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or vegetable oil): Helps the seasonings stick and creates a nice sear on the grill.
- 3 tablespoons Thai seasoning: A mix of spices that delivers authentic Thai flavor in every bite.
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce: Adds a lovely balance of sweetness and mild heat.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Brings savory umami depth to the glaze.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens the dish and cuts through the richness.
- 1 tablespoon sriracha: Infuses a gentle kick of heat, adjustable to your spice preference.
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro (chopped): Adds a refreshing herbaceous finish that’s signature to Thai cuisine.
How to Make Grilled Thai Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Grill
Start by heating your grill to medium-high, about 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is perfect for searing the chicken to lock in juices while giving those nice grill marks that make this dish so appetizing.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Rub the chicken thighs with olive oil to ensure the seasoning adheres well. Sprinkle the Thai seasoning evenly over the chicken, covering all sides. This step is crucial for building the foundation of flavor that shines through after grilling.
Step 3: Prepare the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, sriracha, and chopped cilantro. This vibrant glaze provides layers of taste—sweet, tangy, and spicy—that perfectly complement the savory chicken.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Place the seasoned chicken thighs on the grill, cooking for 5 to 6 minutes on each side. During the last 2 minutes of grilling, generously brush half of the glaze over the chicken. This allows the sweet and spicy flavors to caramelize slightly on the surface.
Step 5: Rest and Glaze Again
Once the internal temperature hits 160 degrees Fahrenheit, remove the chicken from the grill. Let it rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes as the temperature rises a bit more internally. Brush the remaining glaze all over the chicken to give it a glossy finish and an extra layer of flavor before slicing.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Slice or dice the grilled chicken as desired. This step makes it easy to serve alongside your favorite sides or to use in wraps and salads. The combination of smoky, spicy, and fresh flavors shines whether sliced or diced.
How to Serve Grilled Thai Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes take this dish over the top. Sprinkle additional chopped cilantro and thinly sliced green onions for a pop of color and herbaceous brightness. A few lime wedges on the side encourage guests to add a fresh squeeze of citrus, enhancing the overall flavor experience.
Side Dishes
Pair your Grilled Thai Chicken Recipe with light and refreshing sides like jasmine rice or coconut rice to soak up the delicious glaze. A crunchy cucumber salad or a simple Thai-style slaw featuring shredded cabbage, carrots, and peanuts adds a satisfying contrast in texture and flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the grilled chicken sliced over lettuce wraps or in soft tortillas for Thai-inspired tacos. You can also toss the chicken pieces into a vibrant noodle salad or use them as a protein-packed topping on a crisp green salad for a bright and healthful meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover grilled Thai chicken keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Storing properly helps maintain moisture and flavor, allowing you to enjoy this delicious recipe the next day.
Freezing
If you want to make this dish ahead of time, grilled chicken freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled chicken tightly in foil or place in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftover chicken gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water to keep it moist. Avoid overcooking, as this can dry out the tender thighs. Brushing on a little leftover glaze while reheating will revive the flavors wonderfully.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs provide extra juiciness and flavor, boneless skinless chicken breasts can work. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out faster on the grill. Adjust grilling time accordingly and keep a close eye on temperature.
What is Thai seasoning made of?
Thai seasoning typically includes a blend of spices like garlic powder, coriander, cumin, white pepper, and sometimes lemongrass or chili flakes. It provides an aromatic and slightly spicy base that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
Is the glaze very spicy?
The glaze has a gentle kick from the sriracha, balanced by the sweetness of the chili sauce and tang from the lime. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less sriracha based on your preference.
Can I grill this chicken indoors?
Yes! If you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, a grill pan or broiler in your oven can mimic similar results. Just be sure to watch the cooking time and get nice char marks for that authentic grilled flavor.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer; the chicken thighs are perfectly done at 160 degrees Fahrenheit internally. The residual heat will bring it up to a safe 165 degrees as the meat rests.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Thai Chicken Recipe is a delightful adventure in flavor that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat. It’s fast, fresh, and sure to impress anyone lucky enough to share your table. Whether for a casual family meal or an elegant outdoor gathering, this recipe delivers bold Thai flavors with minimal effort. Give it a try—I promise it will become one of your go-to dishes in no time!
Print
Grilled Thai Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Thai
Description
This Grilled Thai Chicken recipe features tender boneless, skinless chicken thighs marinated with a flavorful Thai seasoning and a tangy sweet chili glaze. Grilled to perfection over medium-high heat, this dish is infused with vibrant flavors from soy sauce, lime juice, sriracha, and fresh cilantro, making it a quick and delicious meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 3 tablespoons Thai seasoning (see notes below)
Glaze
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat a grill to medium-high heat, aiming for about 400°F to ensure perfect cooking temperature for the chicken.
- Prepare the Chicken: Rub the chicken thighs evenly with olive oil, then generously sprinkle the Thai seasoning all over the chicken to coat thoroughly.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, sriracha, and fresh chopped cilantro until well combined. Set aside.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken thighs on the hot grill. Grill each side for 5 to 6 minutes until nicely charred and cooked through.
- Apply the Glaze: In the last 2 minutes of grilling, brush half of the prepared glaze over the chicken thighs, allowing it to caramelize slightly on the heat.
- Check Temperature and Rest: Remove the chicken from the grill once it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F, which will continue to rise about 5 degrees while resting. Brush the remaining glaze over the chicken, then let rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes to retain juices.
- Serve: Slice or dice the chicken before serving to enjoy the tender, flavorful grilled Thai chicken.
Notes
- For the Thai seasoning, you can use a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, ground coriander, cumin, paprika, and a little cayenne for heat.
- Make sure to let the chicken rest after grilling to keep it juicy and allow flavors to settle.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken on a grill pan or under a broiler, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
- Adjust sriracha quantity for your preferred spice level.
