Delicious Thai Chicken (Gai Yang) Recipe

Ah, the memories of enjoying a warm summer evening with the delicious aroma of grilled chicken wafting through the air. Nothing quite compares to the joy of cooking and sharing meals with loved ones. Today, I’m excited to share a recipe for Thai Chicken, or Gai Yang, that is not only packed with flavor but is also incredibly easy to whip up. Perfect for a quick dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to become a favorite!

Why You’ll Love Thai Chicken (Gai Yang)

• Fast
• Easy
• Giftable
• Crowd-pleasing

Ingredients

Let’s gather our ingredients for this delightful dish:

• 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on – These will provide juicy, flavorful meat that grills beautifully.
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce – A great source of umami flavor.
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce – This adds depth and a hint of saltiness.
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce – A touch of sweetness and savory goodness.
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar – This balances out the salty and savory elements.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – A must for that aromatic kick.
• 1 tablespoon fresh coriander, chopped – Adds a fresh, herbal note.
• 1 tablespoon lime juice – Brightens up the dish with a zesty flavor.
• 1 teaspoon ground white pepper – For a gentle heat.
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder – Gives the chicken a lovely golden color.
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil – For grilling and preventing sticking.

How to Make Thai Chicken (Gai Yang)

Ready to get started? Let’s dive into the cooking process!

1. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, chopped coriander, lime juice, ground white pepper, and turmeric powder. Mix well to create the marinade.
2. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results. I usually like to marinate overnight to let those flavors really penetrate the chicken.
3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This is the perfect time to get that grill nice and hot!
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off. Brush the chicken with vegetable oil to help it grill nicely.
5. Place the chicken thighs on the grill, skin-side down. Grill for 6-8 minutes, then flip and continue grilling for another 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
6. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps keep the juices in, making every bite tender and juicy!

Substitutions & Additions

If you’re looking to mix things up, here are some fun swaps and additions:

• Swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat.
• Add some chopped chili for a spicy kick!
• Try using a different herb like basil instead of coriander for a unique twist.
• Serve with a side of beef panang curry for a full Thai-inspired meal.

Tips for Success

Here are a few tips to ensure your Gai Yang turns out perfect:

• Don’t skip the marinating step. It makes all the difference in flavor!
• If you’re grilling outdoors, keep an eye on the chicken to prevent flare-ups from the skin.
• Letting the chicken rest before cutting helps to keep it juicy.
• Prep ahead by marinating the chicken a day in advance for a quick dinner option later!

How to Store Thai Chicken (Gai Yang)

Leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to store your delicious Thai chicken:

• Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• You can also freeze the grilled chicken for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap it well!
• To reheat, simply warm it gently in the oven or microwave.

FAQs

• Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe? Yes, boneless chicken will work, but adjust the cooking time as it may cook faster.
• What can I serve with Thai Chicken? It pairs beautifully with jasmine rice, grilled veggies, or a fresh salad.
• Is this recipe spicy? It has a mild flavor, but you can add chili for extra heat!

And there you have it! A simple, flavorful Thai Chicken (Gai Yang) recipe that will delight your taste buds and impress your friends. For more delicious recipes, check out my easy chicken adobo recipe or crispy chili chicken recipe for treats you will love!

Don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for more inspiration and delicious ideas!

Thai Chicken (Gai Yang)

A simple, flavorful Thai Chicken (Gai Yang) recipe that will delight your taste buds and impress your friends.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 2 hours hrs

Cook Time 16 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 16 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Thai

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Marinade

• 4 thighs chicken thighs bone-in and skin-on
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tbsp fresh coriander chopped
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp ground white pepper
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Equipment

• Grill
• Bowl

Method

 

1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, chopped coriander, lime juice, ground white pepper, and turmeric powder. Mix well to create the marinade.
2. Step 2: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
3. Step 3: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
4. Step 4: Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off. Brush the chicken with vegetable oil.
5. Step 5: Place the chicken thighs on the grill, skin-side down. Grill for 6-8 minutes, then flip and continue grilling for another 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
6. Step 6: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the grilled chicken for up to 2 months.