Thai-Style Grilled Chicken
Description
This Thai-Style Grilled Chicken features quartered chicken pieces deeply marinated in a complex blend of fish sauce, coconut milk, lime, and spices. The marinade penetrates the meat, creating a savory-sweet flavor profile with a hint of heat from dried chilies. Grilled to perfection, the chicken develops a charred, crispy skin while remaining juicy inside. Served with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers, it offers a refreshing contrast to the rich meat. This dish is perfect for summer barbecues, family dinners, or meal prep, offering authentic Thai flavors with minimal effort.Ingredients
Directions
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In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, brown sugar, coconut milk, lime juice, five-spice powder, soy sauce, crushed chilies, and curry powder until the sugar is dissolved.
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Place the quartered chicken pieces in a glass baking dish or large resealable plastic bags.
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Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.
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If using bags, press out excess air and seal. If using a dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap.
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Let the chicken marinate at room temperature for 2 hours, then refrigerate for at least 24 hours (up to 2 days), turning the bags or stirring the dish occasionally.
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Prepare the grill for medium-high heat. The fire is ready when you can hold your hand 7 inches above the coals for about 4 seconds.
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Trim chicken wings at the second joint or secure wing tips to rib cages with skewers to prevent burning.
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Remove chicken from marinade and discard excess liquid. Place chicken on the grill, bony side down, for 1 1/2 minutes.
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Turn chicken and grill for another 1 1/2 minutes to seal in juices.
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Turn chicken again and grill for about 6 minutes until the surface meat is firm.
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Turn and grill for another 6 minutes.
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Continue grilling, turning occasionally, for 17 to 25 minutes longer, watching carefully to prevent charring if the fire is hot.
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Cook until the meat is white throughout and juices run clear when deeply pierced.
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Alternatively, preheat broiler. Broil chicken for about 35 minutes, starting skin-side up and turning every 10 minutes until done.
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Serve chicken on plates or a platter, garnished with lettuce leaves, quartered tomatoes, cucumber slices, and red onion strips.
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Serve with Amerasian Dipping Sauce on the side.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 26.2kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 0.8g2%
- Saturated Fat 0.2g1%
- Cholesterol 9.4mg4%
- Sodium 10.3mg1%
- Total Carbohydrate 0.0g0%
- Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
- Sugars 0.0g
- Protein 4.3g9%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Marination Time: For best flavor, marinate for 24-48 hours. Do not marinate longer than 2 days as the lime juice may begin to "cook" the meat.
Grilling Tip: If the skin starts to char too quickly, move the chicken to a cooler part of the grill or lower the heat slightly.
Substitution: If you cannot find five-spice powder, you can substitute with a mix of cinnamon, cloves, and star anise, though the flavor profile will differ slightly.
Safety: Always handle raw chicken carefully and wash hands, utensils, and surfaces after contact.
Serving Suggestion: Pairs well with jasmine rice, fried plantains, or a crisp lager beer.
