EXQUISITE THAI-STYLE GRILLED CHICKEN RECIPE FOR A SENSATIONAL AROMA

Thai-style Grilled Chicken (Gai Yang) is marinated with garlic, lemongrass, cilantro, and fish sauce. The result is tender, golden-brown, crispy chicken skin layered with a myriad of flavors. Grilling the chicken over charcoal imparts a delightful smoky aroma. A dish that is incredibly aromatic, delicious, and bold.

Thai-style Grilled Chicken, also known as Gai Yang, is among the most flavorsome grilled chicken recipes. When you travel to Thailand, you undoubtedly cannot resist this enticing street food. It always holds a spot on the must-try list when visiting. Thai-style Grilled Chicken (Gai Yang) is marinated with garlic, lemongrass, cilantro, and fish sauce. The result is tender, golden-brown, crispy chicken skin layered with a myriad of flavors. Grilling the chicken over charcoal imparts a delightful smoky aroma. A dish that is incredibly aromatic, delicious, and robust, Gai Yang is well worth your time to try and savor, a departure from the familiar grilled or boiled chicken dishes. 

INGREDIENTS NEEDED FOR THAI-STYLE GRILLED CHICKEN

For the chicken:

• 1 whole chicken, about 2kg

• 1 bunch lemongrass, 1/2 cup finely chopped cilantro

• 2 shallots, finely minced

• 8 cloves of garlic, finely minced

• Seasonings: 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 3/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 teaspoons Thai sweet soy sauce (or dark soy sauce), 2 teaspoons fish sauce, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder, 2 tablespoons cooking oil.

For the dipping sauce (Nam jim jaew):

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey, 1 tablespoon hot water, 1 tablespoon tamarind sauce, 2 tablespoons fish sauce, 1 tablespoon finely ground roasted rice, 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro, 1 tablespoon chopped green onions, 2 teaspoons dried chili flakes (or fresh Thai chili, as desired), 1 tablespoon lime juice.

Ingredients for the dipping sauce 

HOW TO MAKE THAI-STYLE GRILLED CHICKEN

Step 1. Prepare the Ingredients

Clean the chicken, cut it into 8-10 pieces

Step 3. Prepare the seasoning mixture

Step 4. Make the marinating sauce

Place lemongrass, cilantro, basil, and garlic in a mortar and pound until smooth. You can also use a food processor for this step, but manual grinding works better as it helps blend the oil in the spices more effectively.

Add oil, sugar, salt, black pepper, soy sauce, fish sauce, and turmeric powder. Mix until well combined.

Step 3. Marinate the chicken

Place the chicken on a tray, pour the marinating sauce on top, and use your hands to rub it evenly over the chicken.

Wrap the chicken tray tightly and refrigerate overnight (or at least 12 hours). The next day, take the chicken out 1 to 2 hours before you're ready to grill.

Step 4. Prepare the dipping sauce (Nam jim jaew)

Toast golden glutinous rice in a small grinding mortar.

In a small bowl, mix sugar and hot water until the sugar is completely dissolved. Mix the remaining dipping sauce ingredients and set aside.

Step 5. Grill the chicken

Place the chicken on the grilling rack and use the remaining sauce to brush the chicken while grilling. Leave the sauce mixture on the chicken, including any aromatic herbs, as they will caramelize and enhance the flavor. Flip and grill the chicken regularly to create a delicious crispy outer layer. Marinate the chicken with the remaining sauce in the first half of the grilling process, but refrain from doing so towards the end. The raw marinating sauce needs enough time to cook thoroughly.

Step 6. Presentation

Place the finished grilled chicken on a plate, serve hot with rice or noodles, vermicelli, and the Nam Jim Jaew dipping sauce.

INGREDIENTS FOR THAI-STYLE GRILLED CHICKEN

Thai-style Gai Yang grilled chicken is now ready!

The aromatic and hot Thai Gai Yang grilled chicken is irresistibly mouthwatering. The tender and fragrant chicken is perfectly cooked, not dry at all, with each piece marinated in rich and flavorful seasonings. Dipping it in the Nam Jim Jaew sauce enhances the explosion of perfect flavors for this dish.

Wishing you success with the dish and may you have truly delightful meals!

Source: Compiled from various references

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