Thai Grilled Chicken Thighs with Fresh Herbs and Lime Recipe
These Thai Chicken Thighs offer a vibrant blend of fresh herbs and tangy lime, marinated to perfection and grilled to juicy, flavorful tenderness. Perfect for a quick and aromatic meal, this recipe combines the zest of cilantro, Thai basil, and lime with the umami punch of fish sauce and ginger for an authentic Thai experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients
Marinade Ingredients
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup chopped Thai basil leaves
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons canola oil (divided)
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Main Ingredient
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped cilantro, Thai basil, sliced green onions, fish sauce, 2 tablespoons canola oil, lime juice, lime zest, brown sugar, grated ginger, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs in a gallon-size Ziplock bag or large bowl and pour the marinade mixture over the chicken. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate, marinating for at least 2 hours and up to overnight. Turn the bag occasionally to ensure even flavor infusion. When ready, drain the chicken from the marinade to prepare for grilling.
- Preheat the Grill: Set your grill to medium-high heat and allow it to reach the proper temperature. This ensures a nice sear and thorough cooking of the chicken thighs.
- Prepare the Chicken for Grilling: Brush the chicken thighs with the remaining 1 tablespoon of canola oil, then season to taste with additional salt and pepper for enhanced flavor.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs on the grill and cook, turning occasionally, for about 10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This guarantees the chicken is fully cooked, juicy, and safe to eat.
- Serve Immediately: Remove the chicken from the grill and serve hot for the best flavor and texture. These flavorful Thai chicken thighs pair well with steamed rice or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Marinating overnight will deepen the flavors, but a minimum of 2 hours is sufficient.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked to 165°F for safety and juiciness.
- If you don’t have a grill, chicken can be cooked on a stovetop grill pan or broiled in the oven at high heat.
- Adjust the brown sugar amount according to your preferred balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
- For an extra kick, add sliced fresh chili peppers to the marinade.
