If you are searching for a vibrant dish that combines bold flavors and succulent grilled meat, this Grilled Thai Chicken with Sweet Chili and Cilantro Glaze Recipe is an absolute winner. The magic lies in the perfect balance between the smoky char from the grill and the zesty, sweet, and slightly spicy glaze that wraps each juicy bite. This recipe delivers a delicious punch of Thai-inspired seasoning married with fresh cilantro and sweet chili, making every mouthful a true celebration of tastes and textures. Whether you’re grilling for a casual family dinner or impressing guests, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the key to this recipe’s success. Each one plays a vital role in building complex layers of flavor, while also contributing to the visual appeal and texture that truly sets this dish apart.
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These provide juicy, tender meat that holds flavor beautifully and grills to perfection.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or vegetable oil): Helps the seasoning stick and ensures a nice sear on the chicken.
- 3 tablespoons Thai seasoning: A blend of traditional Thai herbs and spices that infuse the chicken with authentic warmth and depth.
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce: The star component of the glaze, adding sweetness and a mild kick of heat.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Contributes a savory umami flavor that balances the sweetness and brightens the overall taste.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Brings a fresh, citrusy tang that lifts the glaze and cuts through the richness of the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon sriracha: Adds a controlled spice level, giving the dish its signature gentle heat without overpowering.
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro (chopped): Adds a vibrant herbal fragrance and color contrast, enhancing the overall freshness of the glaze.
How to Make Grilled Thai Chicken with Sweet Chili and Cilantro Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Grill
Start by heating your grill to medium-high, aiming for around 400°F. A hot grill is crucial to get that beautiful charred exterior while keeping the chicken tender inside. If you’re using a charcoal grill, make sure the coals are glowing evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Rub each chicken thigh with olive oil to lock in moisture and help the Thai seasoning stick. Sprinkle the seasoning generously and evenly over the meat. This step is where the flavor build-up begins, so take your time to coat every piece well.
Step 3: Mix the Sweet Chili and Cilantro Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, sriracha, and fresh cilantro. This glaze will be your flavor bomb, providing the perfect interplay of sweet, salty, tangy, and spicy notes that dance on your palate.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Place the seasoned chicken thighs on the grill and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side. This timing ensures the chicken cooks through without drying out, while getting those signature grill marks that we all love.
Step 5: Glaze the Chicken
During the last two minutes of grilling, brush half of the prepared glaze onto the chicken thighs. This allows the sugars in the sauce to caramelize perfectly without burning. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill promptly to avoid overcooking.
Step 6: Rest and Finish with Glaze
When the internal temperature hits 160°F, take the chicken off the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, brush the remaining glaze over the chicken. Resting is crucial to let the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Either slice the chicken into strips or dice it for an easier-to-eat presentation. This step also lets the glaze shine through every piece, making each serving feel like a culinary embrace of Thai-inspired goodness.
How to Serve Grilled Thai Chicken with Sweet Chili and Cilantro Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes elevate this dish immensely. Sprinkle extra chopped cilantro over the chicken for brightness and add thinly sliced green onions for a subtle crunch and bite. A wedge of lime on the side invites diners to add a fresh citrus squirt whenever they want to enhance the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
This grilled Thai chicken pairs beautifully with simple, fragrant jasmine rice or coconut rice to soak up every last bit of the glaze. For a refreshing contrast, serve alongside a crisp cucumber salad with a light vinaigrette or pickled vegetables to cut through the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken skewered with grilled vegetables or on top of a green salad dressed with peanut sauce for an Asian fusion sensation. Alternatively, use it in wraps or tacos with crunchy slaw and a drizzle of extra sweet chili sauce to wow your guests with a creative presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover grilled Thai chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the chicken has cooled down to room temperature before refrigerating to maintain optimum texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save this deliciousness for later, freezing is a great option. Place the cooked and glazed chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment if needed. It will keep well for up to 2 months without losing its delightful flavor.
Reheating
For the best results when reheating, warm the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Microwaving is convenient but can sometimes dry out the meat, so consider covering the chicken to trap moisture while reheating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can work, but they tend to cook faster and can dry out more easily. Keep a close eye during grilling and consider marinating a bit longer to help retain juiciness.
What is in Thai seasoning?
Thai seasoning typically includes ingredients like lemongrass, garlic, coriander, chili, and sometimes kaffir lime leaves. You can find pre-made blends or create your own to suit your taste.
How spicy is this dish?
The dish has a gentle to moderate heat level thanks to the sriracha and sweet chili sauce. You can adjust the sriracha quantity to make it milder or spicier according to your preference.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, the glaze can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick stir before using it to refresh the flavors.
Is this recipe suitable for a barbecue party?
Definitely! The vibrant flavors and appealing grilled presentation make this chicken a crowd-pleaser perfect for outdoor gatherings and summer barbecues.
Final Thoughts
Cooking and sharing this Grilled Thai Chicken with Sweet Chili and Cilantro Glaze Recipe is truly a joy. It not only brings exciting Thai flavors to your table but also proves how easy and rewarding grilling can be when you have the right combination of ingredients and steps. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that delivers on taste, texture, and vibrant color every single time.
Print
Grilled Thai Chicken with Sweet Chili and Cilantro Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Thai
Description
This Grilled Thai Chicken recipe offers a flavorful, easy-to-make dish featuring boneless, skinless chicken thighs marinated with a vibrant Thai seasoning blend and a tangy glaze made from sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, sriracha, and fresh cilantro. Perfectly grilled to juicy perfection, this dish brings authentic Thai-inspired flavors to your table in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 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 Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F, to ensure it is hot enough for even cooking and a nice sear on the chicken thighs.
- Prepare Chicken: Rub the chicken thighs evenly with olive oil, then sprinkle the Thai seasoning all over the chicken to coat it well, infusing it with flavor.
- Make Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, sriracha, and fresh chopped cilantro to create a balanced, tangy glaze.
- Grill Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken thighs on the preheated grill. Cook for 5-6 minutes on one side without moving to develop grill marks.
- Glaze Application: Flip the chicken thighs and during the last 2 minutes of grilling, brush half of the prepared glaze onto the chicken to enhance the flavor and keep it moist.
- Finish Cooking and Rest: Remove the chicken from the grill once it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (it will rise to about 165°F while resting). Brush the remaining glaze over the chicken and let it rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes to retain juices.
- Serve: Slice or dice the rested chicken thighs and serve them as desired, perfect for pairing with rice or fresh vegetables.
Notes
- The Thai seasoning typically includes ingredients like garlic powder, ginger, coriander, cumin, and chili flakes; adjust according to your preference or use a pre-made blend.
- Ensure the chicken reaches the proper internal temperature of 165°F to ensure safety and optimal juiciness.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the seasoning and glaze mix for 30 minutes before grilling if time permits.
- This recipe is easily doubled or halved depending on your serving needs.
