Ingredients
Marinade and Herbs
- ⅓ cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- ¼ cup chopped Thai basil leaves
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon canola oil (for brushing)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped cilantro, Thai basil, green onions, fish sauce, 2 tablespoons of canola oil, lime juice, lime zest, dark brown sugar, freshly grated ginger, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a fragrant and flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a gallon size Ziploc bag or a large bowl. Pour the cilantro-herb marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight, turning the bag occasionally to evenly marinate the meat.
- Preheat the Grill: Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the leftover marinade. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 375-450°F (190-230°C), ensuring the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Brush and Season the Chicken: Brush the chicken thighs with the remaining 1 tablespoon of canola oil. Season lightly with additional salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs on the grill. Cook, turning occasionally, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and are cooked through completely. This should take about 10 minutes depending on grill heat and chicken thickness.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and serve immediately. These Thai Chicken Thighs pair wonderfully with steamed rice or a light salad for a refreshing and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Marinating overnight will deepen the flavor and tenderness of the chicken.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked to 165°F for food safety.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken on a stovetop grill pan or bake in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes.
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar if you prefer a sweeter or less sweet marinade.
- Fresh herbs like cilantro and Thai basil are key to authentic flavor; avoid dried substitutes if possible.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Thai