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Thai Chicken Thighs with Fresh Herbs and Lime Recipe

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4.2 from 7 reviews

Delicious Thai Chicken Thighs marinated in a vibrant mix of fresh herbs, fish sauce, lime, and ginger, then grilled to juicy perfection. This easy-to-make, flavorful dish offers the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and sweet notes for a crowd-pleasing meal.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes (includes marinating time)
  • Yield: 4 servings

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Thai