Thai Grilled Chicken with Spicy Dipping Sauce

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
• 2 stalks lemongrass, finely chopped 2 stalks lemongrass, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 4 red chilies, finely chopped 4 red chilies, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons lime juice 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat: 18g (Saturated Fat: 4g)
• Carbohydrates: 6g (Sugars: 4g)
• Protein: 34g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 2.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, vegetable oil, honey, and black pepper. Mix well.
2. 2.
   Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and coat them evenly. Let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. If using a charcoal grill, wait until the coals are ashed over.
4. 4.
   Grill the chicken thighs for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. 5.
   While the chicken is grilling, prepare the spicy dipping sauce. In a small bowl, combine the chopped red chilies, lime juice, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
6. 6.
   Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.
7. 7.
   Serve the grilled chicken with the spicy dipping sauce on the side. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lemongrass — To release the aromatic oils, bruise the lemongrass stalks with the back of a knife before chopping.
• Red chilies — Adjust the amount of chilies according to your spice preference. For a milder version, remove the seeds and membranes before chopping.
• Fish sauce — Look for a high-quality fish sauce, as it greatly impacts the flavor of the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smokier flavor, use a charcoal grill instead of a gas grill.
• If you don't have access to a grill, you can also cook the chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 25-30 minutes.
• Serve the chicken with a side of sticky rice and a fresh cucumber salad for a complete Thai meal experience.
• Adjust the spiciness of the dipping sauce by adding more or fewer chilies.
• Make extra marinade and reserve some for basting the chicken while grilling for an extra burst of flavor.

Serving advice

Serve the Thai Grilled Chicken with Spicy Dipping Sauce as the main course of a Thai-inspired meal. Accompany it with sticky rice, a cucumber salad, and fresh herbs for a well-rounded and satisfying dining experience.

Presentation advice

Arrange the grilled chicken thighs on a platter, garnished with fresh cilantro. Place a small bowl of the spicy dipping sauce alongside the chicken. Add a pop of color by serving it with a side of vibrant green cucumber slices and a mound of fluffy sticky rice.