Sizzling Thai Barbecue Chicken Recipe for Grill Lovers

Sizzling aromas of lemongrass and garlic dance through the kitchen with this tantalizing Thai barbecue chicken recipe that promises an explosion of Southeast Asian flavors.

Tender chicken marinates in a vibrant blend of zesty spices and fragrant herbs, creating a mouthwatering dish that transports you straight to the bustling streets of Bangkok.

Charred edges and juicy meat tell a story of culinary passion and bold seasoning.

Marinating transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal packed with complex taste profiles.

Each bite offers a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory notes that will awaken your palate.

The recipe captures the essence of Thai street food, bringing authentic flavors directly to your grill.

Dive into this irresistible culinary adventure and let your taste buds celebrate a remarkable journey through Thailand’s rich gastronomic landscape.

Kitchen Tools for Thai Barbecue Chicken

• Resealable Freezer Bag: Perfect for marinating chicken with all the flavorful ingredients.
• Mixing Bowl: Essential for whisking the smooth peanut sauce.
• Grill or Grill Pan: Crucial for cooking the marinated chicken to perfection.
• Skewers: Needed to thread and grill the chicken pieces.
• Whisk: Used to blend the peanut sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Help accurately measure marinade and sauce ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Useful for zesting lime and chopping cilantro.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for preparing ingredients.

Cooking Thai Barbecue Chicken Step-by-Step

Thai Barbecue Chicken

• Flavor Fusion

Create a tangy marinade by blending coconut milk with aromatic spices. Mix red curry paste, ginger, and lime zest to infuse the chicken with bold Southeast Asian flavors.

• Marinating Magic

Let the chicken soak in the marinade inside the refrigerator. Allow the ingredients to dance and mingle, transforming the meat into a tender, flavor-packed delight.

• Grill Preparation

Heat your cooking surface to a medium temperature. The goal is to achieve a gorgeous caramelized exterior while keeping the inside juicy and succulent.

• Skewer Technique

Thread the marinated chicken carefully onto skewers. Ensure even spacing to guarantee consistent cooking and beautiful presentation.

• Cooking Process

Grill the chicken until it develops a gorgeous golden-brown color and reaches perfect doneness. Rotate skewers to create those classic barbecue char marks.

• Finishing Touches

Sprinkle crushed peanuts and fresh cilantro over the chicken. Whip up a quick peanut sauce by whisking together creamy peanut butter, zesty lime juice, and complementary seasonings to serve alongside.

Flavor Adjustments for Thai Barbecue Chicken

• Replace chicken with tofu, shrimp, or pork for a delightful twist that keeps the recipe exciting and versatile.
• Adjust red curry paste quantity to dial up or tone down the spiciness, letting home cooks customize their flavor intensity.
• Extend marinating time up to 24 hours for deeper flavor penetration, allowing the coconut milk and spices to fully infuse the protein.
• When outdoor grilling isn't possible, use a cast-iron grill pan or broiler to achieve those beautiful charred marks and caramelized edges.
• Prepare chicken skewers and peanut sauce a day in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator for quick and easy weeknight dinners.

How to Serve Thai Barbecue Chicken

• Thai Street Food Platter: Arrange skewers on a colorful wooden board with small dipping bowls of peanut sauce, creating a vibrant restaurant-style presentation that feels like Bangkok's bustling markets.
• Tropical Side Companions: Serve with jasmine rice, fresh cucumber salad, or grilled pineapple slices to complement the rich, spicy flavors and add refreshing texture to the meal.
• Family-Style Feast: Spread skewers across a large platter, garnish generously with chopped cilantro and crushed peanuts, allowing everyone to grab and enjoy the Thai barbecue chicken together in a relaxed, communal dining experience.
• Healthy Lunch Option: Pack cooled skewers with extra peanut sauce in a container for a protein-packed lunch, perfect for work or picnics with a zesty, Southeast Asian twist.

How to Store Thai Barbecue Chicken After Cooking

• Refrigerator Strategy: Store marinated chicken in an airtight container for up to 2 days before grilling to enhance flavor absorption.
• Leftover Magic: Chilled chicken skewers remain delicious for 3-4 days when wrapped securely in aluminum foil or sealed plastic containers.
• Advance Prep Power: Prepare marinade and sauce ingredients up to 5 days ahead, keeping them separately refrigerated for quick weekend meal assembly.
• Freezer-Friendly Tip: Uncooked marinated chicken can be frozen flat in ziplock bags for maximum 1 month, ensuring convenient future meal planning with minimal preparation time.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: Up to 8 hours 25 minutes

Calories: 430 kcal

Servings: 5

What You Need for Thai Barbecue Chicken

• Coconut Milk: Adds creamy richness and helps tenderize the chicken with its natural enzymes.
• Brown Sugar: Brings a caramel-like sweetness that balances the spicy and tangy elements.
• Red Curry Paste: Delivers a vibrant, authentic Thai kick with complex spice layers.
• Ginger: Introduces a zesty, warming note with subtle heat and aromatic depth.
• Lime Zest: Provides bright, citrusy freshness that lifts the entire dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance and round out the overall flavor profile.

• Chicken: Choose boneless, skinless thighs for maximum juiciness and tenderness.

• Cilantro, Peanuts: Add fresh herbal notes and delightful crunch for contrast.

• Peanut Butter: Creates a rich, nutty base for the sauce.
• Soy Sauce: Brings umami and salty depth.
• Brown Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to balance the sauce.
• Lime Juice: Introduces bright, tangy freshness.
• Sesame Oil: Contributes a distinctive nutty aroma.
• Garlic: Provides a pungent, aromatic undertone.
• Warm Water: Helps achieve the perfect sauce consistency.

Sizzling Thai Barbecue Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: Up to 8 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent Thai barbecue chicken melds complex spices with grilled perfection. Marinade combines lemongrass, garlic, and chili for an authentic Southeast Asian flavor profile readers can savor at home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 chicken
• ½ cup (120 ml) creamy peanut butter
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) soy sauce
• 1 ½ tbsps brown sugar
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) lime juice
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon minced garlic
• ¼ cup (60 ml) warm water

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Instructions

1. Marinade Preparation: Blend coconut milk, brown sugar, red curry paste, ginger, lime zest, salt, and pepper in a sealed freezer bag, mixing thoroughly to create a vibrant flavor base.
2. Chicken Marination: Submerge chicken pieces in the marinade, refrigerating for 1-8 hours to allow deep flavor infusion and tenderization.
3. Skewering and Grilling Setup: Thread marinated chicken onto skewers with uniform spacing, then preheat grill or grill pan to medium heat for optimal caramelization and char.
4. Cooking Process: Grill skewered chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, ensuring a golden-brown exterior and complete internal cooking, rotating to achieve even charring.
5. Peanut Sauce Creation: Whisk peanut butter, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, sesame oil, garlic, and warm water until smooth, creating a glossy accompanying sauce.
6. Final Presentation: Garnish grilled chicken with chopped cilantro and crushed peanuts, then serve alongside the prepared peanut sauce for individual dipping preferences.

Notes

• Maximize Marination Time: Let chicken soak in the marinade for up to 8 hours to develop deep, rich flavors that penetrate every bite.
• Check Chicken Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally, preventing undercooked meat and guaranteeing food safety.
• Control Grill Temperature: Maintain medium heat to avoid burning the sugary marinade while achieving perfect caramelization and juicy chicken.
• Prepare Ahead: Make marinade and peanut sauce up to 24 hours in advance to streamline cooking and enhance flavor development.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg