Grilled Cilantro Thai Chicken

Welcome to our flavorful journey inspired by the vibrant streets of Thailand! If you’re craving bold and zesty flavors, Grilled Cilantro Thai Chicken is the perfect dish for you. This mouthwatering recipe combines the irresistible taste of cilantro, Thai spices, and tender grilled chicken. Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ or simply want to savor a delicious meal, this Thai-inspired culinary delight will transport your taste buds to new heights.

• Grilled Cilantro Thai Chicken is a flavorful and aromatic dish.
• The marinade consists of cilantro, Thai spices, garlic, and more.
• Grill or broil the chicken for a smoky flavor.
• Enjoy it with a tangy dipping sauce.
• Pair it with a dry Gewürztraminer for a delightful contrast.

The marinade for Grilled Cilantro Thai Chicken is a simple yet flavorful blend of ingredients. It includes jalapeños, garlic, cilantro leaves and stems, fish sauce, cooking oil, sesame oil, and salt. These ingredients are pureed in a blender or food processor to create a smooth marinade. The chicken is then coated with this cilantro puree and left to marinate for a desired amount of time. The marinade infuses the chicken with the refreshing taste of cilantro and the aromatic flavors of Thai spices.

• Jalapeños
• Garlic
• Cilantro leaves and stems
• Fish sauce
• Cooking oil
• Sesame oil
• Salt

1. In a blender or food processor, combine jalapeños, garlic, cilantro leaves and stems, fish sauce, cooking oil, sesame oil, and salt.
2. Blend until smooth to create the marinade.
3. Coat the chicken with the cilantro puree, ensuring it is evenly covered.
4. Place the marinated chicken in a container or resealable bag.
5. Refrigerate and let it marinate for a desired amount of time to allow the flavors to develop.

Once the chicken has absorbed the flavors of the marinade, it is ready to be grilled or broiled to perfection. The marinade enhances the taste of the chicken, infusing it with the vibrant and aromatic essence of cilantro and Thai spices.

Once the chicken has marinated in the flavorful cilantro puree, it’s time to cook it using either the grilling or broiling method. Both methods are equally effective in bringing out the delicious flavors of the Grilled Cilantro Thai Chicken.

If you choose to grill the chicken, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken on the grill grates and cook for approximately 5 minutes on each side. Make sure to turn the chicken only once to achieve those beautiful grill marks.

If you don’t have access to a grill or prefer to use your oven, the broiling method is a fantastic alternative. Preheat your broiler and place the marinated chicken on a broiler pan or a baking sheet with a wire rack. Position the chicken about 6 inches away from the broiler and cook for about 5 minutes on each side. Keep a close eye on the chicken to prevent it from burning.

Regardless of the method you choose, be mindful of the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked but still juicy and tender. Overcooking can result in dry and tough chicken, while undercooking can risk food safety. Remember to use a meat thermometer to check if the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).

Here are some expert tips to enhance your grilling or broiling experience:

• Brush the grill grates or broiler pan with oil before cooking to prevent sticking.
• For a smokier flavor, consider adding soaked wood chips (such as mesquite or hickory) to the grill or broiler.
• If using a broiler, place a foil-lined baking sheet beneath the broiler pan to catch any drippings and make cleanup easier.
• Avoid overcrowding the grill or broiler pan to ensure even cooking and proper browning.
• Allow the grilled or broiled chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Once the grilled or broiled Grilled Cilantro Thai Chicken is done, it’s time to plate it and get ready for a mouthwatering experience!

Remember, whether you choose to grill or broil, the cooking method will infuse the Grilled Cilantro Thai Chicken with a smoky flavor that perfectly complements the vibrant cilantro marinade.

Grilled Cilantro Thai Chicken is traditionally served with a tangy dipping sauce on the side. This dipping sauce adds a flavorful and zesty element to the dish, perfectly complementing the grilled chicken and cilantro marinade.

To prepare the tangy dipping sauce:

1. In a saucepan, simmer vinegar, sugar, and salt until the sugar has dissolved.
2. Pour the liquid into a bowl and let it cool.
3. Add minced garlic, chopped cilantro, red pepper flakes, and water to the cooled liquid.
4. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.

The resulting dipping sauce offers a delightful balance of tanginess and slight spiciness, enhancing the overall flavors of the grilled chicken and its cilantro marinade.

Pair your Grilled Cilantro Thai Chicken with this tangy dipping sauce for a truly mouthwatering experience.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can experiment with different variations of the tangy dipping sauce. Here are a few ideas to inspire your culinary creativity:

Spicy Peanut: Add peanut butter and a dash of sriracha to the tangy dipping sauce. This variation adds a rich and creamy texture with a hint of heat.

Mango Salsa: Mix in diced mangoes, red onions, and jalapeños to create a tropical twist on the tangy dipping sauce. The combination of sweet and spicy flavors will transport your taste buds to a sunny paradise.

Soy Ginger: Infuse the tangy dipping sauce with grated ginger and a splash of soy sauce. This variation adds a savory and aromatic element to the dipping sauce, complementing the grilled chicken beautifully.

Feel free to customize the dipping sauce according to your personal preferences and taste preferences. These variations are just the beginning – let your imagination run wild!

Indulge in the delectable combination of Grilled Cilantro Thai Chicken and its tangy dipping sauce. This dynamic duo will surely elevate your dining experience, leaving your taste buds craving for more.

To enhance the dining experience, it is recommended to pair Grilled Cilantro Thai Chicken with a dry Gewürztraminer from France’s Alsace region. The rich and fruity flavors of this wine provide a delightful contrast to the strong and spicy flavors of the dish. The Gewürztraminer’s unctuous texture and pronounced fruitiness complement the boldness of Thai-inspired cuisine, making it a perfect choice to accompany the flavorful and aromatic Grilled Cilantro Thai Chicken.

While the recipe provided for Grilled Cilantro Thai Chicken follows a specific set of ingredients and instructions, there are variations that can be made to suit your personal preferences or dietary needs.

For those seeking an authentic Thai taste, you can enhance the marinade by adding additional Thai spices and herbs such as lemongrass, ginger, or Thai basil. These ingredients will infuse the chicken with even more aromatic flavors and create an authentic Thai grilled chicken experience.

If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can substitute boneless skinless chicken breasts for the boneless skinless chicken tenders called for in the recipe. This will reduce the overall fat content while still maintaining the delicious flavor of the dish.

When it comes to ingredient availability, most of the ingredients required for this recipe can be found at your local grocery store. However, some specialty items like Asian fish sauce may require a visit to an Asian market or a well-stocked supermarket that carries a wide range of international ingredients.

Here is a list of the main ingredients needed for the recipe:

By making these modifications and adapting the recipe to your liking, you can create a unique version of Grilled Cilantro Thai Chicken that suits your taste buds and dietary preferences.

Grilled Cilantro Thai Chicken is a tantalizing and flavorful dish that will transport you to the vibrant streets of Thailand with every bite. This Thai-inspired grilled chicken combines the bold and zesty flavors of cilantro, Thai spices, and a tangy dipping sauce, creating a harmonious blend that will delight your taste buds.

Whether you’re hosting a BBQ or simply looking for a delicious and easy-to-make meal, Grilled Cilantro Thai Chicken is the perfect choice. The marinated grilled chicken is juicy and tender, infused with the refreshing taste of cilantro and the aromatic notes of Thai spices. The tangy dipping sauce adds an extra layer of flavor, complementing the grilled chicken perfectly.

Indulge in this healthy and flavorful recipe that brings the taste of Thai-inspired cuisine to your backyard or kitchen. With every bite, you’ll experience the vibrant and bold flavors that make this dish truly exceptional. So fire up the grill and savor the deliciousness of Grilled Cilantro Thai Chicken today!