– **Title**: Sweet Chili Glazed Thai Boneless Chicken Thighs
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
– Lime wedges (for serving)
– Sliced green onions (for garnish)
– **Instructions**:
1. In a bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, lime juice, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
2. Place the chicken thighs in the marinade and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for more flavor.
3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
4. Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later.
5. Cook the chicken thighs in the skillet for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
6. In the last few minutes of cooking, pour the reserved marinade over the chicken and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken and glaze the chicken.
7. Once the chicken is cooked through and glazed, remove from heat and let rest for a couple of minutes.
8. Slice the chicken and serve topped with chopped cilantro and sliced green onions. Serve with lime wedges on the side for extra flavor. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Boneless Chicken Thighs: This cut is juicy and flavorful, perfect for grilling. If you prefer a leaner option, swap in boneless chicken breasts, but remember they’ll cook faster, so keep an eye on them!
Sweet Chili Sauce: The star of this dish, bringing sweetness and a hint of heat. You can easily make your own at home or use sriracha mixed with honey if you don’t have it on hand.
Soy Sauce: Adds saltiness and depth. If you’re gluten-free, look for tamari as a great substitute that offers a similar flavor without the gluten.
Fish Sauce: It brings umami flavor! If you’re vegetarian or don’t have it, consider using soy sauce or miso paste for a tasty alternative.
Fresh Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice really brightens the dish. You can substitute with lemon juice in a pinch, but lime has a unique zing that complements the other ingredients well.
How Do You Make Sure the Chicken Is Fully Flavored?
Marinating the chicken is key to infusing flavor. The longer you marinate, the better it tastes! Aim for at least 30 minutes, but 2 hours is ideal.
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl.
- Add the chicken, coating it well. Cover and refrigerate.
- If you have the time, marinate overnight for even more flavor.
Don’t forget to reserve some marinade for basting while grilling to keep it deliciously glazed! It’s all about layering the flavors.
Sweet Chili Glazed Thai Boneless Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1.5 pounds boneless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Serving:
- Cooked jasmine rice
- Sliced cucumber (optional)
- Chopped cilantro (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and at least 30 minutes to marinate. If you have a little extra time, marinate for 2 hours for even better flavor! Cooking on the grill will take about 12-16 minutes. So, set aside about 45 minutes to an hour for a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, combine the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, vegetable oil, and black pepper. Use a spoon to stir everything together until it’s well mixed. This will be our delicious marinade!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Next, add the boneless chicken thighs to the bowl with the marinade. Make sure each piece of chicken is fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it into the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you can, let it sit for 2 hours to soak up the flavors more.
3. Grill the Chicken:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or grilling pan over medium-high heat. If you’re using an outdoor grill, don’t forget to oil the grates so the chicken won’t stick! After marinating, take the chicken thighs out of the fridge and let any extra marinade drip off. Be sure to save that marinade for basting!
4. Cook the Chicken Thighs:
Place the chicken thighs on the grill. Cook them for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). During the last few minutes of cooking, brush the chicken with the reserved marinade for extra flavor and a nice glaze.
5. Let it Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken is cooked, take it off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This will help keep it juicy! Serve the chicken thighs hot over a bed of cooked jasmine rice. If you like, garnish with sliced cucumber and chopped cilantro for a fresh touch. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken breasts, but be sure to adjust the cooking time since they may cook faster than thighs. Grill chicken breasts for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking!
What If I Don’t Have Fish Sauce?
No worries! If you’re out of fish sauce or need a substitute, you can use soy sauce as an alternative. For a bit of extra depth, try adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a splash of lime juice to replicate the umami flavor.
Can I Marinate the Chicken Overnight?
Definitely! Marinating the chicken overnight will enhance the flavors significantly. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and cook the chicken within 24 hours for the best quality.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat, or in the microwave, adding a little water to keep it moist if needed. Enjoy your tasty leftovers!
