Thai Gai Yang Recipe

Thai Gai Yang is a classic grilled chicken dish loved throughout Thailand for its juicy meat, smoky edges, and deeply aromatic marinade. Traditionally prepared with chicken marinated in garlic, lemongrass, coriander, fish sauce, soy sauce, and a touch of sweetness, the chicken is grilled until beautifully caramelized while remaining tender inside.

This Thai-style grilled chicken is perfect for family dinners, outdoor gatherings, and weekend barbecues. Serve it with sticky rice, Som Tam, fresh vegetables, and a spicy dipping sauce for a delicious Thai street-food-inspired meal at home.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Rest Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes

Servings: 4 people

Difficulty: Easy

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Thai grilled chicken flavor.
• Juicy and tender inside.
• Fragrant garlic and lemongrass marinade.
• Beautiful caramelized grilled exterior.
• Perfect for family meals and barbecues.
• Delicious with Thai dipping sauce.
• Easy to prepare ahead.

How to Make Thai Gai Yang

1. Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry and make a few shallow cuts through the thickest parts.

This helps the marinade penetrate more deeply.

2. Make the Marinade

Combine lemongrass, garlic, coriander roots, fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, palm sugar, white pepper, and coconut milk.

Mix until well combined.

3. Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken in a large bowl or resealable bag.

Pour the marinade over it and coat thoroughly.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.

4. Prepare the Grill

Preheat your grill and lightly oil the grates.

Remove excess marinade from the chicken before grilling.

5. Grill the Chicken

Place the chicken skin-side down and grill, turning regularly, until the skin is deeply golden and lightly charred and the chicken is fully cooked.

6. Rest the Chicken

Transfer the grilled chicken to a clean cutting board.

Let it rest for several minutes before cutting.

7. Serve

Cut the chicken into portions and serve with sticky rice, fresh vegetables, and Thai dipping sauce.

Tips for Perfect Thai Gai Yang

• Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor.
• Bone-in chicken stays especially juicy on the grill.
• Keep the grill from becoming excessively hot to prevent the marinade from burning.
• Turn the chicken regularly for even browning.
• Let the chicken rest before cutting to retain its juices.
• Use fresh lemongrass and garlic for the best aroma.

Delicious Recipe Variations

Spicy Gai Yang

Add Thai chilies and chili flakes to the marinade.

Honey Gai Yang

Replace some of the palm sugar with honey for extra caramelization.

Boneless Gai Yang

Use boneless chicken thighs for quicker cooking.

Herb Gai Yang

Add extra cilantro roots and fresh coriander for a stronger herbal flavor.

What to Serve with Thai Gai Yang

• Thai sticky rice
• Som Tam
• Nam Jim Jaew
• Fresh cucumber
• Thai cabbage
• Grilled vegetables
• Fresh herbs
• Thai iced tea

How to Store Leftover Gai Yang

Allow the chicken to cool completely.

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently in a skillet, oven, or air fryer until heated through.

Can Thai Gai Yang Be Frozen?

Yes.

Freeze cooked chicken in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before serving.