Name: Thai Chicken (Gai Yang)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1.5 kg / 3 lb chicken (whole or bone-in pieces like thigh or drumsticks); 2 stalks lemongrass (white part only, finely chopped); 5 garlic cloves; 1 small shallot (roughly chopped); 1 tbsp coriander/cilantro stems (finely chopped); 1 tsp white pepper (or black pepper); 2 tbsp fish sauce; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp oyster sauce; 2 tbsp palm sugar (or brown sugar); 1 tbsp oil (vegetable or canola)

Why You’ll Love Thai Chicken (Gai Yang) Recipe

Gai Yang delivers deep, complex flavours from a simple marinade that transforms chicken into something aromatic, savory, and irresistibly juicy. The use of lemongrass and fish sauce gives it an unmistakable Thai character, and with a bit of time for marinating, it comes out tender and packed with flavor. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or cooking in a pan, this recipe brings vibrant Southeast Asian flair to your dinner table.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless chicken thighs
lemongrass
garlic
fish sauce
light soy sauce
dark soy sauce
brown sugar
neutral oil
lime wedges (optional garnish)
fresh coriander/cilantro (optional garnish)
Nam Jim Jaew or sweet chilli sauce (optional)

Directions

Prepare the marinade: Slice lemongrass and add it with garlic, fish sauce, light and dark soy sauces, brown sugar, and oil to a jug. Use a stick blender to blitz until smooth; alternatively, finely grate the lemongrass and garlic and mix thoroughly.
Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a bowl or resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Toss to coat completely, then refrigerate. For best flavour, marinate overnight; minimum marinating time is 3 hours.
Heat your grill or pan: Preheat a barbecue grill or a non‑stick pan on medium heat.
Cook the chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade, let excess drip off, and cook on the grill or in the pan for about 5–6 minutes per side until nicely bronzed and cooked through. Flip frequently to prevent burning from the sugar in the marinade.
Rest and serve: Rest the chicken for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with lime wedges and coriander if you like, and serve with jasmine or coconut rice and dipping sauce on the side.

Servings and timing

Servings: Approximately 5 portions
Prep time: ~8 minutes
Marinating time: Ideally 24 hours (minimum 3 hours)
Cook time: ~12 minutes
Total time: Around 20 minutes active time plus marinating

Variations

Bone‑in chicken: Use bone‑in, skin‑on chicken pieces; grill longer and flip frequently for even cooking.
Spicy twist: Add Thai bird chillies or chilli flakes to the marinade if you prefer heat.
Alternative proteins: This marinade also works beautifully with pork or beef for a Thai‑style BBQ variation.
Oven method: Bake or broil in the oven at high heat for 15–20 minutes, turning once and basting with leftover marinade for caramelisation.

Storage/Reheating

Fridge: Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container for 2–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked pieces wrapped well for up to 2–3 months.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 180–200°C (350–400°F) for 8–10 minutes or until heated through, or reheat gently on the stovetop to avoid drying out.

FAQs

What is Gai Yang?

Gai Yang is Thai grilled chicken that’s marinated in aromatic herbs and sauces, then grilled until juicy and caramelised.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breast can be used, but it’s best to split or pound it to an even thickness so it cooks evenly and doesn’t dry out.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

For best flavour, marinate overnight, but a minimum of 3 hours will still give good results.

What if I don’t have fresh lemongrass?

You can use lemongrass paste as a substitute, though the flavour will be milder.

Is fish sauce necessary?

Fish sauce adds authentic Thai umami, but you could use extra soy sauce if needed.

Can I grill this indoors?

Yes, you can cook the chicken in a grill pan or non‑stick pan on the stove if you don’t have outdoor grilling access.

What should I serve with Gai Yang?

Jasmine rice, coconut rice, fresh cucumber, or a Thai salad are classic accompaniments.

Can I make this spicy?

Absolutely — add chilli flakes or fresh Thai chillies to the marinade to increase heat.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.

Can the marinade be used as a dipping sauce?

Because it’s been in contact with raw chicken, it shouldn’t be used directly as a dipping sauce, but you can make a fresh dipping sauce like Nam Jim Jaew to complement the dish.

Conclusion

Thai Chicken (Gai Yang) brings the vibrant, smoky flavours of Southeast Asian street food into your own kitchen. With a bold marinade and simple grilling technique, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend barbecues. Once you’ve tried this juicy, aromatic chicken with rice and dipping sauce, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.