If you like Asian flavours you wil love these grilled Thai flavoured coconut chicken thigh fillets which we have started making recently and I have to say flavour-wise, it is the bomb.
It is super simple to do you just need to think ahead as it really should marinate for around 5 hours, overnight is much better though. Anything that has a Thai influence generally tends to tingle the taste buds in the most amazing ways, it does in our house anyway.
What are Grilled Thai Flavoured Coconut Chicken Thigh Fillets?
Grilled Thai Flavoured Coconut Chicken Thigh Fillets are an amazing dish with a hint of Thai cuisine that showcases perfectly marinated and grilled skinless chicken thigh fillets.
The secret lies in the super tasty marinade, crafted with a combination of coconut milk, red chilli paste, fresh chilli, garlic, ginger, palm suger, sesame oil, lime juice, salt, and coriander.
This gorgeous marinade infuses the tender chicken thighs with a burst of authentic Thai flavors, resulting in a mouthwatering dish that paired with a charcoal grill, has the most amazing sweet charred aroma and flavor that is sure to make your taste buds drool.
Benefits of Eating Grilled Thai Flavoured Coconut Chicken Thigh Fillets
If you are looking to add a delicious and flavorful dish to your grilling menu, Grilled Thai Flavoured Coconut Chicken Thigh Fillets are hard to beat. These succulent and tender chicken thighs have a unique combination of herbs and spices that create a taste explosion like no other.
What makes these chicken thighs even more appealing is their versatility. Whether you pair them with coconut rice, jasmine rice, or a fresh salad, they will always be the star of the show. Their juicy and tender texture complements sautéed vegetables perfectly, making them ideal for a healthy and satisfying meal.
One of the benefits of choosing skinless chicken thighs is that they are a great source of lean protein. They provide the necessary nutrients to support muscle growth and repair, making them an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
So, if you’re looking for a delicious and healthy alternative to a bit of boring old grilled chicken, give Grilled Thai Flavoured Coconut Chicken Thigh Fillets a try. Their irresistible taste, thanks to the flavorful marinade, and their versatility in pairing with various dishes make them a winning option for any occasion.
Why We Like Grilled Thai Flavoured Coconut Chicken Thigh Fillets
I guess what I like about this dish is because it keeps the other half happy. Yeah my wife loves a BBQ but red meat is just not here thing, 4 nights a week anyway. So this tasty spin on plain chicken is a no-brainer for keeping my better half on side.
She does enjoy her Thai flavours, as weel as almost any Asian type meal, but these grilled Thai flavoured coconut chicken thigh fillets keep me in the good books with her taste buds. Seriously, you need to try these out today.
Grilled Thai Flavoured Coconut Chicken Thigh Fillets
Equipment
- 1 Bowl For marinating the chicken
- 1 Weber Kettle grill For cooking the chicken
Ingredients
- 1 kg chicken thigh fillets (skin removed)
- 1 piece ginger 2 - 3 inch knob
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 long red chilli
- 1 fresh lime juice of 1 lime
- 2 tbsp sesame oil (or olive oil)
- 11/2 tbsp palm sugar or brown suger
- 1/12 tsp salt (course ground)
- ⅓ cup Thai Red Chilli paste (or whatever you prefer)
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 handful coriander (cilantro)
Instructions
- Ok first up you need to crush the garlic and grate the knob of ginger into a bowl. Finely chop the chilli and add that to the bowl along with lime juice, oil, palm sugar, salt, Thai chilli paste and the coconut milk.
- Mix all the ingredients with a fork or whisk to make sure that the oil is dispersed through the rest of the marinate.
- Tidy the chicken thighs up (remove any excess fat or daggy bits as my wife likes to call it) then add to the marinade.
- Coat the thigh fillets with the marinade, hands work best, then cover and place in the fridge for at least 5 hours.
- When you are ready to cook, light the grill and remove the chicken from the fridge to allow the chill to come off the meat a bit.
- Once the grill is heated to medium-high heat, brush some olive oil over the grill then add the fillets allowing some of the marinade to drain off first.
- Grab a basting brush and coat the tops of the thighs with the marinade before turning them over. Keep coating them every time you turn them.
- I tend to turn them around 2-3 times each side, it all depends how hot the grill is but you will generally get a feel for it so as not to burn the meat. After around 4-5 minutes per side they should be ready.
- The ideal temperature of the chicken when cooked should be 74C or 165F, so if you have a meat thermometer just whack that in to make sure.
- Remove the thighs from the grill and place on a serving dish and sprinkle the coriander over the top and hook in.
Nutrition
Grilling the Thai Flavoured Chicken Thigh Fillets
The best part about grilled Thai flavoured coconut chicken thigh fillets is when they first hit the hot grill. The instant aroma that hits your nostril is out of this world. Remeber to baste the coconut thigh fillets everytime you turn them.
This ensures the flavour is maximised along with the smoky infusion from the charcoal. It’s like a marriage made in heaven…a bit like ours…hehe. The constant basting of the thigh fillets helps to leave a nice crusty char over the chicken.
Grilling it to the minimum safe temperature for chicken is imperative to kill off any bacteria before eating and keeping you and your guests safe. This is easy to do with a meat thermometer like these ones.
What to Serve With Grilled Coconut Chicken Thighs
One of the best things about grilled Thai flavoured coconut chicken thighs is their versatility and ability to pair well with a wide variety of side dishes.
To balance out the rich and tropical flavors of the chicken, consider serving it with a crisp and refreshing cucumber salad. The coolness of the cucumber will provide a delightful contrast, while its lightness complements the richness of the chilli in the grilled chicken.
Alternatively, you can embrace the exotic flavors further by preparing a vibrant mango salsa as an accompaniment, and this is such a good combo.
The tanginess and sweetness of ripe mangoes combined with zesty lime juice and aromatic cilantro create a perfect harmony with the coconut-infused chicken. This salsa not only adds brightness to the dish but also introduces an exciting burst of flavor that marries beautifully with every bite.
Lastly, if you’re looking for something heartier to complete your meal (that’s what we love isn’t it?), why not try pairing your grilled Thai flavoured chicken coconut thigh fillets with fragrant jasmine rice?
Its subtle floral scent and fluffy texture make it an excellent base for absorbing any of the juices from your spicy chicken. Moreover, jasmine rice acts as a blank canvas that allows all other flavors on your plate as well.
So, whether you choose to serve grilled coconut chicken thighs alongside a refreshing cucumber salad, a zesty mango salsa or fragrant jasmine rice – there’s no doubt that these combinations will elevate this dish to new heights.
Experimenting with different side dishes not only maximizes flavor contrasts but also extends countless possibilities when it comes to exploring unique taste profiles. So get creative on your grill now.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to marinate the chicken thigh fillets?
Marinating the chicken thigh fillets for at least 5 hours in the mixture of coconut milk, Thai curry paste, lime juice and the other ingredients above will give you the most flavorful results.
Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While thighs tend to be juicier, you can easily substitute boneless chicken breasts for this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How long should I grill the chicken thigh fillets for?
Grill the chicken thigh fillets over medium-high heat for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Can I make this recipe without a grill?
Definitely! If you don’t have access to a grill, you can use a griddle pan on the stove top for approximately 5-7 minutes per side.
Are these chicken thigh fillets spicy?
The level of spiciness can be adjusted to your taste by adding more or less Thai curry paste and frresh chilli. The base recipe provides a medium level of spiciness but you can dial it up or down a notch, it’s totally up to you.
Can I prepare these ahead of time and store them in the fridge before grilling?
Yes, please do! You can marinate the chicken thigh fillets overnight in the refrigerator before grilling them. This allows the flavors to develop even further.
What goes well with grilled Thai flavored coconut chicken thigh fillets?
These delicious fillets pair perfectly with steamed jasmine rice, vegetable stir-fry, or even a fresh green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette.
Can I freeze any leftover cooked chicken thigh fillets?
Yes! Once cooled, you can freeze any leftover cooked chicken thigh fillets in an airtight container or vaccuum sealed bag for up to three months. Just thaw and reheat when ready to enjoy again!
