Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken Thighs

Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken Thighs

4 servings
This easy recipe for grilled chicken thighs has a piquant marinade and requires very little prep time: all the right notes for a standout weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

  • 2 lemongrass stalks

    trimmed, tough outer layers removed

  • 1 serrano chile
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 1 1" piece ginger

    peeled

  • 1 Tbsp. dark brown sugar
  • 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp. fish sauce
  • 1 Tbsp. soy sauce
  • 1¼ lb. skinless

    boneless chicken thighs

  • Kosher salt
  • Vegetable oil

    for grill

  • 2 scallions

    thinly sliced

  • ½ cup cilantro leaves with tender stems
  • Sesame seeds and lime wedges

    for serving

Directions

  1. 1

    Using a Microplane, finely grate 2 lemongrass stalks, trimmed, tough outer layers removed, 1 serrano chile (seeds and all), 3 garlic cloves, and 1 1" piece ginger, peeled into a medium bowl. (Alternatively, you can chop very finely, then mash to a paste using the side of your knife.) Add 1 Tbsp. dark brown sugar, 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, 1 Tbsp. fish sauce, and 1 Tbsp. soy sauce and mix well.

  2. 2

    Season 1¼ lb. skinless, boneless chicken thighs with kosher salt and add to bowl with marinade. Turn as needed to coat completely. Marinate at least 10 minutes and up to 2 hours.

  3. 3

    Prepare a grill for high indirect heat (for a gas grill, leave one or two burners off; for a charcoal grill, bank coals on one side); oil grill grate. Grill chicken over hottest part of grill, moving to cooler zone as needed if browning too fast, until well browned, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest 10 minutes before slicing.

  4. 4

    Transfer sliced chicken pieces to a platter and top with 2 scallions, thinly sliced and ½ cup cilantro leaves with tender stems. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve with lime wedges for squeezing over.
    Editor’s note: This recipe was first printed in our August 2019 issues. Head this way for more great grilling recipes, like bbq chicken with crispy skin, lemon and black pepper chicken with a honeyed glaze, and all our favorite grilled chicken recipes →

Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken Thighs

Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken Thighs

4 servings

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About this Recipe

Ready to transform your weeknight dinner with a burst of flavor? These Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken Thighs offer restaurant-quality taste with surprisingly little effort, making them a standout meal you'll want to make again and again.

The magic lies in its vibrant, piquant marinade, a dynamic blend of fresh lemongrass, spicy serrano, aromatic ginger, and garlic, perfectly balanced with sweet dark brown sugar and savory fish and soy sauces. This combination infuses the chicken with incredible depth, ensuring every bite is memorable and significantly cutting down on extensive prep time.

Prepare for juicy, tender chicken thighs bursting with a harmonious sweet and spicy kick. The grill imparts a wonderful smoky char, complementing the bright, fragrant marinade. You'll enjoy a well-rounded flavor profile that's both invigorating and satisfying, making this an easy yet impressive meal any night of the week. The simple ingredients come together to create a complex taste without the fuss.

Adjust the heat level to your liking by increasing or decreasing the serrano chile; for less spice, remove its seeds. While the recipe's balance of dark brown sugar, fish sauce, and soy sauce creates its signature flavor, you could experiment with a touch more brown sugar for extra sweetness. Ensure you have fresh scallions and cilantro on hand for that essential bright finish.

Perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a lively backyard barbecue, these chicken thighs pair beautifully with steamed jasmine rice and a crisp green salad. Garnish generously with fresh scallions, cilantro, and sesame seeds, with lime wedges for an optional zesty squeeze.

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