Zesty Grilled Thai Herb Chicken with Coconut Marinade
This Zesty Grilled Thai Herb Chicken features succulent boneless skinless chicken breasts marinated in a fragrant blend of coconut milk and fresh Thai herbs. The marinade not only enhances the juiciness of the chicken but also infuses it with vibrant flavors of lemongrass, cilantro, and spicy chiles. Perfect for backyard barbecues or a delightful weeknight meal, this dish shines when served hot off the grill, but is equally delicious served cold in salads or as a sandwich filling. Effortlessly elevate your summer meals with this delightful, flavorful dish that is sure to impress family and friends alike!
6
Servings
400
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh cilantro
1.5 cups (chopped, divided (leaves and tender stems))
coconut milk
3/4 cup (none)
lemongrass
1/4 cup (finely chopped (from about 2 stalks))
basil leaves
12 leaves (minced)
bird chiles or jalapenos or serranos
3 or 2 or 2 (stemmed, seeded, and finely chopped)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
kosher salt
1.5 tablespoons (none)
light brown sugar
2 teaspoons (packed)
ground black pepper
1.5 teaspoons (freshly ground)
ground coriander
3/4 teaspoon (none)
boneless skinless chicken breast halves
12 ((5 to 5-1/2 lb.))
limes
2 (cut into wedges for serving)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the lemongrass: Cut off the spiky green tops and enough of the bottom to remove the woody core. Peel off the outer layers until you reach the tender heart of the stalk, then finely chop it.
2
In a food processor or blender, combine 1-1/4 cups of the chopped cilantro, coconut milk, chopped lemongrass, minced basil, chopped chiles, minced garlic, kosher salt, brown sugar, black pepper, and ground coriander. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3
Place the chicken breasts in a large nonreactive baking dish in a single layer, ensuring they fit snugly. Pour the marinade over the chicken, turning the breasts to coat them thoroughly. Cover the dish and refrigerate, allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours or up to 1 day for maximum flavor.
4
Once ready to grill, preheat a gas grill to medium-high or prepare a medium-hot charcoal fire. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess marinade drip off, and place the chicken on the grill.
5
Grill the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes on the first side until grill marks appear. Carefully flip the chicken over, cover the grill, and grill for an additional 5 to 6 minutes, or until the chicken is firm to the touch and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
6
Remove the chicken from the grill and transfer it to a platter. Let it rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices. Before serving, sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro and arrange lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the chicken.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
40g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Grilled Thai Herb Chicken with Coconut Marinade?
It is a flavorful dish featuring chicken breasts marinated in a blend of coconut milk, lemongrass, cilantro, and chiles.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The recipe is designed to yield 6 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of this chicken?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 40g of protein in each serving.
How much fat is in this dish?
This recipe contains 20g of fat per serving.
How do I prepare the lemongrass for the marinade?
Cut off the spiky green tops and woody bottom, peel to the tender heart, and finely chop it.
What is the recommended marinating time for the chicken?
For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours or up to 1 day.
What type of chicken should be used?
The recipe uses 12 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (5 to 5.5 lb).
How do you make the marinade mixture?
Combine cilantro, coconut milk, lemongrass, basil, chiles, garlic, salt, sugar, and spices in a food processor and blend until smooth.
Which types of chiles can be used in the marinade?
You can use bird chiles, jalapenos, or serranos depending on your preference.
What temperature should the grill be preheated to?
Preheat a gas grill to medium-high or prepare a medium-hot charcoal fire.
How long should the first side of the chicken be grilled?
Grill the first side for 4 to 5 minutes until grill marks appear.
How long should the second side of the chicken be grilled?
Grill the second side for 5 to 6 minutes while the grill is covered.
What is the safe internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Should the chicken rest after cooking?
Yes, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the grill to retain its juices.
Can this chicken be served cold?
Yes, it is delicious served cold in salads or as a sandwich filling.
What garnish is recommended for this dish?
Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges for squeezing.
How much coconut milk is used in the marinade?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of coconut milk.
How many garlic cloves are required?
You will need 3 minced garlic cloves.
What kind of sugar is added to the marinade?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of packed light brown sugar.
What spices are included in the herb blend?
The blend includes freshly ground black pepper and ground coriander.
How much salt is needed?
The recipe requires 1.5 tablespoons of kosher salt.
How much lemongrass is needed for the 1/4 cup measurement?
It typically takes about 2 stalks of lemongrass to get 1/4 cup finely chopped.
What kind of container should be used for marinating?
Use a large nonreactive baking dish so the chicken can fit in a single layer.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, its versatility for salads and sandwiches makes it great for meal prep.
How much cilantro is used for the marinade?
Use 1-1/4 cups of chopped cilantro in the blender for the marinade.
How much basil is needed?
The recipe requires 12 minced basil leaves.
Can I use a charcoal grill for this recipe?
Yes, a medium-hot charcoal fire is an excellent alternative to a gas grill.
What should be done with excess marinade before grilling?
Let the excess marinade drip off the chicken before placing it on the grill.
How many total ingredients are used in this recipe?
There are 12 specific ingredients listed for this dish.