Description
This Thai Chicken Marinade recipe features a vibrant blend of soy sauce, fish sauce, coconut sugar, lime juice, red curry paste, ginger, and garlic to infuse juicy chicken thighs or breasts with authentic Thai flavors. The marinated chicken can be baked or grilled, making it a versatile and flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight meal or meal prep. You can also freeze the chicken in the marinade to save time and enjoy delicious Thai-inspired chicken anytime.
Ingredients
Marinade Ingredients
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon red curry paste
- 1 tablespoon finely minced ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
Chicken
- 2 lb chicken thighs or chicken breasts (bone-in or boneless depending on preference)
Instructions
- Mix marinade: In a small mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, fish sauce, coconut sugar, lime juice, red curry paste, minced ginger, and garlic. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Marinate chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a shallow container or baking dish. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, making sure every piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
- Cook the chicken – Baking method: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Transfer the marinated chicken along with the marinade into a shallow baking dish. Bake uncovered for approximately 15 minutes if using boneless thighs, 20–25 minutes for breasts, or 35–40 minutes for bone-in thighs, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Cook the chicken – Grilling method: Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill over medium heat. Cook boneless thighs for 10 minutes, breasts for 18–22 minutes, and bone-in thighs for 30–35 minutes using indirect heat, turning as needed, until the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
- Optional freezing: For meal prep convenience, place raw chicken pieces into freezer bags, pour the marinade over, gently squish the bag to coat all pieces evenly, seal, and freeze. Thaw completely before cooking following one of the methods above.
Notes
- Use red curry paste carefully; adjust quantity to your desired spice level.
- Bone-in chicken takes longer to cook but stays juicier and more flavorful.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but overnight marination intensifies flavors.
- Frozen marinated chicken should be thawed safely in the refrigerator before cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 to 40 minutes depending on chicken type and cooking method
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Thai
