Marinated Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken Thighs – flavorful, juicy, and perfect for outdoor cooking.
These grilled chicken thighs impress with an intense sweet and spicy marinade made from chili, garlic, soy sauce, and lemon. Slow grilling makes the thighs particularly tender, allowing the flavors to develop optimally. Whether for a backyard barbecue or cooking at a campsite, this grilled chicken thigh recipe is easy to prepare, wonderfully aromatic, and a true highlight for all lovers of hearty outdoor dining.
Ingredients:
- 4 dried red chilies
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 lemon
- 1 tsp cornstarch or all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp freshly ground pepper
- 1 tbsp oil
- 4 chicken thighs
- A handful of fresh cilantro leaves
Preparation
Marinade:
1. Blend the dried red chilies and garlic cloves with one tablespoon of water to form a paste.
2. Place a pan over medium heat and add the oil. Once hot, add the chili-garlic paste and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Now add soy sauce, lemon juice, salt, and brown sugar or honey. Stir everything well and pour in 125 ml of water. Bring the sauce briefly to a boil and let it simmer gently for 2 minutes to thicken slightly.
4. In a small cup, mix 2 tablespoons of water with the cornstarch and stir the mixture into the pan to further thicken the sauce to a creamy consistency.
Chicken:
1. Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl and pour the prepared sweet and spicy marinade over them. Marinate the meat for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight in the refrigerator, so that the flavors can properly infuse and the meat becomes tender.
2. Preheat the grill (or oven) to 200 °C to cook the chicken thighs evenly and juicily.
3. Place the marinated chicken thighs in a suitable grilling pan, such as our robust cast-iron pan or a grill pan with insulating properties.
4. Cut the onion into large wedges and distribute them among the chicken thighs. Also, place thin lemon slices on the meat to add an aromatic note during grilling.
5. Grill the chicken thighs for 35 to 40 minutes, until golden brown all around and cooked through. You can brush the thighs with some marinade or honey in between to achieve a creamy texture and glossy glaze.
6. To serve, sprinkle the chicken thighs with fresh cilantro and serve with warm basmati rice or a fresh salad.
