Thai-Style Spicy Grilled Chicken Sandwich
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Thai-style spicy grilled chicken sandwich is perfect for spicing up your lunch or dinner routine. This quick and easy homemade recipe is loaded with tender protein marinated in a spicy glaze, complemented by a rainbow of fresh, crispy veggies and a rich fried egg. Fire up the grill and get ready to enjoy an explosion of flavors with every bite!
About spicy grilled chicken sandwich
We’re saying goodbye to summer in Thailand, but it’s just getting started in Europe and America. For me, summer equals grilling season. I have a weakness for authentic Thai BBQ food like this tasty crying tiger steak, marinated wings, Thai BBQ and this Thai chicken sandwich recipe.
Here in the rural part of Thailand, Isan, sandwich buns are a bit hard to find. This is why most Thai chicken sandwiches in Isan are prepared with bread. Feel free to swap out for buns if a burger is more your thing. Cheese is another rare find in Northeast Thailand, but this sandwich is incredibly delicious even without it.
You don’t need a big list of ingredients to make this grilled burger, this is a simple yet flavorful recipe. I use fillet, but feel free to mix it up with other chicken parts such as boneless chicken thighs or breast. And forget about the classic bacon burger – no need for bacon here – the meat is grilled to perfection with a spicy glaze you won’t get enough of. It’s so- so incredibly addictive!
The Thai marinade sauce is the secret. A carefully weighed out mix of salt, savory oyster sauce, sweet dark brown sugar, and fiery dried chili flakes.
Classic sandwich staples such as a bit of lettuce and tomatoes are all you need to turn this easy recipe from good to amazing.
To finish, a simple mix of mayonnaise and chili sauce makes a perfect heated dressing. If you have it, I recommend using sriracha sauce.
Why try this recipe
- This spicy chicken sandwich recipe is incredibly easy to whip up and easy to follow, perfect for a hassle-free meal.
- Add the dressing in moderation, and you’ll get to enjoy a flavorful and healthy meal, high in protein, with nutrients-rich vegetables.
- You get to customize this sandwich with your favorite fresh veggies, your choice of dressing, and you can make a variation with grilled pork as well.
- This fiery Thai chicken marinade makes a delicious grilled dish that can be eaten on its own. Simply enjoy the meat solo as a snack or pair it with other side-dishes such as jasmine rice, sticky rice, a spicy green papaya salad, stir-fried vegetables, or shrimp rolls.
Tips for grilling chicken
- A good marinade adds flavor and helps make the meat tender. Marinate for at least 1 hour before grilling.
- Brush a bit of oil onto the grill, this will prevent the fillet from sticking to it. If you don’t have a brush, you can use a paper towel soaked in oil.
- Don’t flip the meat too often. The secret to grilling is letting the meat sit on the grill for a few minutes before flipping. My chicken fillet was quite thick, so I had to grill it for about 6 minutes each side. The grilling time depends on the thickness and size of your meat.
- Grill over open flame for the best smoky BBQ flavor. If you’re using a grill pan on the stove top, preheat the pan over medium heat and then grill both sides for the same amount of time. Use a meat thermometer if you’re unsure whether it is cooked. Cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165° F or 74° C.
- Let the meat rest for a few minutes before cutting it, this way it will be more flavorful and juicy.
Ingredients
- Chicken – A lean source of protein, and the filet is a great choice as it’s tender and easy to grill. Feel free to use other parts if you wish, such as thighs.
- Vegetables – Fresh vegetables like shallots, lettuce (romaine, iceberg, or butter lettuce) and tomatoes provide a crunch and refreshing taste. Feel free to add in your favorites, such as cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, etc.
- Mayonnaise & sriracha sauce – For the dressing – spicy and creamy. Add to taste.
- Egg – Adding a fried egg to the sandwich gives it a rich flavor. This is totally optional.
For the marinade
- Salt – Salt gives flavor to the marinade and helps tenderize the meat.
- Dried chili flakes – These bring a spicy kick to the marinade, with an extra BBQ flavor. Adjust the quanitity to your heat preference.
- Dark brown sugar – Brown sugar balances out the saltiness and spiciness of the marinade, while also adding a glaze-like exterior to the meat. If you don’t have brown sugar, white sugar makes an easy substitute at a 1:1 ratio.
- Oyster sauce – Oyster sauce is a rich, savory sauce of Thai cuisine. It adds umami and saltiness to the marinade.
Step-by-step instructions
Total Time: 30 minutes
Mix salt, dried chili flakes, dark brown sugar, and oyster sauce in a large mixing bowl. Add chicken fillet and coat thoroughly with the marinade. Let the marinated chicken rest for at least 1 hour to overnight for the best results flavor-wise.
Grill your cut of meat over charcoal or in a grilling pan over medium heat. Apply a layer of oil to the grill to prevent the meat from sticking to it. Preheat the grill or grilling pan and cook each side of the chicken fillet for about 4–7 minutes, depending on the size and thickness. The internal temperature should reach 165 °F (74 °C).
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin slices. Meanwhile, you can mix the mayonnaise with sriracha sauce, cook a fried egg, and slice the vegetables.
Assemble your sandwich and serve immediately.
How to serve
Assemble your sandwich: Spread an amount of the spicy dressing mixture on both sides of the bread. Then, lay fresh, crisp vegetables on one slice. Add the grilled chicken slices on top. Finish with a fried egg and top off the sandwich with the other slice of bread. Alternatively, you can work with 3 layers of bread as well.
Serve on its own as a flavorful lunch or dinner, or pair with other side-dishes, such as a refreshing pork lemongrass salad, Thai fish cakes, or spicy fried chicken.
How to store
Store your sandwich by placing it in an airtight container, or wrap it in aluminum foil, in your refrigerator and consume it later the same day. The grilled chicken can be kept for up to 4 days.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ’s)
How many calories are in a spicy chicken sandwich?
The number of calories in a spicy chicken sandwich depends on the recipe used, the ingredients, the cooking method, and the size of a sandwich. However, you can enjoy this recipe guilt-free, as it contains only approx 381 kcal per serving.
Is spicy chicken sandwich healthy?
A spicy chicken sandwich can be healthy if made with fresh ingredients. Chicken is a great lean source of protein. The spices used in this marinade, dried chili flakes, boost metabolism. The vegetables provide vitamins and minerals. It’s important to add the dressing in moderation. For a healthier alternative, you can use ketchup. Alternatively, you can use a whole-grain bread instead of white bread.
Can I make this in advance?
Yes, prepping this meal in advance can save you time on busy weekdays. Slice the vegetables and store them in an airtight container in the fridge, so they stay fresh and crunchy. Marinate the chicken ahead of time and store it in an airtight container. Grill the chicken when you’re ready to prepare your meal. Alternatively, you can grill in advance as well, but the chicken won’t be as juicy. You can make the mayo and chili sauce mixture in advance as well.
What other vegetables can I add?
You can add a wide range of vegetables. Consider adding cucumber, bell peppers, red onions, carrots, the list is endless.
More Thai summer food you’ll love
- Larb gai salad – This authentic salad is made of ground chicken and a bunch of fresh herbs and spices.
- Khao man gai – A delicious chicken rice dish of Southeast Asian cuisine with a Thai touch to it.
- Pineapple fried rice – The most refreshing fried rice ever, with healthy chunks of pineapple.
- Cucumber salad – The perfect summer condiment with crisp cucumber and a perfect blend of seasonings.
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Thai-Style Spicy Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Description
This Thai-style grilled chicken sandwich is easy-to-make, and you can customize it with your favorite veggies or dressing.
Ingredients
For the marinade
Instructions
-
Mix salt, dried chili flakes, dark brown sugar, and oyster sauce in a large mixing bowl. Add chicken fillet and coat thoroughly with the marinade. Let the marinated chicken rest for at least 1 hour to overnight for the best results flavor-wise.
-
Grill your cut of meat over charcoal or in a grilling pan over medium heat. Apply a layer of oil to the grill to prevent the meat from sticking to it. Preheat the grill or grilling pan and cook each side of the chicken fillet for about 4–7 minutes, depending on the size and thickness. The internal temperature should reach 165 °F (74 °C).
-
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin slices. Meanwhile, you can mix the mayonnaise with sriracha sauce, cook a fried egg, and slice the vegetables.
-
Assemble your sandwich and serve immediately.
Servings 2
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 381kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 13.1g21%
- Saturated Fat 3.3g17%
- Total Carbohydrate 19.8g7%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 4.3g
- Protein 43.6g88%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Use the nutrition card in this recipe as a guideline.
- This recipe is made with chicken filet, but you can use boneless chicken thighs or breast as an alternative.
- The dressing is a mix of mayonnaise and sriracha sauce.
- Customize with your favorite veggies.
- Don't overcook the chicken, keep it soft and tender.
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