Thai Lime-Grilled Chicken

Fish-sauce-and-lime chicken thighs grill alongside tender WA late-summer zucchini while jasmine rice cooks on the stove for a practical Thai-inspired dinner.

  • Total time: 45 min
  • Servings: 2 servings
  • Estimated total cost: $9
  • Calories per serving: 650 cal
  • Stovetop
  • Grill

Ingredients

  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
    12 ounces $6.49
  • Organic Zucchini Squash
    12 ounces $2.77
  • Organic Jasmine Thai White Rice
    2/3 cup dry $4.19
  • Lime
    1 large $0.69
  • Green Onion
    2 $1.39
  • Cilantro Bunch
    1/4 cup chopped leaves and tender stems $1.19
  • Garlic
    2 cloves
  • Fish sauce
    1 1/2 tablespoons
  • Low-sodium soy sauce
    1 tablespoon
  • Light brown sugar
    1 tablespoon
  • Neutral cooking oil
    1 1/2 tablespoons
  • Crushed red pepper flakes
    1/4 teaspoon
  • Kosher salt
    1 teaspoon
  • Ground black pepper
    1/4 teaspoon
  • Water
    1 cup

Instructions

  1. 1.

    Heat a grill to medium-high, about 425°F, and clean and oil the grates. Thinly slice 2 green onions, chop 1/4 cup cilantro leaves and tender stems, and mince 2 garlic cloves. Zest and juice 1 large lime, aiming for 2 tablespoons juice.

  2. 2.

    Pat 12 ounces boneless skinless chicken thighs dry and season them with 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. In a shallow dish, whisk together:

    • The prepared garlic, lime zest, and lime juice
    • 1 1/2 tablespoons fish sauce
    • 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
    • 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
    • 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil
    • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

    Add the chicken, turn to coat, and marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes.

  3. 3.

    While the chicken marinates, rinse 2/3 cup dry jasmine rice. Combine the rice in a small saucepan with 1 cup water and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing.

  4. 4.

    Cut 12 ounces zucchini lengthwise into planks about 1/2 inch thick. Coat them with 1/2 tablespoon neutral cooking oil, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper.

  5. 5.

    Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade. Grill the chicken with the lid closed for 5 to 6 minutes per side, until lightly charred and the thickest pieces reach 165°F. Transfer it to a clean plate and rest for 5 minutes.

  6. 6.

    While the chicken cooks, grill the zucchini for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until browned and crisp-tender.

  7. 7.

    Divide the fluffed rice and grilled zucchini between two plates. Slice the rested chicken, arrange it over the rice, and finish both servings with the prepared green onions and cilantro.

Drink pairing: An off-dry Riesling balances the savory marinade, lime acidity, and gentle chile heat.