Grilled Chicken Nam Tok (น้ำตกไก่ย่าง)

Name: Grilled Chicken Nam Tok (น้ำตกไก่ย่าง)
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 10 min

Published November 15, 2025
Updated November 29, 2025
Author Bell V’Kit

Grilled chicken nam tok is a Thai-style grilled chicken salad tossed with lime juice, fish sauce, herbs, and toasted rice powder. It’s smoky, tangy, and packed with bold, Northeastern Thai flavors.

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Total : 1 hr 10 min

Spice Level : Mild

Skill Level : Easy

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What is Grilled Chicken Nam Tok (Nam Tok Gai Yang น้ำตกไก่ย่าง)?

Grilled Chicken Nam Tok, or nam tok gai yang (น้ำตกไก่ย่าง), is a Northeastern Thai salad that combines juicy grilled chicken with a punchy mix of lime juice, fish sauce, chili flakes, shallots, herbs, and toasted rice powder. The result is smoky, tangy, and full of texture.

It’s often served with sticky rice and fresh vegetables like cucumber and long beans. This dish is also a smart and tasty way to repurpose leftover grilled chicken into something completely new and full of flavor.

Hi! I’m Bell. I love food, travel, and cooking with fresh ingredients. On this site, I share Thai recipes that are fun to make and enjoy with loved ones. Some recipes lean toward tradition, while others carry my own twist.
Happy cooking!

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Why You’ll Love Grilled Chicken Nam Tok

Smoky and zesty flavor – Grilled chicken infused with charcoal aroma meets a bright, tangy lime dressing.
Perfect flavor balance – Spicy, sour, salty, and fragrant. Every bite hits all the right Thai notes.
Fresh and light – Packed with herbs and aromatics that make it vibrant and refreshing.
Versatile to make – Works with grilled chicken, pork, beef, or even BBQ leftovers.
Healthy and protein-packed – A satisfying meal that’s wholesome without feeling heavy.
Quick and simple – Comes together fast once your grilled meat is ready. Perfect for busy days or weeknight meals.

Ingredients and Equipment

Here’s a simplified, but handy shopping checklist of ingredients and equipment for quick planning.

Protein

[] 1 chicken thigh

Toasted Rice Powder

[] 1 1/2 tbsp uncooked glutinous rice or jasmine rice

Fresh Herbs & Aromatics

Dressing

[] 3 tbsp fish sauce
[] 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
[] 1/2 tbsp palm sugar
[] |1 tsp chili flake |(adjust to taste)

Side Vegetables

[] cucumber
[] long beans
[] coriander

[{

Equipment

[] Charcoal grill (เตาอั้งโล่) or stovetop grill pan
[] Mortar and pestle (for pounding toasted rice)
[] Knife
[] Cutting board
[] Tongs (for grilling)

}]

Tips Before You Start Making Grilled Chicken Nam Tok

Grill with patience – Keep the heat low to medium so the chicken stays juicy inside while the skin crisps and caramelizes beautifully.
Don’t skip the toasted rice – Toast the rice slowly and stir constantly. This brings out that nutty, roasted aroma that gives nam tok its signature texture and depth.
Serve immediately – Enjoy it fresh, while the herbs are still vibrant and the chicken slightly warm for the best texture and flavor.

Grilled Chicken Nam Tok (น้ำตกไก่ย่าง)

Grilled chicken nam tok is a Thai-style grilled chicken salad tossed with lime juice, fish sauce, herbs, and toasted rice powder. It’s smoky, tangy, and packed with bold, Northeastern Thai flavors.

Servings : 2

Spice Level : Mild

Skill Level : Easy

Prep : 30 min

Cook : 40 min

Total : 1 hr 10 min

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Ingredients

Protein

[] 1 chicken thigh

Toasted Rice Powder

[] 1 1/2 tbsp uncooked glutinous rice or jasmine rice

Fresh Herbs & Aromatics

Dressing

[] 3 tbsp fish sauce
[] 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
[] 1/2 tbsp palm sugar
[] |1 tsp chili flake |(adjust to taste)

Side Vegetables

[] cucumber
[] long beans
[] coriander

[{

Equipment

[] Charcoal grill (เตาอั้งโล่) or stovetop grill pan
[] Mortar and pestle (for pounding toasted rice)
[] Knife
[] Cutting board
[] Tongs (for grilling)

}]

1. Make Toasted Rice Powder

[] Toast uncooked rice in a dry pan over medium heat.
[] Stir constantly until golden brown and fragrant.
[] Let cool, then pound using a mortar and pestle until it reaches a coarse, gritty texture.

2. Grill the Chicken

Using a traditional charcoal grill (เตาอั้งโล่):

[] Set up for low to medium heat.
[] Place chicken skin-side down and grill for 25–35 minutes, flipping every 7–10 minutes.
[] Cook until the skin is golden brown and slightly charred, and the meat is fully cooked (internal temp: 75°C / 165°F).

3. Prepare the Dressing

[] In a bowl, mix fish sauce, lime juice, palm sugar, and chili flakes until sugar dissolves.
[] Add shallots, mint leaves, spring onions, sawtooth coriander, and toasted rice powder.
[] Mix gently.

4. Assemble the Salad

[] Add sliced chicken to the dressing and herb mix.
[] Toss until well coated.
[] Taste and adjust. Aim for a bold balance of sour, salty, spicy, and umami.

5. Serve

[] Transfer to a plate and serve with fresh vegetables on the side.

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FAQs for Grilled Chicken Nam Tok (น้ำตกไก่ย่าง)

How is nam tok different from larb (Lao/Thai minced meat salad)?

Nam tok and larb share the same spicy–sour–salty flavors and toasted rice powder, but the key difference is the meat. Nam Tok uses sliced, grilled meat for a smoky, juicy texture.
Larb uses minced meat, giving it a softer, more uniform bite.

Can I bake or fry the chicken instead of grilling it?

Absolutely! Roast the chicken at 190°C (375°F) for about 35–45 minutes, flipping halfway through. For that signature charred flavor, finish it under the broiler for a few minutes. You can also use an air fryer.

What should I serve with Grilled Chicken Nam Tok?

Traditionally, it’s paired with sticky rice (khao neow) and fresh vegetables like cucumber, cabbage, and long beans. Add a side of Som Tam (papaya salad) for the ultimate Isaan-style meal.

Can I make Grilled Chicken Nam Tok ahead of time?

You can grill the chicken in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, slice and toss with the dressing and herbs. This keeps everything fresh and aromatic.

How spicy is grilled chicken nam tok?

It’s typically medium-spicy, but totally customizable. Start with less chili and adjust to your taste.

Is grilled chicken nam tok healthy?

Yes. Grilled chicken nam tok is naturally high in protein (from the chicken), low in carbs, and rich in antioxidants from herbs and lime. One serving is around 250–300 calories, making it light yet satisfying. With fresh, whole ingredients, it’s also refreshing and gut-friendly.