Spicy Thai Chicken Recipe

Sizzling Thai Chicken Recipe: A Flavorful Family Favorite

Sizzling with aromatic spices and a delightful Thai chicken recipe that dances on your palate, this dish brings the vibrant street food essence right to your kitchen.

Tender chicken pieces absorb a harmonious blend of zesty flavors that transport you to the bustling markets of Bangkok.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes that will make your taste buds sing.

The combination of fresh herbs and bold seasonings creates a mouthwatering experience that goes beyond ordinary dinner options.

Packed with authentic ingredients, this recipe captures the soul of Thai cuisine in a simple, approachable way.

You’ll love how quickly this meal comes together, turning an everyday dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

Get ready to savor a plate that promises to become your new favorite weeknight sensation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 380 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Thai Chicken

For Pickled Vegetables:
  • Rice Vinegar: Adds tangy brightness and helps preserve crisp vegetable texture.
  • Sugar: Balances acidity and creates a sweet-sour flavor profile.
  • Salt: Enhances overall pickle seasoning and draws out vegetable moisture.
For Glaze and Marinade:
  • Soy Sauce: Provides deep umami flavor and caramel-like color to the chicken.
  • Honey: Creates glossy, sticky coating with natural sweetness for balanced taste.
  • Garlic: Infuses robust aromatic depth and traditional Thai flavor complexity.
  • Ginger: Adds warm, zesty undertone with subtle spicy kick.
  • Chili Flakes: Introduces gentle heat and vibrant red pepper excitement.
For Protein and Base:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that absorbs marinade beautifully and offers tender texture.
  • White Rice: Neutral base that soaks up delicious glaze and complements spicy elements.

Tools and Utensils for Thai Chicken

  • Mixing Bowl: Medium-sized bowl for whisking glaze ingredients and combining chicken with marinade.
  • Jar with Lid: Airtight container for pickling vegetables and shaking ingredients.
  • Skillet or Grill Pan: Heavy-bottomed pan for stovetop cooking method.
  • Grill or Barbecue: Outdoor cooking surface for grilling chicken.
  • Whisk: Essential tool for mixing glaze ingredients smoothly.
  • Tongs: Perfect for handling chicken on the grill and transferring meat.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for ingredients.
  • Cutting Board: Surface for preparing vegetables.
  • Sharp Knife: For slicing vegetables and preparing ingredients.

Thai Chicken Cooking Instructions

Thai Chicken Delight

  • Pickle Preparation

Create a zesty veggie mix by combining all pickle ingredients in a jar. Seal tightly and shake enthusiastically. Let the flavors mingle in the refrigerator for at least an hour or overnight for maximum tang.

  • Glaze Magic

Whip up a mouthwatering glaze by mixing ingredients in a bowl. Cleverly divide the glaze into two portions – one for cooking and one for finishing.

  • Glaze Transformation

Heat half the glaze in a saucepan, bringing it to a rolling boil. Let it simmer and reduce for five minutes, creating a rich, glossy coating. Set aside to cool and thicken while preparing the chicken.

  • Cooking Options

Choose your adventure: stovetop or grill method. For stovetop, combine chicken with reserved glaze in a skillet, cooking until golden and perfectly done. On the grill, marinate chicken briefly, then cook over medium-low heat, creating beautiful char marks and locking in juicy flavor.

  • Serving Spectacular

Plate your masterpiece by drizzling the thickened glaze over the chicken. Nestle the meat alongside fluffy white rice and those tangy pickled veggies. Prepare for a flavor explosion that’ll transport your taste buds to the streets of Thailand.

Tips and Variations for Thai Chicken

  • Replace chicken with tofu, shrimp, or pork for a delightful protein variation that keeps the dish exciting and adaptable to dietary preferences.
  • Adjust the heat by adding more or less chili sauce, allowing home cooks to create a personalized flavor profile that matches their spice tolerance.
  • Experiment with different vegetable combinations like radishes, daikon, or jicama to add unique crunch and tangy flavors to the pickled veggie side.
  • Prepare the glaze and pickled vegetables up to three days in advance, making meal preparation faster and more convenient for busy home cooks.

Serving Thai Chicken with Style

  • Tropical Rice Bowl Extravaganza: Create a vibrant bowl by layering fluffy white rice with glazed chicken, topped with the tangy pickled vegetables for a burst of flavor and color.
  • Backyard Picnic Platter: Arrange the grilled chicken on a large platter surrounded by pickled veggies, extra glaze, and rice, perfect for sharing with friends and family during outdoor gatherings.
  • Asian-Inspired Lettuce Wraps: Wrap the glazed chicken and pickled veggies in crisp lettuce leaves, creating a light and refreshing handheld meal that's both delicious and interactive.
  • Quick Meal Prep Delight: Pack individual containers with separated components for an easy grab-and-go lunch that stays fresh and tasty throughout the day.

Thai Chicken Storage Tips

  • Smart Meal Prep: Cook extra chicken and slice it for quick salads, sandwiches, or wraps during the week. These versatile protein portions stay fresh in sealed containers for 3-4 days.
  • Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Cool the glazed chicken completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Sealed tightly, the dish maintains excellent quality for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
  • Veggie Pickle Care: Store pickled vegetables in airtight glass jars within the refrigerator. These zesty condiments remain crisp and delicious for 7-10 days, adding exciting flavor to multiple meals.
  • Temperature Safety Zone: Always refrigerate leftover chicken within two hours of cooking. Use shallow containers to help cool the food quickly and prevent bacterial growth. Reheat thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F before enjoying.
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Spicy Thai Chicken Recipe

Spicy Thai Chicken Recipe


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4.7 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Spicy Thai chicken brings explosive flavors from Southeast Asian cuisine. Tender meat marinated in aromatic herbs and chili creates a delicious meal that travelers and home cooks will eagerly enjoy.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (680 g) chicken tenderloins, breasts, or thighs
  • 0.75 cup (180 ml) sweet chili sauce
  • 0.33 cup (80 ml) low sodium soy sauce
  • 0.25 cup (60 ml) brown sugar
  • 2 tbsps sriracha
  • 3 tsp minced garlic
  • 0.25 cup (60 ml) rice vinegar
  • 3 tbsps fish sauce
  • 1 tbsp lemongrass paste
  • 1 tbsp fresh-squeezed lime juice
  • 2 tbsps sesame oil or toasted sesame oil
  • 0.5 cup (120 ml) rice vinegar
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • 2 tsp minced garlic
  • 0.5 cup (120 ml) shredded carrots
  • 0.5 cucumber, sliced or shaved into ribbons

Instructions

  1. Pickled Vegetables: Thoroughly blend all pickling ingredients in a sealed container, ensuring uniform distribution. Refrigerate for a minimum of one hour or overnight to enhance flavor complexity.
  2. Glaze Preparation: Whisk glaze ingredients in a mixing bowl until achieving a silky, homogeneous consistency. Divide the mixture into two equal portions, reserving one for later application.
  3. Glaze Reduction: Transfer one portion of glaze to a saucepan. Bring to a vigorous boil, then reduce heat and simmer for five minutes until the mixture thickens and develops a glossy texture. Remove from heat and allow to cool while proceeding with chicken preparation.
  4. Stovetop Cooking Method: Coat chicken pieces with reserved glaze in a skillet over medium heat. Rotate periodically to ensure comprehensive coverage and uniform cooking. Total cooking duration ranges between 10-16 minutes depending on chicken thickness.
  5. Grilling Technique: Massage chicken with reserved glaze and refrigerate for 30 minutes to maximize flavor penetration. Preheat grill to medium-low, lightly oil grates to prevent adherence. Use tongs to position marinated chicken, discarding excess marinade.
  6. Final Cooking Stage: Grill chicken for 5-8 minutes per side, adjusting time based on piece size and ensuring thorough internal cooking. Verify doneness through internal temperature or by cutting into thickest section.
  7. Plating and Serving: Artfully arrange grilled chicken, drizzle with reduced glaze. Accompany with steamed white rice and chilled pickled vegetables for a vibrant, authentic Thai-inspired culinary experience.

Notes

  • Pickle Perfectly: Marinate vegetables for at least one hour or overnight to develop robust, tangy flavors that complement the chicken’s sweetness.
  • Glaze Mastery: Divide glaze into two portions before cooking to prevent cross-contamination and ensure optimal flavor layering and coating.
  • Heat Control: Simmer glaze carefully to achieve the right consistency, watching for thickening without burning – this step intensifies the sauce’s richness.
  • Grill or Stovetop: Choose cooking method based on equipment and preference, always ensuring chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165°F for perfect doneness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 850 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Sophie Martin

Sophie Martin

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Nutrition and Healthy Eating
  • Creating Balanced Recipes
  • Meal Planning
  • Food Safety
  • Teaching About Nutrition

Education

Stellenbosch University, South Africa

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition
  • Focus: Studying how food affects health, learning about balanced diets, and understanding the nutritional needs of different people.

South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town

  • Program: Professional Culinary Arts Diploma
  • Focus: Practical cooking skills, focusing on healthy meal preparation and understanding various cooking methods.

Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.

Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.

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