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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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