Laotian Chicken

Laotian Chicken Recipe - Authentic and Flavorful Dish from Laos

Region / culture: Laos | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Introduction

Laotian Chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender roasted chicken with a savory coconut milk and rice stuffing. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a family dinner.

History

Laotian Chicken is a traditional dish from Laos, a country in Southeast Asia known for its unique and vibrant cuisine. This dish is often served during festivals and celebrations, as it is considered a special and festive meal.

Ingredients

1 x 1.5 kg (3 lb) roasting chicken
1.5 tsp salt
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tbsp oil
2 medium onions, finely chopped
250 g (8 oz) mince meat
0.5 tsp salt
0.5 tsp ground black pepper
1 fresh red chilli, finely chopped
1 tbsp chopped fresh coriander leaf
l/2 cup uncooked rice
1 cup thick coconut milk
2 cup thin coconut milk

How to prepare

Wash and dry the chicken thoroughly, then season it inside and out with salt and half of the crushed garlic.
Heat oil in a frying pan and sauté the remaining garlic and onions with the minced meat. Season with salt, pepper, and chili. Once the meat is well cooked, add coriander powder, rice, and thick coconut milk. Bring it to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cool.
Finely chop the onion. In a saucepan large enough to hold the liquid, heat the oil. Add the onion and sauté gently for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add mushrooms, coriander, and cumin, and continue to stir for a few minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Cover the saucepan, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook for 10 minutes, lifting the lid and stirring occasionally.
Add hot water and stock cubes to the saucepan and bring it to a boil. Simmer for 10 minutes. Then, add milk and bring it to a boil again, stirring occasionally. In a separate bowl, mix cornflour with cold water and add it to the soup off the heat. Return the saucepan to heat and stir constantly until it boils and thickens. Serve immediately, garnished with coriander leaves.

Variations

For a vegetarian version of this dish, you can substitute the minced meat with tofu or mushrooms.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to season the chicken well with salt and garlic for maximum flavor.

- Be sure to cook the minced meat thoroughly before adding it to the stuffing mixture.

- Allow the stuffing mixture to cool before stuffing the chicken to prevent the meat from drying out during roasting.

Serving Suggestions

Laotian Chicken can be served with steamed rice and a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.

Cooking Techniques

Roasting the chicken at a high temperature will help to achieve a crispy and golden skin.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of a whole roasting chicken for this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the stuffing mixture in advance and refrigerate it until ready to stuff the chicken and roast.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the roasted chicken with fresh herbs and sliced red chili for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Laotian Chicken pairs well with a light and refreshing cucumber salad or a tangy papaya salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Laotian Chicken contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Laotian Chicken contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Laotian Chicken contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Laotian Chicken contains approximately 30 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Laotian Chicken is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains coconut milk and may not be suitable for those with nut allergies.

Summary

Laotian Chicken is a nutritious and delicious dish that is high in proteins and fats, making it a satisfying meal option.

Summary

Laotian Chicken is a flavorful and aromatic dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. With a delicious coconut milk and rice stuffing, this dish is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be cherished. It was a warm summer day, and I was strolling through the bustling streets of a small village in Laos. The air was filled with the aromatic scents of spices and herbs, and I knew that I had stumbled upon a goldmine of culinary treasures.

As I wandered through the narrow alleys lined with colorful market stalls, my eyes were drawn to a group of women huddled around a large pot, laughing and chatting animatedly. Curious, I made my way over to them and peeked into the pot to see what they were cooking.

To my delight, I saw a rich and fragrant curry simmering away, filled with tender chunks of chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a medley of exotic spices. The women noticed my interest and beckoned me closer, offering me a taste of their creation.

One bite was all it took for me to fall in love with the flavors of Laotian Chicken. The dish was a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy, with each ingredient complementing the others in a harmonious symphony of taste.

I knew in that moment that I had to learn how to make this dish for myself. I begged the women to share their recipe with me, and they graciously agreed, passing down their culinary wisdom from generation to generation.

Back home in my own kitchen, I set to work recreating the magic of that Laotian Chicken dish. I carefully measured out the spices, chopped the vegetables with precision, and simmered the chicken until it was tender and juicy.

As the curry bubbled away on the stove, filling my home with its tantalizing aroma, memories of my time in Laos flooded back to me. I could almost hear the laughter of the women in the market, taste the vibrant flavors of the street food, and feel the warmth of the tropical sun on my skin.

When the dish was finally ready, I plated it up and took my first bite. The flavors transported me back to that bustling village in Laos, and I knew that I had captured a piece of that culinary magic in my own kitchen.

Since that day, Laotian Chicken has become a staple in my recipe repertoire. I have shared it with friends and family, passing down the flavors of Laos to the next generation. Each time I make it, I am reminded of that fateful day when I stumbled upon a group of women cooking up a storm in a small village market, and I am grateful for the culinary journey that led me to this delicious dish.