Singing Chicken

Singing Chicken Recipe from Thailand and Vietnam - A Spicy and Flavorful Dish

Region / culture: Thailand, Vietnam | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Singing Chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that is sure to impress your taste buds. This recipe combines tender chicken breast with a savory and slightly sweet sauce that is perfect for serving over rice or noodles.

History

The origins of Singing Chicken are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in Southeast Asia. This dish is popular in countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia, where it is often served as a quick and easy meal for busy families.

Ingredients

2 to 3 tbsp vegetable oil, preferably peanut
1 tbsp grated gingerroot
1 tsp minced garlic or 2 cloves garlic, crushed
1.5 lb (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut crosswise into thin slices*
2 tbsp splenda
0.25 cup soy sauce
1 tsp fish sauce
0.75 cup dry white wine
1 fresh jalapeno, or 2 or 3 little red chilies, finely minced
1 tsp pepper
guar or xanthan

How to prepare

Slice the chicken and measure the ingredients. Mince the pepper and have everything ready before starting to cook. Stir-frying will be quick.
Place a wok or heavy skillet over high heat.
Add the oil and let it heat for a minute.
Add the ginger and garlic, and stir for one minute to infuse the oil with flavor.
Add the chicken and stir-fry for 1 to 2 minutes.
Add the Splenda, soy sauce, fish sauce, white wine, jalapeno, and pepper. Stir often for 7 to 8 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Slightly thicken the pan juices with guar or xanthan.
Serve.

Variations

Add vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli to the stir-fry for added color and nutrition.
Substitute shrimp or tofu for the chicken for a different twist on this dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to slice the chicken breast thinly to ensure quick and even cooking.

- Stir-fry the ingredients over high heat to lock in the flavors and create a delicious caramelization on the chicken.

- Adjust the level of spice by adding more or less fresh red chilies to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Singing Chicken over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh cilantro or sliced green onions for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying is the key technique for making Singing Chicken. Be sure to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fish sauce, you can substitute with oyster sauce or hoisin sauce for a similar flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the chicken in the sauce mixture for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator for even more flavor.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Singing Chicken in a decorative bowl or on a platter garnished with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Singing Chicken with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete and balanced meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

250 per serving

Carbohydrates

6g per serving

Fats

8g per serving

Proteins

30g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Singing Chicken is a good source of vitamin B6, niacin, and selenium.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and fish sauce, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Singing Chicken is a well-balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for a meal.

Summary

Singing Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight meal. With its flavorful sauce and tender chicken, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Singing Chicken. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, visiting my Aunt Margaret in the countryside. Aunt Margaret was known for her incredible culinary skills, and she always had a new and exciting recipe up her sleeve.

One day, as I was helping Aunt Margaret in the kitchen, she pulled out a worn and tattered recipe card from the depths of her recipe box. "This," she said with a twinkle in her eye, "is my famous Singing Chicken recipe."

I was intrigued. Singing Chicken? What on earth could that be? Aunt Margaret explained that the name came from the sounds the chicken made as it cooked in the oven – the sizzling and crackling that sounded almost like a song. She promised me that it was a dish that would delight both the taste buds and the ears.

As she walked me through the ingredients and steps of the recipe, I was captivated by her expertise and passion for cooking. She told me that she had learned the recipe from a dear friend many years ago, who had passed it down through her family for generations. It was a recipe steeped in history and tradition, and Aunt Margaret was eager to share it with me.

The first step in making Singing Chicken was marinating the chicken in a blend of herbs and spices. Aunt Margaret showed me how to mix together garlic, rosemary, thyme, and a splash of lemon juice to create a fragrant and flavorful marinade. As the chicken soaked up the marinade, the kitchen filled with the most delicious aroma.

Next, Aunt Margaret taught me how to sear the chicken in a hot skillet to lock in the juices and create a crispy, golden-brown crust. The sound of the chicken sizzling in the pan was indeed like music to my ears. I could hardly wait to taste the finished dish.

After searing the chicken, Aunt Margaret transferred it to a roasting pan and poured a rich tomato sauce over the top. She sprinkled a generous amount of Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs over the sauce, creating a crispy topping that would bake to perfection in the oven.

As the chicken cooked, the kitchen filled with the mouthwatering scent of herbs and cheese. Aunt Margaret and I sat at the kitchen table, chatting and laughing as we waited for the chicken to finish baking. It felt like a special moment, one that I would always cherish.

Finally, the timer dinged, and Aunt Margaret pulled the Singing Chicken out of the oven. The chicken was golden and crispy on top, with tender and juicy meat underneath. The aroma that wafted through the kitchen was simply intoxicating.

We sat down to eat, and as I took my first bite of the Singing Chicken, I knew that I had discovered a new favorite dish. The flavors were incredible – savory and satisfying, with just the right amount of tanginess from the tomato sauce and cheese.

As I savored each bite, I couldn't help but marvel at the magic of cooking. How a few simple ingredients could come together to create something so delicious and comforting. And how a recipe, passed down through generations, could connect me to a rich and vibrant culinary history.

I thanked Aunt Margaret profusely for teaching me how to make Singing Chicken. It was a recipe that I would carry with me for the rest of my life, a reminder of the joy and beauty that cooking can bring.

And so, whenever I make Singing Chicken in my own kitchen now, I think back to that day with Aunt Margaret. I remember her laughter, her wisdom, and her love for good food. And I am grateful for the gift she gave me – not just a recipe, but a connection to my past and a passion for cooking that will never fade.