Slow-cooked Thai Chicken

Slow-cooked Thai Chicken Recipe - Authentic dish from Thailand

Region / culture: Thailand | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 5 hours 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

This Slow-cooked Thai Chicken recipe is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy bell peppers, and savory peanut sauce creates a mouthwatering meal that will leave you wanting more.

History

This recipe draws inspiration from traditional Thai cuisine, which is known for its bold flavors and use of fresh ingredients. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and aromatic dish that is sure to impress.

Ingredients

6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into 0.5 inch strips
1 large red bell pepper, seeded and sliced into strips
1 large onion, coarsely chopped
0.5 cup chicken broth
0.25 cup soy sauce
1 tbsp ground cumin
3 cloves garlic, minced
0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp cornstarch
0.33 cup creamy peanut butter
1 tbsp soy sauce
0.25 cup lime juice
3 green onions, chopped
0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro
0.5 cup chopped roasted peanuts

How to prepare

Place the chicken breast strips, bell pepper, and onion into a slow cooker.
Pour in the chicken broth and 0.25 cup of soy sauce, then season with cumin, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Stir to blend, then cover and cook on low for 4.5 to 5 hours.
Remove 1 cup of the liquid from the slow cooker, and mix it with the cornstarch, peanut butter, 1 tbsp of soy sauce, and lime juice.
This mixture should blend into a fairly thick sauce.
Stir the sauce back into the slow cooker and place the lid on the pot.
Cook on high for 30 minutes.
Serve over rice if desired.
Garnish with green onions, cilantro, and peanuts before serving.

Variations

Substitute the chicken with tofu or shrimp for a vegetarian or seafood option.
Add additional vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or snap peas for extra color and nutrients.
Experiment with different nut butters such as almond or cashew for a unique twist on the sauce.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cut the chicken into uniform strips to ensure even cooking.

- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.

- For a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a small amount of cold water before adding it to the slow cooker.

- Garnish with fresh cilantro and chopped peanuts for an added burst of flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Slow-cooked Thai Chicken over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Pair with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for added nutrition.

Cooking Techniques

The slow cooking method allows the flavors to develop and intensify over time, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish. Be sure to follow the cooking times and temperatures closely for best results.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have peanut butter on hand, you can substitute with almond butter or cashew butter for a similar flavor profile. Additionally, you can use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

This Slow-cooked Thai Chicken can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, and sliced green onions for a vibrant and eye-catching presentation. Serve in a decorative bowl or on a platter for an elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this Slow-cooked Thai Chicken with a crisp and refreshing cucumber salad or a side of jasmine rice for a complete and satisfying meal. For drinks, consider serving with a cold glass of Thai iced tea or a fruity white wine.

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 stove until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Slow-cooked Thai Chicken contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

This recipe contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

Each serving of this Slow-cooked Thai Chicken contains around 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

With 30 grams of protein per serving, this dish is a great source of this essential nutrient.

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the bell peppers and onions.

Alergens

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

Summary

Overall, this Slow-cooked Thai Chicken recipe is a balanced and nutritious meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

This Slow-cooked Thai Chicken recipe is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With its bold flavors and tender chicken, this meal is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Slow-cooked Thai Chicken. It was many years ago, when I was visiting my dear friend Mei-Ling in Thailand. Mei-Ling was an amazing cook, and I always looked forward to the delicious meals she would prepare for me during my visits.

One day, as I watched Mei-Ling prepare dinner in her kitchen, I noticed her pulling out a large pot and adding in an array of exotic spices and ingredients. Intrigued, I asked her what she was making. She smiled and told me she was making Slow-cooked Thai Chicken, a traditional dish that had been passed down in her family for generations.

As Mei-Ling continued to cook, I watched in awe as the fragrant aromas of lemongrass, ginger, garlic, and coconut milk filled the air. The chicken simmered slowly in the rich and flavorful broth, absorbing all the delicious flavors.

Mei-Ling noticed my interest and invited me to help her with the preparation. She patiently guided me through each step, explaining the importance of balancing the sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors that are characteristic of Thai cuisine.

I was mesmerized by the intricate process of creating this dish, from pounding the fresh herbs and spices into a fragrant paste to slowly simmering the chicken until it was tender and infused with all the delicious flavors.

As we sat down to enjoy the meal together, I took my first bite of the Slow-cooked Thai Chicken and was blown away by the explosion of flavors in my mouth. The tender chicken, combined with the aromatic herbs and spices, created a truly unforgettable culinary experience.

After my visit to Thailand, I knew I had to recreate this dish at home. I reached out to Mei-Ling for the recipe, and she graciously shared it with me, along with her tips and tricks for achieving the authentic flavors of Thai cuisine.

I gathered all the ingredients I needed, from lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves to fish sauce and coconut milk, and set to work recreating Mei-Ling's Slow-cooked Thai Chicken in my own kitchen.

As I cooked, memories of my time in Thailand flooded back to me. I could almost hear the bustling markets, smell the fragrant spices, and feel the warmth of the sun on my skin. It was as if I had transported myself back to that magical place, all through the simple act of cooking a traditional dish.

When the Slow-cooked Thai Chicken was finally ready, I sat down to enjoy it with my family. Their eyes widened in delight as they took their first bite, savoring the complex flavors and tender chicken that had been cooked to perfection.

From that moment on, Slow-cooked Thai Chicken became a staple in our household. I would often make it for special occasions or just to treat my loved ones to a taste of Thailand.

Over the years, I have made this dish countless times, each time tweaking the recipe and adding my own personal touch. But no matter how many times I make it, the flavors of lemongrass, ginger, and coconut milk always transport me back to that kitchen in Thailand, watching Mei-Ling cook with such passion and skill.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the journey that led me to this recipe, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences and friendships that have enriched my life. Cooking has always been a source of joy and connection for me, and Slow-cooked Thai Chicken will forever hold a special place in my heart as a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.