Thai Garlic Chicken

Thai Garlic Chicken Recipe - Authentic Cuisine from Thailand

Region / culture: Thailand | Preparation time: 2 hours | Cooking time: 20-30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Thai Garlic Chicken is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines tender chicken with a delicious marinade of garlic, ginger, lime, soy sauce, and red chilies. This dish is perfect for those who love bold flavors and enjoy a touch of spice in their meals.

History

Thai Garlic Chicken is a popular dish in Thai cuisine that is known for its bold flavors and aromatic ingredients. The dish is believed to have originated in Thailand, where it is commonly served as a street food or in local restaurants. The combination of garlic, ginger, and chilies gives this dish its signature taste that is loved by many.

Ingredients

4 boneless chicken breasts

Marinade

4 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced or crushed
1 tbsp of fresh ginger, grated or finely chopped
juice and rind of 1 lime
3 tbsp of sunflower oil
1 tbsp of dark soy sauce
1-2 red chilies, deseeded and thinly sliced
0.5 tbsp of dried coriander
0.25 cup of cashews
2 portobello mushrooms, sliced

How to prepare

Cut gashes into the chicken, through the skin if present.
In a deep glass bowl, mix all the ingredients for the marinade.
Place the chicken pieces in the bowl, ensuring that each piece is thoroughly coated and press the marinade into the gashes.
Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for at least 2 hours. During this time, mix it around using 2 forks.
Next, cook the chicken with the cashews and mushrooms in a foil-lined oven pan. Place it at the top of a hot oven (250°C) for 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, you can grill/broil it or cook it on the BBQ at medium heat for 15-20 minutes until it is cooked through.
While cooking, baste the chicken with the marinade to keep it moist.
Serve the chicken with buttered rice, and you can also mix in some wild rice. Accompany it with fresh greens and a salad.

Variations

Add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for added texture and flavor.
Substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp for a vegetarian or seafood version of the dish.
Use different nuts like peanuts or almonds instead of cashews for a different twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to fully develop.

- Baste the chicken with the marinade while cooking to keep it moist and flavorful.

- You can also grill or broil the chicken for a smoky flavor.

- Serve the chicken with buttered rice and fresh greens for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Thai Garlic Chicken with buttered rice, wild rice, and fresh greens for a complete and satisfying meal. You can also enjoy it with a side of salad or steamed vegetables.

Cooking Techniques

Marinating, grilling, broiling, or BBQ cooking

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute dark soy sauce with light soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free option.

- Use chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of chicken breasts for a juicier and more flavorful dish.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. This allows the flavors to develop even more.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Thai Garlic Chicken on a platter with a garnish of fresh cilantro or sliced red chilies for a pop of color. You can also sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top for added crunch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Thai Garlic Chicken with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light lager beer. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with a refreshing iced tea or coconut water.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 350 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 15g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 18g

Saturated Fat: 3g

Proteins

Protein: 30g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 15% of daily value

Iron: 10% of daily value

Alergens

Contains: Tree nuts (cashews), soy

Summary

Thai Garlic Chicken is a balanced dish that provides a good source of protein and essential nutrients. It is relatively low in calories and can be a healthy addition to your diet when paired with nutritious sides.

Summary

Thai Garlic Chicken is a delicious and aromatic dish that is perfect for those who enjoy bold flavors and a touch of spice. With a flavorful marinade and tender chicken, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Serve it with buttered rice, fresh greens, and a side of salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still picture the first time I came across this recipe for Thai Garlic Chicken. It was during my travels through Thailand, a country known for its vibrant culture and delicious cuisine. I had just arrived in Chiang Mai, a bustling city in the northern part of the country, and was eager to explore all the culinary delights it had to offer.

I wandered through the streets, taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling markets and busy food stalls. The air was filled with the tantalizing aroma of spices and herbs, and my stomach rumbled in anticipation of a delicious meal.

As I walked, I came across a small, unassuming street vendor selling grilled chicken skewers. The aroma wafting from his cart was irresistible, and I couldn't resist stopping to sample his wares. The chicken was perfectly cooked, tender and juicy, with a crispy, slightly charred exterior that was bursting with flavor.

I struck up a conversation with the vendor, a friendly older man with a twinkle in his eye. He told me that the key to his delicious chicken was a marinade made from garlic, soy sauce, and a blend of Thai spices. He invited me to watch as he prepared a fresh batch, explaining each step as he went along.

I watched in fascination as he minced the garlic, finely chopping it until it was almost a paste. He added the soy sauce, a splash of fish sauce, a pinch of sugar, and a generous helping of ground black pepper. He then mixed in a blend of aromatic spices – lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves – that filled the air with their heady fragrance.

As the chicken marinated in the rich, flavorful sauce, I couldn't wait to taste the finished product. When it was finally ready, I took a bite and was blown away by the explosion of flavors – savory, tangy, and just a hint of sweetness. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

I asked the vendor if he would be willing to share his recipe with me, and to my delight, he agreed. He took me under his wing, teaching me the secrets of Thai cooking and showing me how to create the perfect balance of flavors in each dish.

Over the course of the next few weeks, I spent hours in his makeshift kitchen, learning how to chop, stir-fry, and grill with precision and skill. I practiced tirelessly, honing my technique until I could make the garlic chicken with my eyes closed.

As I bid farewell to my newfound mentor, he presented me with a handwritten copy of the recipe, complete with detailed instructions and tips for achieving the perfect balance of flavors. I tucked it away in my bag, a treasured memento of my time in Thailand.

When I returned home, I couldn't wait to share my newfound knowledge with my family and friends. I whipped up a batch of Thai Garlic Chicken for dinner one night, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. Everyone raved about the dish, marveling at the complex blend of flavors and the tender, juicy chicken.

Since then, I have made Thai Garlic Chicken many times, each time tweaking the recipe to suit my own tastes. I have added my own twist, incorporating fresh herbs and spices from my garden, experimenting with different cooking techniques, and serving it with a variety of accompaniments.

But no matter how many times I make it, the dish always transports me back to that bustling street in Chiang Mai, where I first discovered the magic of Thai cuisine. And every time I take a bite, I am reminded of the friendly street vendor who took me under his wing and taught me the art of cooking with love and passion.