Description
Delectable Thai chicken merges zesty flavors from Southeast Asian cuisine. Succulent meat marinates in complex spices, delivering a perfect balance of heat and sweetness for adventurous diners eager to explore global culinary traditions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs (0.68 kg) chicken tenderloins, breasts, or thighs
- 0.75 cup sweet chili sauce
- 0.33 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 0.25 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsps sriracha
- 3 tbsps fish sauce
- 2 tbsps sesame oil or toasted sesame oil
- 0.25 cup rice vinegar
- 0.5 cup rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp lemongrass paste
- 1 tbsp fresh-squeezed lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 3 tsps minced garlic
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 0.5 cup shredded carrots
- 0.5 cucumber, sliced or shaved into ribbons
Instructions
- Pickle Preparation: Combine white vinegar, kosher salt, granulated sugar, red chili flakes, minced garlic, julienned carrots, and thinly sliced cucumber in a glass jar. Seal and shake vigorously, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to intensify flavors.
- Glaze Creation: Whisk Thai sweet chili sauce, low-sodium soy sauce, dark brown sugar, sriracha, crushed garlic, unseasoned rice vinegar, fish sauce, lemongrass paste, lime juice, and toasted sesame oil in a saucepan. Simmer until the mixture reduces to a glossy, thick consistency, stirring constantly.
- Cooking Method: For stovetop, heat cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and coat with half the glaze, cooking 12-15 minutes total, flipping midway. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F, basting frequently with remaining glaze. For grilling, marinate chicken for 30-45 minutes, then grill at 375-400°F for 10-14 minutes, brushing with additional glaze during final cooking stage.
- Serving: Plate glazed chicken over steamed jasmine rice, top with chilled pickled vegetables, and garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions for a vibrant, flavor-packed presentation.
Notes
- Pickle Prep Timing: Allow at least 1 hour of refrigeration to develop maximum flavor complexity and ensure crisp, tangy vegetable texture.
- Glaze Reduction Technique: Watch the sauce carefully while boiling, stirring constantly to prevent burning and achieve a thick, glossy consistency that clings perfectly to chicken.
- Temperature Control: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F internally, preventing undercooking while maintaining juicy, tender meat.
- Marinade Magic: Letting chicken sit in glaze before cooking infuses deeper flavor layers and helps create a more caramelized exterior during grilling or stovetop cooking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg