Easy Thai Marinated Fried Chicken Recipe
If you’ve been to Thailand, you’ve seen those Thai marinated fried chicken carts at practically every street corner, with the giant wok smoldering like a witch’s cauldron filled with dark, smelly oil that seems as ancient as the broken-down cart itself. What those carts produce is the bright, bright gold, impossibly crisp, mind-blowingly flavorful pieces of fried chicken, so good you willingly suspend all your hygienic concerns.
Who cares how long those chickens lingered in the tropical heat with only the dodgiest “refrigeration”, who gives a damn about how many times the oil has been re-used. I’m going to take a big bite and let that crisp, garlicky, chickeny goodness shatter into a million little pieces in my mouth and just die happy. Wouldn’t you?
Luckily, you won’t need to hop on a plane – or get a special dispensation from your doctor – before you can eat one. I’ve figured out how they’re made. And it’s so very simple. The trick is, let me just come out and tell you, rice flour. You dredge the chicken pieces in rice flour, that’s what gives them the crispiest skin. I also marinate them in a paste made with garlic, oyster sauce, and fish sauce to give them a bit of extra kick in the flavor department.
I just made a batch of this for lunch on the boat yesterday. They were still a little crisp (and still dee-lish) even after a few hours in a cold box. I’d show you a picture but we devoured them all before I could get the camera out of the cabin…
Thai Marinated fried chicken – the crispiest fried chicken ever
Ingredients:
- 8-10 pieces of chicken, drumsticks thighs, or both (a little over 2lbs or 1kg)
- 4-6 cloves of garlic, peeled
- about 1 tbsp of chopped cilantro roots (or just the bottom part of the stalks)
- about 1/2 tbsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp kosher or (large-grained) sea salt (If all you have is fine salt, skip it.)
- 3tbsp oyster sauce
- 1/4 cup fish sauce
- Enough canola oil or other high-temp oil to fill about 2-inch from the bottom of your cast iron pan (or a deep frying pan)
Directions:
In a mortar or a small food processor, pound or chop the garlic, cilantro roots, and kosher salt into a rough paste. Transfer the paste into a large bowl, add the oyster sauce and fish sauce, and stir to mix well. Rinse and dry the chicken pieces thoroughly, then place them into the bowl. With your hands, toss and rub the chicken pieces all over with the marinated mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic and let marinate in the fridge for at least 3 hours.
When you are ready to cook the chicken, place your pan over medium-low heat, and fill it with enough oil (I used Canola) to cover about 2 inches from the bottom of the pan, or about halfway up the side. Let the oil come up to frying temperature, about 360F or 180C.
Meanwhile, put about 2 cups of rice flour into a large plate (a Pyrex pie plate works very well for this.) When the oil is ready, take the chicken pieces, one at a time, drop them into the flour plate, and coat well with the rice flour. Shake each piece once or twice to remove excess flour and place them, gently, into the hot oil.
If you don’t have a thermometer, make sure your chicken pieces only gently sizzle in the hot oil. Just listen to it, you should hear the oil just softly sizzling. You should also see small bubbles around the chickens as they cook. If the oil is too hot, you’ll be able to see and hear it too. There will be a lot of large bubbles blowing up and spitting viciously. It will make a lot of violent noises and your chicken will brown up in just a few minutes, but the inside will be rare. That’s no good. Just keep the flame low, and, when in doubt, turn the heat down just a little bit.
Cook the chickens until brown and crisp all around. If you’re not so sure if they are cooked perfectly, cut one up and see if it’s cooked all the way through. If you see a little blood, no big deal.
Just warm up the oven to about 225F or 100C, place your fried chickens on a cake rack over a cookie sheet, and let them sit for 10 minutes to finish cooking. (Don’t forget to lower the heat on your frying pan so the rest of your chickens take a bit longer to cook!) It’s a good idea to heat up your oven to that temperature before you begin frying anyway, you can put your cooked chicken pieces in there while you fry the rest. The oven will keep everything nice and warm, not to mention super crispy.
Reviews
A Flavorful Journey to Thailand in Every Bite!
I recently tried the Thai Marinated Fried Chicken recipe from Singlerecipe.com, and I have to say it was an absolute delight for my taste buds! This recipe is a culinary adventure that takes you straight to the heart of Thailand, with its authentic flavors and irresistible crunch. Here’s why I can’t stop raving about it:
Authentic Thai Flavors: The Thai Marinated Fried Chicken captured the essence of Thai cuisine perfectly. The combination of lemongrass, garlic, and other aromatic ingredients in the marinade truly brought out the exotic and vibrant Thai flavors.
Tender and Juicy Chicken: The marinating process ensures that every bite of chicken is tender, succulent, and bursting with flavor. The crispy fried exterior adds an incredible texture contrast that’s both satisfying and addictive.
Easy-to-Follow Recipe: Even if you’re not a seasoned chef, you’ll find the step-by-step instructions on Singlerecipe.com to be clear and concise. The ingredients are readily available, and the process is straightforward.
Customizable Heat: Whether you’re a spice enthusiast or prefer a milder option, you can adjust the level of heat in this dish to suit your taste. The marinade allows you to dial up or down the spiciness as per your preference.
Family-Friendly: This Thai Marinated Fried Chicken is a crowd-pleaser! It’s perfect for family gatherings, weeknight dinners, or special occasions. Your guests will be impressed with your culinary skills, and your loved ones will be asking for seconds.
Pairs Well with Sides: I served this Thai delight with a side of coconut rice and a refreshing cucumber salad. The combination was out of this world! The recipe also suggests a delicious sweet chili sauce, which complements the chicken beautifully.
Repeat-Worthy: I’ve already made this Thai Marinated Fried Chicken several times since discovering the recipe, and each time, it’s as delicious as the last. It’s now a staple in my family’s menu rotation.
In conclusion, Singlerecipe.com’s Thai Marinated Fried Chicken recipe is a wonderful gateway to Thai cuisine. The flavors, textures, and simplicity of preparation make it a winner in my book. If you’re looking to add some excitement to your kitchen and impress your taste buds, I highly recommend giving this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!
A Flavorful Adventure with Thai Marinated Fried Chicken
I recently tried the Thai Marinated Fried Chicken recipe from Singlerecipe.com, and I have to say, it was an absolute delight! This culinary adventure took me on a journey to the vibrant flavors of Thailand, and I couldn’t be more pleased with the results.
The marinating process was simple and oh-so-worth it. The blend of ingredients like lemongrass, ginger, garlic, and coconut milk created a fragrant and exotic marinade that elevated the chicken to new heights. It not only infused the meat with an incredible depth of flavor but also left it incredibly tender and juicy.
The frying step was equally impressive. The chicken turned out crispy and golden brown, with just the right amount of crunch to satisfy that fried chicken craving. The aromatic Thai herbs and spices in the breading added an extra layer of flavor that was out of this world.
One of the best parts of this recipe is that it’s not overly complicated. Singlerecipe.com provides clear, step-by-step instructions that made it easy for me to follow along. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner, you’ll appreciate the user-friendly approach of this recipe.
What truly sets this Thai Marinated Fried Chicken apart is the perfect balance of flavors. The sweet, spicy, and savory elements come together harmoniously to create a symphony for your taste buds. The optional Thai chili dipping sauce is a must-try, adding a fiery kick that beautifully complements the dish.
Not only did this dish impress my taste buds, but it also impressed my family and friends. It’s a fantastic choice for gatherings and special occasions when you want to treat your loved ones to something special.
In conclusion, the Thai Marinated Fried Chicken recipe from Singlerecipe.com is a culinary masterpiece that transports your palate to the vibrant streets of Thailand. It’s easy to follow, incredibly flavorful, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I can’t recommend it enough, and I’m already planning to make it again soon. Give it a try, and you’ll be in for a delicious adventure!
A Flavor Explosion in Every Bite!
I recently tried the Thai Marinated Fried Chicken recipe from Singlerecipe.com, and I must say it was an absolute delight for my taste buds. This recipe is a true gem that combines the best of Thai flavors with the crispy goodness of fried chicken. Here’s why I loved it so much:
Simple Ingredients, Explosive Flavor: One of the best aspects of this recipe is its simplicity. The ingredients are easy to find, and the preparation is straightforward. Yet, when you take that first bite, you’re transported to the vibrant streets of Thailand with the explosion of flavors.
Perfectly Balanced Marinade: The Thai marinade is where the magic happens. It’s a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and spicy elements, giving the chicken an irresistible taste. The use of lemongrass, garlic, and ginger adds a refreshing zing that makes this dish unique.
Crispy and Golden: The chicken turns out beautifully crispy and golden brown, thanks to the frying technique described in the recipe. The contrast between the crispy exterior and the tender, juicy interior of the chicken is pure perfection.
Customizable Heat Level: I appreciate that you can adjust the level of spiciness to suit your preferences. If you like it fiery hot, add more chili flakes, or tone it down if you prefer a milder flavor profile. It’s all about making it your own!
Serving Suggestions: The recipe provides excellent suggestions for serving, and I found that serving it with jasmine rice and a side of cucumber salad created a wonderful, balanced meal. The cucumber salad’s freshness complemented the richness of the chicken perfectly.
Restaurant-Quality at Home: With this recipe, you can achieve restaurant-quality Thai fried chicken in the comfort of your own kitchen. It’s impressive enough to serve to guests for a special occasion, yet easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
Leftovers Are a Delight: If you happen to have leftovers (though it’s tough not to finish it all in one go), the chicken retains its flavor and crispiness surprisingly well when reheated.
In conclusion, the Thai Marinated Fried Chicken recipe from Singlerecipe.com is a true winner. It’s a culinary journey that will transport you to Thailand with every bite. I highly recommend giving it a try; it’s a surefire way to elevate your home-cooking game and impress your taste buds. This recipe has earned a permanent spot in my recipe rotation, and I can’t wait to make it again!
A Flavorful Adventure for Your Taste Buds!
I recently had the pleasure of trying the Thai Marinated Fried Chicken recipe from Singlerecipe.com, and I must say, it was an absolute delight for my taste buds! This recipe is a true winner, and here’s why I can’t stop raving about it:
The Flavor Explosion: From the moment I took my first bite, I was transported to the vibrant streets of Thailand. The marinade is a tantalizing blend of Thai flavors, with hints of lemongrass, ginger, garlic, and a perfect balance of sweet and savory. It adds a burst of exotic flavors to every bite of the juicy, succulent chicken.
Easy-to-Follow Instructions: Even if you’re not a seasoned chef, fear not! The recipe comes with clear, step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow. It’s great for beginners looking to impress with a restaurant-quality dish or for experienced cooks seeking a new culinary adventure.
Crispy Perfection: The frying technique in this recipe results in a wonderfully crispy and golden exterior while keeping the chicken inside moist and tender. It’s the perfect harmony of textures, and the seasoned flour coating is simply delicious.
Customizable Heat Level: What I love about this recipe is that you can adjust the spice level to suit your taste. Whether you prefer it mild or with an extra kick, the marinade is flexible enough to cater to your heat preferences.
Unique Serving Suggestions: The Thai Marinated Fried Chicken isn’t just a standalone dish; it’s an experience. Pair it with jasmine rice, a zesty dipping sauce, or a refreshing Thai salad to create a memorable meal that will leave your guests asking for seconds.
A Culinary Journey: This recipe is like a passport to Thailand, allowing you to explore the diverse flavors of the country without leaving your kitchen. It’s a great way to introduce friends and family to the delicious world of Thai cuisine.
In summary, the Thai Marinated Fried Chicken recipe from Singlerecipe.com is a must-try for anyone who appreciates bold and authentic flavors. It’s a culinary adventure that will transport you to the heart of Thailand and leave your taste buds dancing with joy. I wholeheartedly recommend it to all food enthusiasts!