Spicy Garlic Chicken

Cooking Tips for Perfect Spicy Garlic Chicken

To get the best flavor from your spicy garlic chicken, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, letting it sit for a few hours or even overnight in the fridge will deepen the flavors. Use a high smoke point oil like vegetable or peanut oil for stir-frying. This helps achieve that beautiful sear on the chicken, which adds a lovely texture. Pay attention to the heat. Stir-frying should be done over medium-high heat, allowing the chicken to brown while keeping it juicy. Don’t overcrowd the pan; this can lead to steaming instead of frying. If you have a lot of chicken to cook, consider doing it in batches. Lastly, don’t forget to taste the sauce before serving. Adjust the seasoning with a bit of salt or soy sauce if needed.

Serving Suggestions

Spicy garlic chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a classic combo, serve it over a bed of jasmine rice. The rice helps balance the heat and absorbs all those delicious flavors. If you want to add some freshness to the meal, consider serving it with a side of steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas. A simple cucumber salad drizzled with lime juice can also complement the dish well. For a more casual setup, serve the chicken in lettuce wraps. Just take some fresh lettuce leaves, fill them with the chicken, and add some shredded carrots and cilantro for crunch. This makes for a fun and interactive meal that everyone can enjoy.

Storage Instructions and Variations

If you have leftovers, store the spicy garlic chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. It should keep well for about three to four days. When reheating, try using a skillet on the stove rather than the microwave to maintain the texture. If you want to freeze it, do so before adding any sauce to the chicken. This way, it can be frozen for up to three months. You can customize this dish in many ways. For a different flavor profile, try adding a splash of coconut milk to the sauce for a creamy texture. If you’re looking for a milder version, substitute sweet bell peppers for chili peppers. You could also try adding cashews or peanuts for added crunch. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to experiment!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Chicken breasts will work, but they might dry out more easily than thighs. If you go with breasts, consider marinating them for a bit longer to help keep them juicy.

What if I don’t have oyster sauce?

If you can’t find oyster sauce, try using hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a bit of sugar. It won’t be exactly the same, but it will still add a nice flavor to your dish.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet to maintain the texture, or in the microwave if you’re in a hurry.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can marinate the chicken a day in advance, which will really enhance the flavor. Just cook it fresh when you’re ready to serve, as stir-frying right before eating gives the best results.

What are some good side dishes to serve with spicy garlic chicken?

Jasmine rice is a classic choice since it balances the heat nicely. Steamed veggies like broccoli or bell peppers also work well, and a refreshing cucumber salad can add a nice crunch to your meal.

I realize that I cook a lot of chicken dishes for my family. This is because chicken is such a versatile meat. It is also easy to prepare and compared to pork and beef, it takes shorter time to cook.  I always buy chickens in bulk and freeze it. This way I can easily prepare chicken dishes any time I want. Just like the other day, I was able to cook spicy garlic chicken for dinner in less than half an hour.

Spicy garlic chicken or gratiam prik Thai gai is a Thai dish that I got from a cookbook lent to me by my niece. It consists of strips of chicken pieces marinated and then stir-fried with chili peppers and fried garlic. This dish is delicious and spicy but if you cannot take spicy food at all, you may omit the chili peppers. I am pretty sure it will still taste as good 😀

Spicy Garlic Chicken

Liza Agbanlog

Spicy Garlic Chicken brings together tender, juicy chicken with a fiery kick from fresh chilis and a savory garlic sauce, making it a flavor-packed delight. Quick to whip up, it’s an irresistible dish that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Chinese

Servings 4 servings

Calories 380 kcal

Ingredients

  

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• 1 lb. skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into small strips
• 1 tablespoon granulated garlic
• ½ tablespoon ground white pepper
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons fried garlic available at any Asian store
• 1-2 fresh hot chili peppers chopped

Instructions

 

• Marinate the chicken with the granulated garlic, white pepper, oyster sauce, soy sauce and sugar. Set aside for 10 minutes.
• Heat oil over high heat in a skillet or wok. When the oil gets very hot, add the chicken mixture. Keep stirring until the meat is well-done, around 5 minutes.
• Stir in hot peppers and fried garlic. Mix well. Remove from heat.
• Serve with steamed rice.
• Enjoy!

Notes

This recipe was adapted from the cookbook ``Thai Cooking in a Sufi`s Kitchen”.

Nutrition

Calories: 380kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 28gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1g

Keyword Asian cuisine, garlic, quick meal, spicy chicken, stir-fry

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