Name: Thai Fried Chicken
Prep time: 60 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 70 min
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken drumsticks, thighs, breasts, or cut-up chicken pieces; 6 cloves garlic (peeled and pounded); 2 tablespoons cilantro roots (or use the cilantro stems, without leaves); 1 teaspoon sea salt (large-grained or kosher salt); 4 tablespoons fish sauce; 2 tablespoons oyster sauce; 1/2 tablespoon ground black pepper (for a touch of heat); Oil (for deep-frying); 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for the crispy coating); 4 tablespoons cornstarch (helps create an ultra-crisp texture); 4 tablespoons rice flour (a key ingredient for that authentic crunch)

Thai Fried Chicken is a tantalizing dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Thailand right to your kitchen. Imagine crispy, golden-brown chicken pieces infused with aromatic garlic and herbs, perfectly balanced with the umami richness of fish and oyster sauces. This recipe is designed for chicken lovers who crave something different yet comforting. Let’s dive into how to create this mouthwatering dish that will leave your taste buds singing!

Why This Recipe Works

This Thai Fried Chicken recipe blends traditional Thai flavors with the classic technique of frying chicken to achieve an irresistible crunch. The marinade featuring garlic, cilantro roots, and savory sauces penetrates the chicken, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor. The combination of all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and rice flour creates an ultra-crispy coating that holds up beautifully during frying. Plus, this method allows for various chicken parts, making it versatile and easy to adapt to your preferences.

What You’ll Gather

2 lbs (1 kg) chicken drumsticks, thighs, breasts, or cut-up chicken pieces – Choose your favorite cuts for frying.
6 cloves garlic, peeled and pounded – Fresh garlic adds a robust flavor.
2 tablespoons cilantro roots, or use the cilantro stems, without leaves – This adds a distinctly aromatic quality.
1 teaspoon sea salt, large-grained or kosher salt – Enhances the flavor of the chicken.
4 tablespoons fish sauce – Provides depth and umami.
2 tablespoons oyster sauce – Adds sweetness and richness.
1/2 tablespoon ground black pepper – For a touch of heat.
Oil, for deep-frying – Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable or canola oil.
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour – For the crispy coating.
4 tablespoons cornstarch – Helps create an ultra-crisp texture.
4 tablespoons rice flour – A key ingredient for that authentic crunch.

Hardware & Gadgets

Large mixing bowl – For marinating the chicken.
Deep-fryer or large pot – Essential for frying the chicken evenly.
Slotted spoon or spider – Helps to safely remove the chicken from hot oil.
Wire rack – To cool the chicken and keep it crispy.
Thermometer – To monitor oil temperature for perfect frying.

Build Thai Fried Chicken Step by Step

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large mixing bowl, combine the pounded garlic, cilantro roots (or stems), sea salt, fish sauce, oyster sauce, and ground black pepper. Mix well to create a marinade. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and rice flour. This combination will give your fried chicken that coveted crunch. Set aside.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

In a deep-fryer or large pot, pour enough oil to submerge the chicken pieces (about 2-3 inches deep). Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to check the temperature; this ensures the chicken cooks evenly and achieves that perfect crispy coating.

Step 4: Dredge the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, making sure they are well coated. Shake off any excess flour and set aside on a wire rack.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken

Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and transfer it to a wire rack to drain excess oil.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once all chicken pieces are fried, serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside a fresh Thai salad. The crispy skin and flavorful meat are sure to impress!

Better Choices & Swaps

Chicken Cuts: Feel free to use skinless chicken breast for a lighter option.
Fish Sauce Substitute: If you prefer, soy sauce can be used instead, but it will alter the flavor profile.
Oyster Sauce Alternative: Use mushroom sauce for a vegetarian twist.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

What I Learned Testing

The marinating time is crucial; overnight marination yields the best flavor.
Maintaining the oil temperature is key to achieving that crispy texture without overcooking the chicken.
Letting the chicken drain on a wire rack is essential for preventing sogginess.
Pairing the fried chicken with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce elevates the dish even further.

Prep Ahead & Store

You can marinate the chicken a day in advance for deeper flavor. If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven at 375°F (190°C) until heated through to maintain the crispiness.

Ask the Chef

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, boneless chicken can be used, but you may need to adjust the cooking time, as it will cook faster than bone-in pieces.

What dipping sauces pair well with Thai Fried Chicken?

Sweet chili sauce, peanut sauce, or a tangy lime dipping sauce complement the flavors beautifully.

Is it necessary to use all three types of flour for frying?

While you can use just one or two types of flour, the combination of all-purpose, cornstarch, and rice flour results in the crispiest texture.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Baking is an option, but the texture will differ. If you choose to bake, consider coating the chicken with a bit of oil and baking at a high temperature to achieve some crispiness.

Let’s Eat

Now that your Thai Fried Chicken is ready, gather your friends and family around the table! The tantalizing aroma, the golden-brown crispy skin, and the succulent meat will make this dish a star at any gathering. Pair it with a refreshing Thai salad and your favorite dipping sauces for a complete meal that’s sure to impress. Enjoy every bite of this delicious culinary journey to Thailand!