Savor the Crunch: Authentic Thai Crispy Garlic Chicken Recipe

Ingredients

500 grams of boneless chicken thighs
1/2 cup of cornstarch
1 cup of vegetable oil for frying
1 tablespoon of minced garlic
1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
1 teaspoon of soy sauce
1 teaspoon of sugar
1/2 teaspoon of ground white pepper
1/2 teaspoon of salt
2 spring onions, sliced
1 cup of jasmine rice, cooked

Steps and instructions

Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with salt and white pepper.
Add the cornstarch to the chicken and mix until all pieces are coated.
Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
Add the chicken pieces and fry until golden and crispy. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, add the minced garlic and fry until golden brown.
Add the oyster sauce, soy sauce, and sugar to the pan, stirring to combine.
Add the fried chicken back into the pan and stir to coat the chicken in the sauce.
Remove from heat and garnish with sliced spring onions.
Serve the Thai crispy garlic chicken over cooked jasmine rice.

Tools for making

Cutting Board - Used for cutting and preparing the chicken.
Knife - Used to cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Bowl - Used for mixing the chicken with salt, white pepper, and cornstarch.
Frying Pan - Used for frying the chicken and garlic.
Spatula - Used for flipping and stirring the chicken while frying.
Measuring Spoons - Used to measure the oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, salt, and white pepper.
Cooking Spoon - Used for stirring and combining the sauce ingredients.
Plate - Used for transferring the fried chicken from the pan.
Serving Plate - Used for serving the Thai crispy garlic chicken.
Rice Cooker - Used to cook the jasmine rice.

Recipe variations

Use boneless chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs.
Replace cornstarch with rice flour or all-purpose flour for a different crust texture.
Add spices such as paprika, cayenne pepper, or Chinese five-spice powder to the cornstarch for extra flavor.
Try a gluten-free alternative to cornstarch, such as arrowroot starch or potato starch.
Make it a vegetarian dish by substituting tofu or tempeh for the chicken.
Add chopped chili peppers or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
Experiment with different sauces like sweet chili sauce, hoisin sauce, or teriyaki sauce.
Add vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or broccoli for a colorful and nutritious twist.
Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, or mint for added freshness.
Serve the crispy garlic chicken with noodles or as a filling for lettuce wraps.

Recipe overview

Experience the exotic flavors of Thailand with this recipe for Thai Crispy Garlic Chicken. This dish combines tender pieces of chicken, coated in cornstarch and fried until crisp, with the rich aroma and flavor of garlic, stir-fried in a savory mixture of oyster and soy sauces. The hint of sugar balances out the flavors, while a garnish of spring onions adds a burst of freshness. Served over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice, this dish is a complete meal on its own. Whether you're new to Thai cuisine or a seasoned fan, this Thai Crispy Garlic Chicken will become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Expect a balance of textures and flavors - crispy, savory, and slightly sweet, all in one bite. Enjoy the process of creating this dish as much as you will enjoy every flavorful bite.

Common questions

Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs? Yes, you can use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs. However, keep in mind that chicken thighs are more flavorful and tend to stay juicier when fried.
Can I use a different type of oil for frying? Yes, you can use other types of oil suitable for frying such as canola oil or peanut oil.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish? Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to the stir-fry for added color and texture.
Can I make this dish less spicy? If you prefer less spiciness, you can reduce or omit the minced garlic in the recipe. Additionally, you can adjust the amount of white pepper according to your taste.
Is there a substitute for oyster sauce? If you don't have oyster sauce, you can use soy sauce mixed with a small amount of sugar as a substitute. It won't have the exact same flavor, but it will still be delicious.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? While the dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the crispy garlic chicken in advance and reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop. However, note that the chicken may lose some crispiness upon reheating.
Can I double or halve the recipe? Yes, you can easily adjust the quantities of the ingredients to double or halve the recipe according to your needs.

Serving dishes and utensils

Cutting board - To safely and hygienically prepare the chicken.
Knife - To cut the boneless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.
Mixing bowl - To coat the chicken with salt, white pepper, and cornstarch.
Frying pan - To fry the chicken until golden and crispy.
Spatula - To flip and stir the chicken while frying.
Garlic mincer - To mince the garlic for the sauce.
Stove - To heat the vegetable oil and cook the chicken.
Serving plates - To present and serve the Thai crispy garlic chicken.
Rice cooker - To cook the jasmine rice to serve alongside the chicken.

Origin stories

The Thai Crispy Garlic Chicken, or 'Gai Tod Kratiem', is a beloved staple in Thai cuisine known for its perfect balance of flavors. Its origin is traced back to the streets of Thailand, where it is commonly served as a quick, hearty meal. The dish is a testament to the Thai people's ingenuity and their ability to turn simple ingredients into a gastronomic delight. What makes this dish unique is the use of garlic, a staple in Thai cooking, which when fried, releases a sweet, nutty aroma that permeates the crispy chicken. It's a dish that tells a story of Thailand's culinary tradition, showcasing how the simplest of ingredients can be transformed into a dish that is both comforting and bursting with flavor. So, as you bite into this dish, remember it's not just chicken you're tasting - it's a bite out of Thailand's rich culinary heritage.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.