How to Make Thai-Style Braised Chicken with Thai Herbs
Thai-style braised chicken, infused with aromatic Thai herbs, is a delightful dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Thailand right to your dining table. This recipe is not only delicious but also quite simple to prepare, making it a perfect choice for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
To make authentic Thai-style braised chicken, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken (thighs or drumsticks are ideal)
- 1 can (400 ml) coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 shallots, sliced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1-2 red chilies, sliced (adjust to taste)
- 1 stalk lemongrass, chopped
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cleaning the chicken pieces under running water. Pat them dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. This step enhances the flavor of the chicken and ensures a nice browning during cooking.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces, skin side down, and sear them until they are golden brown on both sides. This process adds depth of flavor to the dish.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
After the chicken is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, add the minced garlic, sliced shallots, and minced ginger. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
Step 4: Create the Braising Liquid
Add the coconut milk, chicken broth, fish sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to add extra flavor.
Step 5: Add Chicken and Herbs
Return the browned chicken to the pot, along with the chopped lemongrass and sliced red chilies. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and reduce the heat to low. Let it braise for around 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Step 6: Finish with Thai Basil
Once the chicken is tender, remove the lid and stir in the fresh Thai basil leaves. The heat will wilt the basil, releasing its essential oils and adding a burst of flavor to the dish. Adjust taste with additional salt, pepper, or fish sauce as needed.
Step 7: Serve
Serve your Thai-style braised chicken hot, garnished with extra basil leaves and sliced chilies if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with jasmine rice or rice noodles, allowing you to savor every drop of the delicious sauce.
Conclusion
Thai-style braised chicken with Thai herbs is a comforting, flavorful dish that transports your taste buds to Thailand. Enjoy this hearty meal with family and friends, and relish the deliciousness of home-cooked Thai cuisine!