Craving an explosion of flavor? Get ready to unlock the secrets to authentic Southern Thai Turmeric Chicken, a dish bursting with golden color and unforgettable taste.
Whether you prefer grilling or baking, prepare for a culinary adventure that's surprisingly simple and guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
Let's gather our pantry essentials – we're making a flavor-packed Spaghetti alla Puttanesca! For this surprisingly simple dish, you'll need 200g of spaghetti (or any long pasta – your call!).
Next, grab 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, plus a bit more for drizzling later because, well, why not? Now, mince 2 garlic cloves – I mean really mince them. Three anchovy fillets, finely minced, are also essential. Don't skip 'em, they dissolve- leaving amazing flavor.
Alright, add ¼ cup of quartered black olives – the ones in oil taste best! Throw in 1 tablespoon of drained capers and ¼ teaspoon of chili flakes – adjust to your heat preference.
We're almost there! One 400g can of crushed tomatoes (or you can crush whole ones – get aggressive!), ½ cup of water, 1 teaspoon of fresh oregano (or ¼ teaspoon dried), ⅛ teaspoon each of salt and pepper, and maybe ¼ teaspoon sugar, if your tomatoes are being sour. And last is 2 tablespoons of fresh basil – totally optional!
Marinating
Okay, before we explore into the magic, let's get familiar with the Southern Thai Turmeric Chicken, so you know what tasty goodness awaits! Now, let's talk marinating; it's the flavor bath that makes our chicken sing!
You're gonna want to get that chicken cozy in the marinade for at least 2 hours, but overnight's even better. I usually go for 4 hours—or more—if time allows.
Why marinate, you ask? Well, it's like giving your chicken a spa day; it tenderizes and infuses it with all those aromatic spices! The longer it sits, the deeper the flavor penetrates. The marinade often includes turmeric, garlic, coriander and other spices to enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.
Don't skimp on this step; Trust me, your taste buds will thank you like chickens thanking you for giving them a good and flavourful life, especially if they knew what's coming to them!
Cooking Methods
I can't wait to share the different ways we can cook this awesome Southern Thai Turmeric Chicken! You've got choices, which is always fun!
First, we've got grilling. Heat your grill to medium-high–about 375°F is perfect. Place the marinated chicken on the grill, making sure not to overcrowd it, or it will not cook! For a similarly tropical taste, you could even try swapping out some of the marinade ingredients to make coconut milk the base.
Next, baking is another great option–especially when the weather's not cooperating. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Put the chicken on a baking sheet, and bake for around 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear. It's so simple, even *I* can do it!
No matter which method you choose, always remember to use a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Safety first, friends.
Serving Suggestions
I've got some cool ideas on how you can serve up this yummy Southern Thai Turmeric Chicken! You could totally rock this with some fluffy jasmine rice—it soaks up all those delish spices.
Or, how about a crisp cucumber salad? Toss sliced cucumbers with 1/4 cup rice vinegar, a pinch of sugar, and some chopped cilantro. Seriously invigorating! Want to get fancy? Add some grilled pineapple – it's sweet and tangy, just like me!
Next, consider making a creamy peanut sauce. Mix 1/2 cup peanut butter, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon lime juice, and a little water to thin it out. Dunk, dunk, dunk!
Finally, don't forget about steamed veggies! Broccoli, green beans, or even some bok choy would be awesome! I love to sprinkle them with a dash of red pepper flakes for a kick.
Short Recipe Version
Southern Thai Turmeric Chicken
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25-30 minutes
Serving Size: 4
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp turmeric powder
- 1 tbsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine turmeric, coriander, cumin, chili powder, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, and vegetable oil.
- Marinate chicken in the mixture for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight).
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat or oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or bake for 20-25 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve with rice, cucumber salad, grilled pineapple, and peanut sauce (optional).
Nutrition Information (per serving, estimated):
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 7g