Description
Spicy Southern Thai Turmeric Chicken brings fiery flavors from Thailand’s coastal kitchens, blending golden spices and aromatic herbs. Vibrant ingredients create an authentic culinary journey that leaves you craving another delicious bite of this regional delicacy.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 5 large chicken thighs, skin-on, bone-in (1.2 kilograms/2.4 pounds)
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon white pepper (or black pepper substitute)
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, tightly packed
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 1/2 tablespoons oyster sauce
Instructions
- Create a vibrant marinade by whisking together minced garlic, fish sauce, oyster sauce, ground white pepper, ground turmeric, and brown sugar in a spacious mixing bowl.
- Thoroughly coat chicken thighs in the aromatic marinade, ensuring each piece is completely covered. Refrigerate for a minimum of 3 hours, ideally overnight for deeper flavor infusion.
- Heat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Position marinated chicken thighs skin-side up on the prepared tray, drizzling any remaining marinade over the top to maximize flavor intensity.
- Roast the chicken for 40 minutes, allowing the spices to penetrate and develop a rich, golden color.
- At the 30-minute mark, carefully baste the chicken with accumulated tray juices to enhance moisture and prevent drying.
- Crank the oven temperature to 390°F (200°C) for a final 10-minute burst, creating a beautifully caramelized and crispy skin.
- Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 3 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and ensure tender meat.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve alongside fragrant jasmine rice, accompanied by crisp cucumber and ripe tomato slices for a complete Southern Thai dining experience.
Notes
- Optimize marinating time for maximum flavor absorption by letting chicken sit in the mixture overnight, allowing the spices to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Ensure even cooking by selecting chicken thighs of similar size and thickness, which helps achieve consistent texture and prevents dry or undercooked sections.
- Reduce fat content by removing chicken skin before marinating, creating a leaner version without compromising the vibrant turmeric and garlic seasoning.
- Accommodate gluten-sensitive diners by selecting gluten-free oyster sauce and fish sauce brands, maintaining the authentic Southern Thai flavor profile while meeting dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 3 hours (minimum)
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 1000mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 130mg