If you love chicken and crave a burst of flavors, you're in for a treat! Asian chicken recipes bring together sweet, savory, and spicy notes that can make your taste buds dance. From the sticky goodness of Teriyaki Chicken to the bold, aromatic Thai Basil Chicken and the crispy kick of General Tso's, there's something for everyone. Are you ready to discover which one will become your new favorite? Stick around, because these recipes are worth it!
Teriyaki Chicken
Teriyaki Chicken is a deliciously sweet and savory dish that hails from Japan, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal to serve guests. The chicken is marinated in a flavorful teriyaki sauce, then grilled or sautéed to create a caramelized exterior. Serve it over steamed rice or with stir-fried vegetables for an authentic Asian experience that the whole family will love.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil to make the teriyaki marinade.
Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they're well-coated. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
Preheat your grill or a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the chicken and boil the remaining marinade in a small saucepan, then mix in cornstarch to thicken before drizzling over the chicken.
Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Extra Tips:
For the best flavor, allow the chicken to marinate longer, and consider using chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result.
If you're short on time, a store-bought teriyaki sauce can be a convenient substitute.
Always keep an eye on the chicken while cooking to prevent burning, especially if using a grill.
Pair your teriyaki chicken with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal, and feel free to adjust the sweetness of the sauce by varying the amount of brown sugar to suit your taste.
Thai Basil Chicken
Thai Basil Chicken, or Pad Krapow Gai, is a fragrant and flavorful dish that captures the essence of Thai cuisine.
With its combination of tender chicken, fresh basil, and a savory sauce, it's a quick and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights. This dish is often served over jasmine rice and topped with a fried egg for an authentic experience, making it a favorite among both locals and food enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 Thai bird chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
- Cooked jasmine rice (for serving)
- Fried eggs (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Add the minced garlic and chopped chilies, sautéing until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it apart, until it's no longer pink.
Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar, mixing well to combine.
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the chicken is well coated in the sauce.
Finally, remove from heat and toss in the fresh Thai basil leaves, allowing them to wilt slightly.
Extra Tips:
For the best flavor, use fresh Thai basil, as it has a unique taste that can't be replicated with regular basil.
If you can't find Thai bird chilies, you can substitute with red pepper flakes or jalapeños, but adjust the amount according to your heat preference.
This dish is highly customizable; feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra nutrition and texture.
Serving it with a fried egg on top not only improves the dish but also adds a rich creaminess that complements the bold flavors of the chicken.
General Tso's Chicken
General Tso's Chicken is a beloved Asian dish that combines tender, battered chicken with a sweet and spicy sauce, creating a delightful balance of flavors. This dish is often served with steamed rice and is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With its crispy chicken and flavorful sauce, General Tso's Chicken is certain to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Cooked rice (for serving)
To prepare General Tso's Chicken, start by coating the chicken pieces in a mixture of cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Dip the coated chicken into the beaten egg to guarantee a crispy texture when fried.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in batches, frying until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per batch. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
In the same skillet, add garlic and ginger, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and red chili flakes, cooking until the sauce thickens slightly.
Return the chicken to the pan, tossing to coat in the sauce. Serve hot over cooked rice, garnished with sliced green onions.
When making General Tso's Chicken, be careful not to overcrowd the pan while frying the chicken; this will help achieve that perfect crispiness.
If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to increase the amount of red chili flakes or add sliced fresh chilies to the sauce. For a healthier alternative, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it or use an air fryer for a lower-fat option while still maintaining crunchiness.
Enjoy your homemade General Tso's Chicken!
Chicken Adobo
Chicken Adobo is a popular Filipino dish known for its savory and tangy flavors. It's traditionally made by marinating chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and spices, then simmering it until tender and infused with flavor.
This one-pot meal isn't only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or special family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken (bone-in pieces, thighs or drumsticks work well)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup vinegar (white or cane vinegar)
- 1 onion, sliced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup water
- Chopped green onions (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the chicken, soy sauce, garlic, and black peppercorns. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the cooking oil over medium heat and sauté the onion until translucent. Add the marinated chicken and cook until lightly browned.
Pour in the vinegar, don't stir, and let it simmer for a couple of minutes to cook off the raw vinegar taste. Add the water, bay leaves, and sugar, if using.
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes or until the chicken is tender. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions.
Extra Tips
For a richer flavor, you can add coconut milk or hard-boiled eggs during the simmering process.
Feel free to adjust the vinegar and soy sauce ratio to suit your taste preference, as some like it tangier while others prefer a saltier profile.
Additionally, Chicken Adobo can be made ahead of time and tastes even better the next day, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Enjoy it served over steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce!
Korean BBQ Chicken
Korean BBQ Chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that brings the vibrant tastes of Korean cuisine right to your kitchen. The combination of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy ingredients makes this chicken a perfect option for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.
Marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger, the chicken is grilled to perfection, resulting in tender, juicy meat with a beautiful char. Serve it with steamed rice, pickled vegetables, or wrapped in lettuce leaves for an authentic Korean experience.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on or boneless, skinless)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) or to taste
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and gochugaru to create the marinade.
Add the chicken thighs to the bowl, ensuring they're well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and place it on the grill.
Cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken has a nice char.
Once cooked, remove from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Extra Tips:
For the best results, marinate the chicken overnight, as this allows the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat.
If you don't have a grill, you can also cook the chicken in a broiler or on a stovetop grill pan.
Adjust the level of gochugaru according to your heat preference; you can also add a splash of rice vinegar for extra tanginess.
Serve your Korean BBQ Chicken with a side of kimchi or a simple salad for a complete meal. Enjoy the rich, bold flavors and the satisfaction of cooking a classic Korean dish!