This Thai-Style Chicken Chili is a delightful fusion of bold flavors and vibrant spices that brings the taste of Thailand straight to your kitchen. Combining the sweetness of coconut milk, the tang of lime juice, and the heat from red chili peppers, this dish creates a perfect balance of flavors. Ground chicken is simmered with garlic, ginger, and a mix of fresh vegetables like bell peppers and onions, then finished off with fresh herbs like cilantro and Thai basil for an aromatic kick. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal prep option to enjoy throughout the week, served over rice or noodles to soak up all the delicious sauce.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2-3 red chili peppers, sliced (adjust to desired heat level)
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup Thai basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Start by prepping all your ingredients. Mince the garlic and ginger, chop the onion and bell peppers, and slice the chili peppers.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and cook until it is no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Then, add the chopped onion and bell peppers. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Incorporate Flavors: Stir in the sliced chili peppers and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Add the Thai red curry paste and mix well to coat the chicken and vegetables.
- Create the Sauce: Pour in the coconut milk, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice. Stir everything together, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Once the sauce has thickened slightly, add the chopped cilantro and Thai basil leaves. Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Serve the Thai-Style Chicken Chili hot over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with extra cilantro or Thai basil if desired.
Enjoy this flavorful and aromatic dish that brings a taste of Thailand to your table!
