Thai Chicken (Spicy!)

Prep: 15 min Cook: 60 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Thai

A spicy Thai-inspired chicken dish featuring bold flavors from sauces and a tender, slow-cooked texture, perfect for those who enjoy flavorful, hearty meals.

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Ingredients

  • 3 lb. chicken, cut in serving pieces
  • salt and pepper
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 Tbsp. ketchup
  • 1 Tbsp. soy sauce
  • 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 Tbsp. Tabasco sauce
  • 1 Tbsp. sugar
  • 1 cup water

Instructions

  1. Rub the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
  2. Saute the chicken in a frypan with a little oil until browned.
  3. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  4. Saute the chopped onion in the same oil until translucent.
  5. Add ketchup, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, sugar, and water to the pan and mix well.
  6. Return the chicken to the pan and baste with the sauce.
  7. Cover the pan and cook over low heat for about one hour or until the chicken is tender.
  8. Check occasionally and add water if needed.

Tips & Substitutions

For an extra kick, consider using fresh chili peppers in addition to the Tabasco sauce. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of Tabasco or substitute it with a milder hot sauce. You can also use boneless chicken thighs for a juicier result. Always taste the sauce before adding the chicken back to ensure it's to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this spicy Thai Chicken with steamed jasmine rice or Thai sticky rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. It pairs beautifully with a fresh cucumber salad or a side of sautéed vegetables. For a complete meal, consider offering it alongside Ntozake Chicken or browse more chicken recipes for additional ideas.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain moisture. Alternatively, you can microwave in a covered dish for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Thai Chicken (Spicy!) contains roughly 348 calories, with 9g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (139% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (54% of the Daily Value), and potassium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2192mg per serving (95% of the Daily Value).

348 kcal 17% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8.9g 18% DV
Total Fat 1.9g 2% DV
Carbs 84g 31% DV
Fiber 15.2g 54% DV
Sugar 1.5g 3% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2192.3mg 95% DV
Potassium 950.4mg 20% DV
Cholesterol 3.8mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 21.8mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 125.3mg 100% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 92.9mg 7% DV
Iron 2.6mg 15% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Soy

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce a day ahead. Simply follow the recipe until the chicken is tender, then let it cool before storing in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove before serving to maintain the best texture.

What can I substitute for chicken if I want a vegetarian option?

You can substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh. Cut them into pieces and sauté until browned, then follow the rest of the recipe as directed. The sauce will complement the tofu or tempeh nicely, providing a flavorful vegetarian dish.

How spicy is this dish and can I adjust the heat level?

This dish can be quite spicy due to the Tabasco sauce. If you're sensitive to heat, start with a smaller amount and taste as you go. You can also balance the heat by adding more sugar or serving with a cooling side like yogurt or cucumber salad.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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