Spicy Garlic Chicken

I like Thai food.  This dish is a perfect blend of heat and flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.  The succulent chicken is marinated and then cooked to perfection in a spicy garlic sauce, resulting in a dish that's both tender and bursting with flavor. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just looking for a tasty weeknight meal, this Spicy Garlic Chicken will surely impress. You can double or triple this recipe as you like.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1/2 lb. chicken breast, cut into thin strips

For the Marinade:

• 2 tsp soy sauce
• 2 tsp cooking wine
• 2 tsp cornstarch

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp fish sauce
• 1 tsp chili sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp chicken powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For Thickening:

• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp water

Other Ingredients:

• 2 garlic cloves, minced (about 1 tbsp)
• 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
• 2 tbsp oil (for stir-frying)

To Be Served with:

• Steamed rice

Directions:

1.    Marinating the Chicken:

·         Combine the chicken strips with soy sauce, cooking wine, and cornstarch in a bowl.  Mix well and let it marinate for 1 hour.

2.    Preparing the Sauce:

·         In a small bowl, mix the chicken broth, soy sauce, fish sauce, chili sauce, sugar, chicken powder, and black pepper. Set aside.

3.    Cooking the Dish:

·         Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan or wok over medium heat.

·         Add minced garlic and chopped cilantro, stir-frying until fragrant (about 30 seconds).

·         Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until the chicken turns opaque.

4.    Simmering with Sauce:

·         Pour in the prepared sauce and bring it to a boil.  Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes or until the sauce thickens slightly.

5.    Thickening the Sauce (Optional):

·         Mix one teaspoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water to create a slurry.  Add it to the pan, stirring until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

6.    Serving:

·         Serve the Spicy Garlic Chicken over steamed rice, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.

Enjoy this flavorful, Thai-inspired dish!

Tips:

You can add the seasoning to your family's liking.  Add fresh Thai chili to make this dish as much heat as you want.