Are you tired of the same old dinners and looking for something exciting and flavorful? Look no further! Today, we're diving into a mouth - watering Asian recipe that not only satisfies your taste buds but also offers a practical solution for meal planning. This delicious spicy chicken dinner is a true gem, making enough for two meals with a total of 8 servings. It's the perfect way to use up your leftover rice and enjoy a scrumptious meal tonight, while also having another one ready to be frozen for later.
Let's start with the ingredients. For this Korean - inspired spicy chicken dish, you'll need boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They are tender and absorb the flavors of the spices beautifully. Cut the chicken into bite - sized pieces, about an inch or so. This size ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and is easy to eat. You'll also need a generous amount of garlic. Garlic is a staple in Asian cuisine, adding a pungent and savory note to the dish. Mince about 5 - 6 cloves of garlic for maximum flavor.
Next up is ginger. Fresh ginger brings a warm, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor to the chicken. Peel and grate about 2 tablespoons of ginger. It's important to use fresh ginger as it has a much more intense and authentic flavor compared to the powdered version. Red pepper flakes are a must - have for that signature spicy kick. Depending on your tolerance for heat, you can adjust the amount. Start with 1 - 2 teaspoons and add more if you like it really spicy.
Another key ingredient is gochujang, a thick, red Korean chili paste. It has a complex flavor profile that combines spiciness, sweetness, and umami. Use about 3 - 4 tablespoons of gochujang to give the chicken its characteristic red color and rich taste. Soy sauce is used to enhance the savory flavors. Pour in about 1/4 cup of soy sauce. You can use regular soy sauce or low - sodium soy sauce depending on your dietary preferences.
To add a touch of sweetness, add 2 - 3 tablespoons of honey. Honey balances out the spiciness and adds a lovely caramelized flavor when the chicken is cooked. Green onions are used for garnish. They add a fresh, crisp element to the dish. Chop a few green onions and set them aside for later.
Now, let's move on to the cooking process. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium - high heat. Add a little bit of oil, such as vegetable or sesame oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces. Cook the chicken until it's browned on all sides. This usually takes about 5 - 7 minutes. Make sure to stir the chicken occasionally to ensure even cooking.
After the chicken is browned, add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet. Sauté them for about a minute until they become fragrant. Then, add the red pepper flakes and gochujang. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly with the spices. The gochujang will start to break down and create a thick, spicy sauce.
Pour in the soy sauce and honey. Stir the mixture thoroughly, making sure that all the chicken pieces are coated with the sauce. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the chicken to absorb the delicious sauce.
Once the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the spicy chicken over a bed of leftover rice. The rice will soak up the flavorful sauce, making every bite a delight. Garnish the dish with the chopped green onions for an extra pop of color and freshness.
Now, here's the great part about this recipe. Since it makes enough for 8 servings, you can enjoy a delicious meal tonight and save the rest for later. Let the remaining chicken cool down to room temperature. Then, divide it into two equal portions and place them in airtight containers. Label the containers with the date and freeze them. When you're ready for your next meal, simply thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
This Asian spicy chicken dinner is not only a delicious and satisfying meal but also a practical solution for busy days. It's a great way to explore international cuisine and make the most of your ingredients. So, why not give this recipe a try and experience the double - delight of a flavorful meal today and a convenient meal for later?