Forget dry, flavorless chicken! This recipe for Steamed Country Chicken with Herbs delivers succulent, juicy poultry bursting with fresh, aromatic flavors. We're ditching the oven and embracing the gentle power of steaming, a method that locks in moisture and intensifies the natural taste of the chicken. Imagine tender, fall-off-the-bone meat infused with the fragrant notes of herbs like cilantro, parsley, and ginger, creating a truly unforgettable culinary experience. This healthy and delicious dish is surprisingly easy to prepare, perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion.
The subtle blend of herbs complements the rich, savory chicken perfectly, and the simple steaming process keeps things manageable. Prepare yourself for a delightful taste sensation that will quickly become a family favorite. Ready to transform your chicken game? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions that will guide you to creating this unbelievably moist and flavorful dish.
Tools Needed
- charcoal stove
- tray (optional)
- mortar and pestle
Ingredients
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Marinades and Dipping Sauce
- Blend dried chilies, garlic, coriander, fresh chilies, lemongrass, and salt until a paste forms.
- Blend red chilies, coriander roots, garlic, and salt. Add palm sugar, granulated sugar, lime juice, and fish sauce. Adjust consistency with water.
Step 2. Marinate and Prepare the Chicken
- Combine shallots, kaffir lime leaves, and Thai herbs. Roughly pound.
- Make incisions on the chicken and apply the marinade. Marinate for at least 2 hours.
Step 3. Steam the Chicken
- Line the steamer with lemongrass leaves. Place the marinated chicken on top. Steam for approximately 1 hour, or until tender.
Step 4. Serve the Dish
- Garnish with kaffir lime leaves. Serve the steamed chicken with the dipping sauce.
Read more: Fresh Thai Steamed Fish: A Simple, Flavorful Recipe
Tips
- Use country chickens for best results. Other types of chicken can be used, but the cooking time might need adjustments.
- Adjust the amount of chilies and other ingredients to your preference for spiciness and flavor.
- The dipping sauce is the star of this dish! Make extra for dipping other dishes.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use other herbs besides those listed in the recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil. Just be mindful of strong flavors that might overpower the chicken.
2. What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?
A whole country-style chicken works best, as it provides more surface area for the herbs and steam to penetrate. However, you can also adapt the recipe for chicken pieces.
This Steamed Country Chicken with Herbal Dipping Sauce recipe is a testament to the power of simple cooking techniques and fresh ingredients. The result is a healthy, flavorful, and incredibly moist chicken dish that's sure to impress. Enjoy the delightful aroma and exquisite taste of this easy-to-make recipe!