Thai Street Food Chicken

Known for its bold flavors and exotic ingredients, Thai street food is a culinary experience like no other. One of the beloved dishes that you can find on bustling streets across Thailand is the aromatic and flavorful Thai Street Food Chicken. This dish combines the tangy notes of lemongrass, the spiciness of chili, and the creaminess of coconut milk to create a mouthwatering chicken dish that will transport you to the lively streets of Bangkok.

**Thai Street Food Chicken**

**Ingredients:**
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 shallot, finely chopped
– 1 red chili, thinly sliced
– 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised and finely chopped
– 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 1 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tbsp fish sauce
– 1 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
– Handful of fresh Thai basil leaves
– Cooking oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lime wedges and cooked jasmine rice for serving

**Instructions:**
1. In a large pan or wok, heat a tablespoon of cooking oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic, shallot, red chili, lemongrass, and grated ginger. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Push the aromatics to one side of the pan and add the sliced chicken strips. Season the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir-fry the chicken until it is lightly browned on all sides, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Pour in the coconut milk, soy sauce, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for another 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
4. Add the sliced red bell pepper to the pan and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the pepper is tender-crisp.
5. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed with more soy sauce, fish sauce, or sugar according to your preference.
6. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the fresh Thai basil leaves. The heat of the dish will wilt the basil leaves and release their aromatic flavor.
7. Serve the Thai Street Food Chicken hot over a bed of steamed jasmine rice. Garnish with extra Thai basil leaves and serve with lime wedges on the side for a fresh burst of citrus flavor.

Thai Street Food Chicken is a delightful dish that captures the essence of Thai cuisine with its bold flavors and vibrant colors. This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends, as it is sure to impress your guests with its exotic taste and impressive presentation. So, take a culinary trip to the streets of Thailand from the comfort of your own home and savor the rich flavors of this delicious dish. Enjoy!