Description
Thai Turmeric Chicken (Gai Yang Khamin) is a flavorful and aromatic oven-baked dish featuring juicy, marinated chicken thighs infused with turmeric, garlic, fish sauce, oyster sauce, and a hint of brown sugar. This classic Thai recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for serving alongside jasmine or coconut rice for a delicious, authentic meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 5 large chicken thighs, skin-on, bone-in (~1.2kg/2.4lb)
Marinade
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced or crushed using garlic press
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 1/2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp white pepper, ground (can substitute black pepper)
- 1 tbsp ground turmeric
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (tightly packed)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: Mix all the marinade ingredients (garlic, fish sauce, oyster sauce, white pepper, ground turmeric, and brown sugar) in a large bowl until well combined. Add the chicken thighs and toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) or 160°C (320°F) if using a fan-forced oven. This moderate temperature will ensure the chicken cooks evenly without drying out.
- Prepare for baking: Line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on the tray skin side up. Scrape any remaining marinade from the bowl and dab it over the chicken pieces to maximize flavor.
- Bake and baste: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes. At the 30-minute and 40-minute marks, baste each chicken thigh with the pan juices to help develop a sticky, golden-brown glaze. Rotate the tray as needed to ensure even cooking and color.
- Caramelize the skin: Increase the oven temperature to 200°C (390°F) or 180°C (356°F) fan-forced. Return the chicken to the oven for a final 10 minutes to caramelize the skin, giving it a deliciously crispy and flavorful finish.
- Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 3 minutes. Serve hot with jasmine or coconut rice alongside plain chunks of tomato and cucumber, embracing a traditional Thai presentation.
Notes
- Marinating overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness of the chicken.
- Use skin-on, bone-in thighs for juicier and more flavorful meat.
- Adjust the sugar quantity if you prefer a sweeter or less sweet glaze.
- If white pepper is unavailable, black pepper is a suitable substitute.
- Serve with fresh vegetables like cucumber and tomato for a refreshing contrast.