Gourmet Guerillas · Southeast Asian-inspired
Spiced Tamarind & Honey Glazed Chicken
A tangy-sweet symphony with a hint of spice
Venture into a world where the tang of tamarind meets the sweetness of honey, with a background chorus of aromatic spices. This chicken dish dances on the palate, a delightful exploration of contrasts and harmony. Perfect for those eager to be bold in their culinary pursuits.
A recipe by Marco · Executive Chef · Cookbookverse Kitchen
Prep
20 min
Cook
40 min
Serves
4
Difficulty
Intermediate
Ingredients
Marinade
- 1/4 cup tamarind paste
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Method
- 1
Prepare the Marinade
In a medium bowl, combine tamarind paste, honey, soy sauce, fish sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir until well blended.
- 2
Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken thighs in a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
- 3
Cook the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade (reserve marinade), pat dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
- 4
Create the Glaze
In the same skillet, pour in the reserved marinade. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until thickened into a glaze, about 3-4 minutes. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, turning to coat well with the glaze.
- 5
Finish and Serve
Transfer the glazed chicken to a serving platter. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top and garnish with cilantro leaves. Serve hot, accompanied by the remaining lime wedges.
Origin story
This dish draws inspiration from the vibrant street food culture of Southeast Asia, where bold flavors are king. Tamarind, a staple in many Southeast Asian cuisines, paired with honey, creates a beautiful balance of sweet and tart, reminiscent of bustling night markets filled with intoxicating aromas.
