Crispy Thai Fried Chicken – Bangkok Street Style Recipe
Crispy Thai Fried Chicken, known for its golden crust and juicy meat, has become one of Bangkok’s most beloved street food dishes. Many people who try to recreate this at home often find that their fried chicken lacks that signature crunch or aroma found in Bangkok’s bustling street stalls. This guide solves that problem with an authentic street-style recipe that ensures a crispy exterior, flavorful marinade, and tender chicken inside. By following the steps below, you’ll learn the traditional Thai techniques that make this dish stand out — from the unique marinade blend to the double-frying method used by Bangkok vendors.
Why Thai Fried Chicken is a Bangkok Street Food Favorite
What makes Thai Fried Chicken different from Western-style fried chicken lies in its bold seasoning and aromatic herbs. Vendors in Bangkok’s famous markets marinate the chicken in a mixture of Thai spices, rice flour, and garlic, giving it a deep, umami flavor. You’ll often find it served with sticky rice, spicy chili sauce, and crispy fried shallots — a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether sold from a roadside cart or enjoyed in a local eatery, this dish captures the soul of Thai street food culture. If you’re craving something crispy, spicy, and perfectly seasoned, Thai Fried Chicken delivers every time.
Authentic Thai Fried Chicken Recipe (Bangkok Street Style)
This traditional Bangkok-style fried chicken recipe gives you that same street-side crunch and flavor at home. It’s simple, delicious, and uses ingredients you can easily find at any Asian grocery store.
Ingredients (Serves 3–4)
- Chicken drumsticks or thighs – 800g
- Garlic – 6 cloves
- Coriander root – 3 roots
- White peppercorns – 1 tsp
- Fish sauce – 3 tbsp
- Soy sauce – 2 tbsp
- Sugar – 1 tbsp
- Rice flour – 1 cup
- Cornstarch – ½ cup
- Cold water – ½ cup
- Oil for deep frying – about 1 liter
- Fried shallots – for garnish
Marinating the Chicken
- In a mortar and pestle, pound garlic, coriander roots, and white pepper until fine.
- Mix the paste with fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar.
- Add chicken and mix thoroughly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (overnight for best flavor).
Preparing the Crispy Batter
- In a large bowl, combine rice flour and cornstarch.
- Add cold water gradually to form a smooth batter — not too thick, not too runny.
- Dip each marinated chicken piece into the batter, coating evenly.
Frying the Chicken to Perfection
- Heat oil in a deep pan to about 170°C (340°F).
- Fry chicken in small batches until golden brown — about 8–10 minutes each side.
- Remove and rest for 5 minutes, then refry briefly for 1–2 minutes for extra crispiness.
- Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with fried shallots before serving.
Serving Suggestions for Thai Fried Chicken
Bangkok-style fried chicken is best enjoyed with sticky rice, papaya salad, or sweet chili dipping sauce. The crispy texture pairs wonderfully with the tangy and spicy notes of Thai condiments. For a more authentic experience, serve it with:
- Som Tum (Papaya Salad)
- Nam Jim Jaew (Isaan Dipping Sauce)
- Glutinous sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves
- Crispy fried shallots on top for extra aroma
Tips for Perfect Crispy Thai Fried Chicken at Home
To achieve that Bangkok street food crispiness, always fry the chicken twice. The first fry cooks the meat through, while the second adds the crunch. Using rice flour instead of regular wheat flour gives a lighter, crispier texture. Also, let the chicken rest before the second fry — this helps retain moisture inside. For an authentic touch, you can buy Thai spices and sauces from trusted online Asian markets (Thai cooking ingredients) to elevate your recipe’s flavor even more.
Variations of Thai Fried Chicken You Can Try
Once you master this Bangkok-style recipe, experiment with these delicious variations popular across Thailand:
- Southern Thai Fried Chicken (Hat Yai style) – with turmeric and fried shallots.
- Spicy Lemongrass Chicken – infused with lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves.
- Thai Basil Fried Chicken – topped with crispy basil leaves for extra aroma.
- Garlic and Pepper Chicken – simple but packed with bold Thai flavors.
- Fried Chicken Wings with Chili Sauce – perfect for parties or appetizers.
Conclusion: Bringing Bangkok Street Food to Your Kitchen
Crispy Thai Fried Chicken is more than just a meal — it’s an experience of Thai street culture. The secret lies in the flavorful marinade, rice flour coating, and double-fry technique that ensures every bite is crunchy and juicy. Whether you serve it with sticky rice or fresh papaya salad, this Bangkok street-style recipe brings the flavors of Thailand right to your home. Try it once, and you’ll understand why this dish is a true favorite among both locals and travelers.