Is fried chicken healthy?

Fried chicken can be enjoyed in moderation, but is not generally considered healthy. It's high in calories, fats, and cholesterol, which may contribute to increased risk of heart disease and inflammation if consumed frequently.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes, you can bake the chicken instead of frying for a healthier alternative. For crispiness, lightly coat with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Since the recipe includes crispy flour and rosdee seasoning powder, which are not gluten-free, the dish isn't suitable for a gluten-free diet.

Can I make this in advance?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken in advance and refrigerate it, then fry it when you're ready.

What is the best cut for fried chicken?

The best cut for fried chicken is the thigh because of its rich flavor and juiciness. Thighs stay moist during frying, making them ideal. Drumsticks and wings are also popular for their perfect balance of skin, meat, and bone.

Easy Thai Fried Chicken Recipe

Name: Easy Thai Fried Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 150 g crispy flour ((e.g. tempura flour) + extra for coating chicken before frying); 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon white pepper; 2.5 tablespoons chili sauce; 0.5 tablespoons rosdee seasoning powder (see notes); 1 egg; 200 ml water; 1 lime; 500 g chicken (see notes)

Jump to Recipe

This Thai fried chicken recipe features an irresistibly crispy crust with tender chicken inside. With an easy marinade, you can bring authentic Thai flavors right into your home, much tastier than takeout!

Thai fried chicken tenders with dipping sauce.

Did you know that crispy Thai chicken is very popular in Thailand? We LOVE chicken wings, like kai tod, and in the South of Thailand, we even have our own version called hat yai fried chicken.

We often pair it with a spicy Thai salad like som tum Thai and Thai sticky rice. But you can combine this Thai-style fried chicken recipe with anything, even French fries for the kids. Don’t forget a dip like Thai sweet chili sauce (nam chim kai) or check out my collection of Thai dipping sauces to find your favorite.

I’d love to tell you how this recipe came to life and why it’s so delicious! If you’d rather jump straight to the instructions, feel free to do so!

Thai fried chicken recipe

Recently, I went on a trip to the city with my husband, my cousin, and my niece. We were all craving crispy Thai chicken, so we decided to hit up a fast food joint. Unfortunately, it wasn’t what we expected.

For many Thai people, fast food is still considered a luxury, since it costs more than the local Thai cuisine available at the many street food stalls.

Thus, my cousin and niece were really disappointed, especially with the small portion of fries and the chicken that was anything but crispy.

But we didn’t let that get us down. The next day, we decided to make the best homemade crispy chicken right in our own kitchen!

I had promised my family the best Thai chicken tenders ever, and I was determined to deliver. So the next day, I picked up my niece and nephew, and they were so excited to start.

Together, we mixed up the spices and marinated the chicken fillets. It was great seeing them so involved and happy!

I’ll always cherish the look on my nephew’s face as he munched on the crispy chicken and fries. With his mouth full, he managed to mumble, “You should open a Thai restaurant!”

The best Thai crispy chicken

What sets this Thai crispy fried chicken apart from others? The thin, crispy crust and tender chicken that’s been marinated just right. The secret to that crispiness is a special batter mix made with a crispy flour like tempura flour.

Ever since I shared this recipe, it’s been a big hit. My little nephew can’t get enough of it – he’s asked me to make it at least 20 times!

Thai crispy chicken served with dipping sauces and lime.

You’re going to love how quick and easy this recipe is; it uses mostly simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.

It’s a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for both kids and adults. Great for a quick appetizer or a tasty snack throughout the day.

And if you want to prep ahead for your next party, no problem! Just marinate and fry when you’re ready.

Ingredients

Ingredients can be sourced at Asian grocery stores and Asian markets.
The exact measurements are in the recipe card at the end of this post.

Chicken – Use chicken breasts cut into fillets for chicken tenders, or slice them into smaller pieces for chicken nuggets. If you prefer, chicken drumsticks, chicken thighs, or wings are also great options. Bone-in meat provides extra tenderness, and the skin adds more flavor when fried.
Crispy flour – Crispy flour, like tempura flour, is a pre-mixed blend of flour, starch, and seasonings designed to give foods a light, crunchy texture when fried.
Rosdee seasoning powder – This popular Thai seasoning mix combines salt, MSG, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and other spices. You can source it at Amazon or Asian supermarkets.
Chili sauce – Chili sauce, like sriracha, add a spicy kick to the fried chicken. You can use any store-bought sauce or make your own Thai hot sauce with my recipe.
Egg – Egg helps the crispy flour adhere to the chicken.
Water – Water is used to adjust the consistency of the batter.
Lime – Fresh lime juice brightens the flavors and adds a tangy note.
White pepper
Salt
Oil – The best oil for deep-frying chicken is a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as canola, peanut, or vegetable oil.

How to fry Thai chicken

Top-down view of batter mix in glass bowl being whisked.

Step 1: Mix the chicken marinade by stirring together flour, salt, white pepper, chili sauce, rosdee seasoning powder, and egg in a mixing bowl. Add water and lime juice, then mix again until smooth.

Step 2: Put the chicken in the batter mix, coating each piece well. Marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or overnight for more flavor. Take the chicken out of the fridge 20 minutes before frying to help it cook evenly.

Step 3: Have your bowl of crispy flour ready. Before frying, roll the chicken in the crispy flour for an even layer.

Close-up of deep-frying chicken in a pan filled with oil.

Step 4: Heat oil in a frying pan to 350°F to 375°F (175°C to 190°C). Fry the coated right away, making sure not to crowd the pan. Flip the chicken until it’s golden brown and crispy. Serve your Thai crispy chicken hot!

Kitchen tools

Large mixing bowls (2)
Whisk for making the batter
Large wok or deep-fryer
Tongs for flipping chicken

Serving suggestions

Thai-style fried chicken is typically paired with spicy Thai food like som tam pla ra, nam tok moo, and pork larb. You can serve it with a portion of jasmine rice or Thai sticky rice for a filling meal. Don’t forget a dipping sauce!

Dipping sauces

You can pair this Thai fried chicken with just about any sauce. Here are some of my favorites:

Storing and reheating

Storing: Let your leftover chicken cool to room temperature before putting it in an airtight container. It can stay in the fridge for up to 3 days.

How to reheat fried chicken:

Warm it up in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until it’s hot all the way through.
Use an air fryer set to 375°F (190°C) for a quick reheat.
Or, reheat it in a skillet or frying pan over medium heat with a bit of oil.

Tip: Use up your leftovers in this crispy chicken larb recipe for a delicious next meal.

Recipe note

This fried Thai chicken recipe is just a fun way for me to get creative in the kitchen. It’s not meant to be a traditional dish.

It’s similar to the kind of snacks you might find at a street food market in Bangkok, made with simple seasonings and flavors that are enjoyable for everyone.

Frequently asked questions

Is fried chicken healthy?

Fried chicken can be enjoyed in moderation, but is not generally considered healthy. It’s high in calories, fats, and cholesterol, which may contribute to increased risk of heart disease and inflammation if consumed frequently.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes, you can bake the chicken instead of frying for a healthier alternative. For crispiness, lightly coat with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Is this recipe gluten-free?

Since the recipe includes crispy flour and rosdee seasoning powder, which are not gluten-free, the dish isn’t suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Can I make this in advance?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken in advance and refrigerate it, then fry it when you’re ready.
What is the best cut for fried chicken?

The best cut for fried chicken is the thigh because of its rich flavor and juiciness. Thighs stay moist during frying, making them ideal. Drumsticks and wings are also popular for their perfect balance of skin, meat, and bone.

Easy Thai chicken recipes

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