Authentic Thai Fried Chicken Recipe (Gai Tod – ไก่ทอด)

🥗 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• ✅ Crispy outside, juicy inside – perfectly fried every time.

• ✅ Authentic Thai flavor – marinated with fish sauce, garlic, coriander, and white pepper.

• ✅ Street food favorite – tastes just like the stalls in Bangkok.

• ✅ Perfect for gatherings – a crowd-pleasing dish for family and friends.

🧂 Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 kg chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or wings)

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp coriander root, chopped (or 1 tsp ground coriander)

• 1 tsp white pepper

• 2 tsp salt

• 2 tbsp fish sauce

• 1 tsp sugar

For Frying:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• ½ cup rice flour (for extra crispiness)

• Vegetable oil for deep frying

Optional Dipping Sauce:

• Sweet chili sauce or Nam Jim Jaew (Thai spicy-sour dipping sauce)

🍳 How to Make Thai Fried Chicken (Gai Tod)

1. Marinate the chicken:
   In a bowl, combine garlic, coriander, white pepper, salt, fish sauce, and sugar. Rub the mixture onto the chicken pieces and marinate at least 1 hour (overnight for best flavor).

2. Prepare the coating:
   Mix all-purpose flour and rice flour in a shallow dish. Lightly dredge the marinated chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.

3. Heat the oil:
   In a deep frying pan or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot (around 180°C / 350°F).

4. Fry the chicken:
   Carefully add chicken pieces to the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry 8–10 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.

5. Drain and rest:
   Remove chicken from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Let rest for 2–3 minutes before serving.

6. Serve:
   Serve hot with sticky rice, papaya salad, and your favorite Thai dipping sauce.

🌶️ Tips for Perfect Thai Fried Chicken

• Double-fry for extra crunch: fry once at medium heat to cook through, then a second time at high heat to crisp the skin.

• Use rice flour to achieve that signature Thai crunch.

• Marinate overnight for deeper flavor and tender meat.

• Serve immediately — fried chicken is crispiest right out of the oil.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Pair with sticky rice (Khao Niao)

• Serve with Som Tam (papaya salad) for a classic Thai meal

• Add a spicy-sour dipping sauce for authentic street food flavor