Bhutanese Spicy Chile Chicken with Nutty Red Rice
This vibrant and flavorful dish is inspired by the traditional spicy stir-fries that echo through the mountainous regions of Bhutan and the Himalayas. The tender chicken pieces, coated in a light cornstarch crust, are seared to perfection, creating a delicious contrast of textures. They are then stir-fried with an array of aromatic ingredients including fresh ginger, garlic, and a mix of hot red chilies for that perfect kick. Served on a bed of nutty red rice, which is rich in fiber and nutrients, this delightful one-dish meal is not only a feast for the senses but also a healthier option with lower sodium and fat. Perfect for a family dinner or to impress your friends at a gathering, this dish will transport you to the tranquil valleys of Bhutan with every bite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cornstarch
3 tablespoons (none)
Chicken breast
1 lb (cut into 2.5 cm cubes)
Toasted sesame seeds
3 tablespoons (none)
Garlic
2 cloves (minced)
Red onion
1 cup (chopped)
Red chili pepper
1/4 cup (chopped)
Fresh ginger
3 tablespoons (minced)
Soy sauce
2 tablespoons (none)
Tomatoes
2 (sliced into wedges)
Red rice
1 cup (dry)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the whole-grain red rice according to package directions, using unsalted water to maintain the dish's healthiness.
2
While the rice cooks, prepare the chicken by cutting it into 2.5 cm (1 inch) cubes. Toss the chicken pieces in cornstarch, ensuring they are evenly coated. You can add extra cornstarch if necessary.
3
In a large non-stick wok or skillet, heat canola or vegetable oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken and cook until all sides are golden brown and slightly crispy. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
4
In the same pan, add sesame oil along with the chopped red onions, minced garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes until the onions are translucent and aromatic.
5
Next, add the chopped red hot chilies and tomato wedges, stir-frying for another 2 minutes until the tomatoes soften slightly.
6
Return the cooked chicken to the pan, mixing everything thoroughly and ensuring the chicken is heated through. Drizzle in soy sauce to season, stirring well to combine all the flavors.
7
Serve the spicy Bhutanese chicken over the bed of cooked red rice on a warmed serving platter. Enjoy your meal!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bhutanese Spicy Chile Chicken?
It is a vibrant stir-fry inspired by Himalayan cuisine, featuring cornstarch-coated chicken, aromatics, and red chilies served over nutty red rice.
What kind of rice is used in this recipe?
This recipe specifically uses whole-grain red rice, which is prized for its nutty flavor and high fiber content.
Is this dish very spicy?
Yes, it features 1/4 cup of chopped red hot chilies, providing a significant kick characteristic of Bhutanese flavors.
How should the chicken be prepared?
The chicken breast should be cut into 2.5 cm (1 inch) cubes and tossed in cornstarch until evenly coated before frying.
Why is cornstarch used on the chicken?
Cornstarch creates a light crust that becomes golden and slightly crispy when seared, providing a delicious texture contrast.
What aromatics are used in the stir-fry?
The dish uses a blend of minced garlic, chopped red onions, and a generous 3 tablespoons of fresh minced ginger.
Are there any vegetables in this chicken dish?
Yes, the recipe includes red onions and two tomatoes sliced into wedges which soften during the stir-fry process.
What type of oil is best for frying the chicken?
A neutral oil with a high smoke point like canola or vegetable oil is recommended for searing the chicken.
What role does sesame oil play in this recipe?
Sesame oil is added when stir-frying the aromatics to provide a deep, toasted flavor to the base of the dish.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is high in fiber due to the red rice and uses lean chicken breast, with instructions suggesting unsalted water for boiling to keep sodium low.
Can I use a skillet instead of a wok?
Absolutely, a large non-stick skillet works perfectly fine if you do not have a traditional wok.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken is ready when all sides are golden brown and crispy, and it is heated through after being returned to the pan.
What seasoning provides the saltiness in this dish?
Two tablespoons of soy sauce are drizzled in at the end to season the chicken and vegetables.
How many ingredients are required in total?
This recipe requires 10 main ingredients, including the pantry staples like cornstarch and oil.
Can I substitute the red rice?
While red rice is traditional for this Bhutanese-inspired dish, you could use brown rice as a substitute for a similar nutty profile.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 cloves of garlic, minced.
How much ginger should I prepare?
You will need 3 tablespoons of fresh minced ginger, which provides a bright, zingy flavor.
Is there a specific way to cut the tomatoes?
Yes, the recipe specifies slicing the two tomatoes into wedges.
When do I add the toasted sesame seeds?
The sesame seeds are listed as an ingredient and are typically used as a garnish or mixed in at the final stage for texture.
What is the recommended serving style?
The spicy chicken should be served over a bed of the cooked red rice on a warmed serving platter.
How long should I stir-fry the onions?
Stir-fry the red onions for about 2 minutes until they become translucent and aromatic.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used and will result in a juicier texture, though breasts are specified for a leaner option.
How much red chili pepper is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of chopped red chili peppers.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is categorized as a complete one-dish meal containing protein, grains, and vegetables.
Is the rice cooked in the same pan as the chicken?
No, the rice should be cooked separately according to package directions before being combined with the chicken for serving.
What gives the rice its 'nutty' description?
Red rice naturally has a firmer texture and an earthy, nutty flavor compared to white or jasmine rice.
How much cornstarch do I need?
You will need 3 tablespoons of cornstarch to properly coat the pound of chicken.
What should I do if the tomatoes are too watery?
The recipe suggests stir-frying them for 2 minutes to soften them, which will also help evaporate excess moisture.
Can I make this dish less spicy?
To reduce the heat, you can remove the seeds from the red chilies or use a smaller quantity than the suggested 1/4 cup.
What cuisine does this dish represent?
It represents Bhutanese and Himalayan cuisine, known for its bold use of chilies and whole grains.