Here's the complete recipe for Garlicky Sweet Thai Chili Chicken and Green Beans Stir Fry:
** Servings:** 4-6 people
**Cooking Time:** 30-40 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
* 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1-2 Thai bird's eye chilies, seeded and finely chopped
* 1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
* 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
* 2 cups green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1 cup mixed bell peppers (any color), sliced
* 2 tablespoons fish sauce
* 1 tablespoon soy sauce
* 1 tablespoon honey
* 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
* 1 teaspoon grated ginger
* Salt and black pepper, to taste
* Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
* Thai sweet chili sauce (optional, for serving)
**Alternative ingredients:**
* Substitute chicken with pork, shrimp, tofu, or tempeh for a vegetarian option.
* Use Korean chili flakes (gochugaru) instead of Thai bird's eye chilies for a spicier kick.
* Add 1/4 cup chopped fresh Thai basil for an authentic Thai flavor.
* Replace fish sauce with soy sauce for a vegetarian option.
* Omit the honey and use 1-2 tablespoons brown sugar for a different flavor profile.
* Add 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves for a refreshing twist.
* Use red bell peppers instead of mixed bell peppers for a pop of color.
**Cooking Steps:**
1. **Prepare the marinade:** In a blender or food processor, combine garlic, Thai chilies, curry paste, fish sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and grated ginger. Blend until smooth.
2. **Marinate the chicken:** In a large bowl, combine the blended marinade and chicken pieces. Toss to coat evenly, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3. **Cook the chicken:** Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through, flipping halfway.
4. **Cook the aromatics:** In the same skillet or wok, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the sliced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until softened. Add the chopped Thai chilies and cook for an additional minute.
5. **Add the green beans and bell peppers:** Add the green beans and bell peppers to the skillet or wok. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
6. **Combine the chicken and vegetables:** Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet or wok. Stir to combine with the vegetables and aromatics.
7. **Season and serve:** Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, black pepper, and additional fish sauce if needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve with steamed rice or noodles. For an extra kick, add a few dashes of Thai sweet chili sauce on top.
**Tips and Techniques:**
* **Use high-quality ingredients:** Opt for fresh and fragrant ingredients, especially the Thai chilies and curry paste, to ensure maximum flavor.
* **Don't overcook the chicken:** Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.
* **Adjust the heat level:** If you prefer a milder flavor, use only 1 Thai bird's eye chili or omit the seeds. For a spicier flavor, add more chilies or use Korean chili flakes.
* **Swap out vegetables:** Feel free to substitute green beans with broccoli, bell peppers with mushrooms, or add other vegetables like snap peas or carrots to the stir-fry.
* **Make it ahead:** Prepare the marinade and chicken up to a day in advance, then refrigerate until cooking time. Reheat the chicken and vegetables together before serving.
**Variations:**
* **Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fry:** Add 1/4 cup chopped fresh Thai basil to the stir-fry during the last minute of cooking to infuse the dish with an authentic Thai flavor.
* **Spicy Shrimp Stir-Fry:** Substitute the chicken with 1-2 cups cooked and peeled shrimp, adding 1-2 teaspoons Korean chili flakes for an extra kick.
* **Veggie-Packed Stir-Fry:** Omit the chicken and add 1 cup cooked and cubed tofu, 1 cup mixed mushrooms, and 1 cup snap peas to the stir-fry.
Enjoy your delicious and flavorful Garlicky Sweet Thai Chili Chicken and Green Beans Stir Fry!