Tamarind Glazed Chicken

Tamarind Glazed Chicken is a quick, flavorful dish that brings a taste of Southeast Asia to your table. The tamarind glaze—a perfect balance of sour, sweet, and savory—coats juicy chicken thighs in a glossy, caramelized sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1½ lbs (680g) chicken thighs and chicken legs
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

For the Tamarind Glaze:

• ¼ cup (60ml) tamarind paste (or 2 tbsp tamarind concentrate + 2 tbsp water)
• ¼ cup (60ml) soy sauce
• ¼ cup (85g) honey or brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• ½ cup (120ml) water
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker sauce)

For Garnish:

• Sesame seeds
• Green onions, sliced

For Serving:

• Steamed rice

Instructions

1. Season and Sear the Chicken: Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

2. Make the Tamarind Glaze: In the same skillet, combine tamarind paste, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and water. Bring to a simmer, scraping up browned bits.

Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until slightly thickened. For a thicker sauce, whisk in cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water.

3. Glaze the Chicken: Return chicken to the skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, turning to coat in the glaze, until heated through and glossy.

4. Serve: Transfer to a plate. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve with steamed rice.

This Tamarind Glazed Chicken is sweet, tangy, and savory—a quick and delicious dinner.