Southeast Asian Chicken, Two Ways

Directions

1. 1
   Place chicken in a large bowl with soy sauce, 1 tablespoon each of garlic and ginger and 1 teaspoon chili flakes.
2. 2
   Toss well to coat.
3. 3
   Chicken may be covered and refrigerated for up to a day.
4. 4
   Put oil in a large, deep nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
5. 5
   Remove chicken from marinade, and add, skin-side down, to hot oil.
6. 6
   Brown well on both sides, then lower heat, and cook until chicken is cooked through, about 25 minutes.
7. 7
   At this point, chicken can be served with lime wedges and cilantro, if you wish.
8. 8
   For Vietnamese-style chicken, remove chicken from pan, then turn heat to low, and add sugar, another tablespoon each of garlic and ginger and another teaspoon of chili, along with 2 tablespoons water.
9. 9
   Raise heat to high and cook, stirring occasionally, until sugar melts and sauce thickens and foams.
10. 10
    Add nam pla and any juices accumulated around the reserved chicken, and cook a minute more, then return chicken to pan, and cook, turning pieces until they are nicely glazed and chicken is hot.
11. 11
    Remove from skillet, spoon sauce on top, garnish with lime and cilantro, if you wish, and serve.