thai basil chicken recipe

thai basil chicken recipe

The Best thai basil chicken recipe

I’m so excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite recipes – Thai Basil Chicken. This dish is a staple in our household, and I’m sure it will become a favorite in yours too. The origin of this recipe is from Thailand, where it’s known as ‘pad kra pao.’

It’s a simple yet flavorful stir-fry made with chicken, basil, chilies, and a variety of spices. The combination of flavors and textures in this dish is truly magical. When cooked correctly, the chicken is juicy and tender, the basil is fragrant and slightly bitter, and the chilies add just the right amount of heat.

My kids love helping me cook this recipe, as it’s easy to customize to their taste. They can add more or less chili peppers to suit their spice level, and I love watching them learn about different flavors and cuisines. As for me, I appreciate how versatile this recipe is – it can be served as a quick weeknight dinner or as a special occasion meal for guests.

Plus, it’s surprisingly healthy given its flavor profile – we’re talking lean protein from the chicken, antioxidants from the basil, and anti-inflammatory properties from the chilies. One thing that sets this recipe apart from other stir-fries is the use of Thai red chilies. These little peppers pack a punch when it comes to flavor and heat.

If you’re not used to eating spicy food, don’t worry – you can always adjust the level of heat to your liking by adding more or less chilies. On the other hand, if you’re a spice enthusiast like me, you’ll appreciate the depth of flavor these chilies bring to the dish.

Thai Basil Chicken

Thai Basil Chicken

4.8 from 1600 votes

Thai Basil Chicken is a fragrant and flavorful Thai dish featuring tender chicken stir-fried with aromatic herbs and spices. This dish is typically served with steamed rice.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Marinade

2 lb chicken breast, sliced
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Sauce

2 tbsp vegetable oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp green or red curry paste
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp fish sauce
1 tsp sugar
1 cup Thai basil leaves

For Garnish

2 green onions, chopped
2 tbsp Thai basil leaves

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a bowl, combine chicken, soy sauce, and vegetable oil.
2Mix well and set aside to marinate for 10 minutes.
3Heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
4Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
5Add the curry paste to the wok and stir-fry for 1 minute until the oil turns orange and the curry paste is fragrant.
6Add the marinated chicken to the wok.
7Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
8In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar.
9Pour the sauce mixture into the wok and stir well to combine.
10Add the Thai basil leaves to the wok and stir-fry for an additional 1-2 minutes until the basil leaves are wilted and the chicken is well coated in the sauce.
11If the sauce is too thick, add a little water to thin it out.
12Transfer the Thai Basil Chicken to a serving plate.
13Garnish with chopped green onions and additional Thai basil leaves.

🔧Equipment

Wok or large skillet
Spatula
Bowl

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 7g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 35g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier option.

Watch Video Of How Thai Basil Chicken Works

This Thai Basil Chicken recipe has been a staple in our household for years. Not only is it deliciously flavorful but also extremely easy to make.

Whether you’re cooking for one or ten people – whether you want something quick & easy for weeknight dinner or something special for weekend guests – this recipe never fails! And yes storage reheating serving ideas abound!

Reheated cold leftovers reheat fine just throw everything back into pot again & serve hot enjoy!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Thai Basil Chicken

Q: What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?

For Thai Basil Chicken, I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. You can also use a combination of both if you prefer.

Q: Can I substitute Thai red chilies with other types of peppers?

While other types of peppers can work in this recipe, Thai red chilies are essential for their unique flavor and heat level. That being said, if you don’t have access to these specific peppers or prefer a milder option, you can try using Anaheim or bell peppers instead.

Q: How do I store leftovers of this dish?

For best results, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Sure! You can prepare all the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately in your fridge until ready to cook.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?

To reheat Thai Basil Chicken, simply place it in a pan over low heat and stir occasionally until warmed through.

Similar Posts