chicken thai basil recipe

chicken thai basil recipe

The Best chicken thai basil recipe

I am so excited to share this chicken Thai basil recipe with you all. This dish is one of my go-to recipes when I’m looking for something quick, easy, and delicious to serve my family. The combination of juicy chicken, fragrant basil, and spicy chilies is a match made in heaven. I love how this recipe can be adjusted to suit any occasion – whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special gathering with friends and family.

The origins of this dish are a bit unclear, but I’m pretty sure it originated from the streets of Bangkok. The flavors are a perfect blend of sweet, sour, and spicy, making it a true representation of Thai cuisine. When I cook this recipe, I always make sure to use high-quality ingredients, especially the fresh Thai basil leaves. The aroma of the basil as it cooks is just amazing.

One of the key techniques in cooking this dish is to not overcook the chicken. You want it to be cooked through but still juicy and tender. This is where most people go wrong – they end up overcooking the chicken, which makes it dry and tough. Another thing I love about this recipe is how versatile it is.

You can serve it as an entree or as part of a larger meal. It’s also a great way to use up any leftover ingredients you might have in your fridge. I’ve been making this recipe for years now, and every time I do, I’m reminded why it’s one of my favorites. The combination of flavors and textures is just magic.

And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make! If you’re new to cooking Thai food, don’t worry – this recipe is a great place to start. It’s relatively simple and requires minimal ingredients.

But if you’re an experienced cook, you’ll appreciate the complexity of flavors and techniques involved in making this dish. So go ahead, give this chicken Thai basil recipe a try! I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Chicken Thai Basil

Chicken Thai Basil

4.5 from 1694 votes

A fragrant and flavorful Thai basil chicken stir-fry. Chicken is cooked with Thai basil, garlic, chilies, and soy sauce.

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

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

500 grams boneless skinless chicken breast, sliced thin
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Stir-Fry

6 cloves garlic, minced
1-2 Thai chilies, minced
1/2 cup Thai basil leaves, loosely packed
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon palm sugar

For the Garnish

2 green onions, chopped
2 tablespoons roasted peanuts, chopped

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a bowl, combine chicken, salt, and black pepper.
Set aside.
2If you have time, refrigerate for 15 minutes.
3This helps the chicken to absorb the seasoning and develop more flavor.
4If you do not have time, you can skip this step.
5Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
6Add the chicken and cook until it is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
7Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
8In the same skillet, add garlic and chilies.
9Cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant and garlic is lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes.
10Be careful not to burn the garlic.
11If the garlic starts to brown too quickly, reduce the heat to medium.
12Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and palm sugar to the skillet.
13Stir to combine and cook until the sugar has dissolved, about 1 minute.
14You should see the sauce thicken slightly.
15If the sauce is too thick, add a small amount of water to thin it out.
16If it is too thin, continue to cook until it reduces to your desired consistency.
17Return the chicken to the skillet.
18Add the Thai basil leaves and stir to combine all of the ingredients.
19Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the basil is wilted and the chicken is heated through.
20You should see the basil leaves turn a darker green color and become soft.
21If the basil is still crisp, cook for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute.
22Transfer the chicken Thai basil to a serving dish.
23Garnish with chopped green onions and roasted peanuts.
24Serve immediately with steamed rice.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet or wok
Spatula
Bowl

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 2g❤️Cholesterol: 75mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 10g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 2g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

Tips: You can adjust the amount of chilies to suit your spice preference. For a milder dish, use 1 chili. For a spicier dish, use 2 chilies. You can also substitute Thai basil with regular basil if Thai basil is not available. However, the flavor will be slightly different.

Watch Video Of How Chicken Thai Basil Works

This chicken Thai basil recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special gathering with friends and family.

One of my favorite things about this dish is how well it reheats – simply reheat any leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot through.

The next time you’re planning a meal or potluck contribution try serving these flavorful morsels alongside steamed jasmine rice or noodles.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Thai Basil

Q1: What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?

For this recipe, you can use either boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs. If you prefer white meat, breasts are the way to go. However, if you prefer dark meat or want more flavor in your dish, thighs are the better choice.

Q2: Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?

No! Fresh basil is essential for this recipe as it provides the most vibrant flavor and aroma. Dried basil just won’t cut it here.

Q3: How do I make sure my chicken doesn’t overcook?

A great tip for avoiding overcooked chicken is to not overcrowd your pan when cooking it. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure each piece has enough room to cook evenly.

Q4: Can I substitute fish sauce with soy sauce?

No! Fish sauce provides a distinct umami flavor that’s essential for Thai cuisine. While soy sauce may seem like a good substitute at first glance, trust me – fish sauce makes all the difference.

Q5: How long does this recipe take to prepare?

This recipe should take approximately 30-40 minutes from start to finish – depending on how quickly you can chop your herbs!

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