thai chicken and basil stir fry recipe

The Best thai chicken and basil stir fry recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite Thai chicken and basil stir fry recipe, a dish that has become a staple in our household. This recipe originated from Thailand, where it’s known as ‘Pad Kra Pao’, and has been adapted by many cooks around the world. The combination of juicy chicken, fragrant basil, and spicy chili peppers creates a flavor profile that is both bold and delicate at the same time.

When I first made this recipe, I was blown away by the simplicity of its ingredients and the complexity of its flavors. My family loved it immediately, and now it’s a regular feature in our meal planning. What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is – you can serve it as a main course, use it as a filling for wraps or tacos, or even add it to a salad for a flavorful twist.

Not only is this recipe delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. Simply chop up your ingredients, heat up some oil in a pan, and cook until the chicken is cooked through and the basil is wilted. That’s it!

You can serve it with steamed rice or noodles for a quick and satisfying meal. My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and this recipe is always a hit when we make it together. They love watching the colors mix together on their plate as they take their first bite – it’s like a little party in their mouths!

And let me tell you, this recipe has been a lifesaver on busy weeknights when we need something quick and healthy on the table. It’s also perfect for special occasions like holidays or family gatherings – just multiply the ingredients accordingly to feed your crowd. But what really sets this recipe apart is its health benefits – with lean protein from the chicken, fiber-rich vegetables from the bell peppers and carrots, and antioxidants from the basil and chilies, you’ll be giving your body (and taste buds) all the good stuff without sacrificing any of the flavor or fun.

Thai Chicken and Basil Stir Fry

4.8 from 952 votes

A fragrant and flavorful Thai-inspired stir fry featuring tender chicken and aromatic Thai basil. This dish is quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight meal, with a delightful balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors.

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

🥘Ingredients

For the Marinade

2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp sugar
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp grated ginger

For the Stir Fry

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 cup Thai basil leaves
1 cup Thai chili peppers, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Sauce

2 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp fish sauce
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp chili oil

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, vegetable oil, cornstarch, sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger to make the marinade.
2Add the sliced chicken to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated.
3Let it marinate for 15 minutes.
4Meanwhile, prepare the sauce by mixing oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and chili oil in a separate bowl.
5Set aside the sauce.
6Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
7Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the marinated chicken slices.
8Cook the chicken until it is no longer pink in the center, about 5-7 minutes.
9Remove the chicken from the wok and set it aside.
10Keep the wok over the heat.
11In the same wok, add the sliced red bell pepper and sliced Thai chili peppers.
12Stir-fry the vegetables over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes until they are slightly softened and the peppers are bright in color.
13Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
14Return the cooked chicken to the wok.
15Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
16Stir-fry everything together for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables evenly.
17Add the Thai basil leaves and stir-fry for another 30 seconds until the basil is wilted and fragrant.
18Transfer the Thai Chicken and Basil Stir Fry to a serving dish.
19Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice or noodles.
20Enjoy the fragrant and flavorful dish with a delightful balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors.

🔧Equipment

Wok or large skillet
Bowls for marinade and sauce
Spatula or wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 2g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 15g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 35g

📝Notes

Tips: You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or fewer chili peppers. For a non-spicy version, omit the chili peppers and chili oil.

This Thai chicken and basil stir fry recipe has become an essential part of our household – we love how versatile it is, how easy it is to make, and how nutritious it is for our families’ well-being.

We often serve leftovers reheated with some steamed rice or noodles for a quick meal on-the-go.

This recipe works perfectly for family gatherings too – simply multiply ingredients according to your guest count.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Thai Chicken and Basil Stir Fry

Q: What type of protein can I use in place of chicken?

You can substitute chicken with other proteins like beef, pork, tofu, or shrimp – just adjust cooking times according to your protein choice.

Q: Can I make this recipe without chili peppers?

Of course! If you’re not a fan of spicy food or have sensitive taste buds, you can omit the chili peppers altogether or reduce their quantity to suit your taste.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Nope! This recipe contains chicken as its primary protein source.

Q: Can I store leftovers in an air-tight container?

Absolutely! Cooked leftovers will keep in an air-tight container for up to 3 days in the fridge or 2 months in the freezer.

Q: How do I reheat leftover stir-fry?

Reheat leftover stir-fry over low heat in a pan until warmed through – add some water if necessary to prevent burning.

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