Oh my goodness, let me tell you why I absolutely adore Thai basil chicken! This dish is a delightful explosion of flavors that always takes me back to the bustling streets of Thailand. The aromatic scent of fresh basil mingling with garlic and sautéed chicken fills my kitchen with warmth and excitement. Plus, it comes together in just 25 minutes! That’s right—perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick but loaded with flavor. Trust me, once you try this Thai basil chicken, it’ll quickly become a staple in your home cooking repertoire!
Ingredients List
Now, let’s gather everything we need to whip up this scrumptious Thai basil chicken! Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- 500g chicken breast, sliced into thin strips for quick cooking
- 2 cups fresh Thai basil leaves, the star of the dish, fragrant and vibrant
- 3 cloves garlic, minced to unleash its aromatic goodness
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce, for that savory depth of flavor
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, adding a hint of sweetness
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce, bringing umami to the party
- 1 teaspoon sugar, to balance the flavors perfectly
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, for sautéing
- 1 bell pepper, sliced for crunch and sweetness
- 1 onion, sliced to add a bit of bite
- 1-2 red chilies, sliced (optional), if you like a bit of heat!
These ingredients come together to create a deliciously aromatic dish that you’ll want to make again and again!
How to Prepare Thai Basil Chicken
Alright, let’s dive into making this amazing Thai basil chicken! I promise, it’s easier than you think, and the steps flow together beautifully.
Step 1: Heat the Oil
First things first, heat up that tablespoon of vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. This is super important because you want the oil hot enough to sauté the garlic and chicken perfectly. If it’s not hot enough, those flavors won’t get the chance to shine!
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Next, toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Trust me, that smell will have your family (or maybe even your neighbors) wandering into your kitchen—it’s that good! Just be careful not to let it burn; burnt garlic can ruin your dish!
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Now, add your sliced chicken breast to the pan. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s browned and cooked through. You’ll know it’s done when there’s no pink left. Make sure you don’t overcrowd the pan, or the chicken will steam instead of sear!
Step 4: Add Vegetables
Time to add in the sliced onion and bell pepper! Stir-fry them together for about 2-3 minutes until they’re tender yet still have a nice crunch. The colors will be so vibrant, and the aroma will be irresistible!
Step 5: Incorporate Sauces
Now, pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Mix everything well for about a minute. This is where the magic happens—the flavors meld together, creating that delicious umami profile we all love!
Step 6: Add Thai Basil
Finally, toss in the fresh Thai basil and sliced chilies if you’re using them. Stir gently until the basil wilts, which should only take about a minute. This is when the dish gets its signature aroma—amazing!
Step 7: Serving Suggestions
Serve your Thai basil chicken hot over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice. The rice will soak up all that flavorful sauce, making every bite a delight. I can’t recommend jasmine rice enough; it really elevates the whole meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation: This dish comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful and aromatic: The combination of fresh Thai basil, garlic, and savory sauces creates an irresistible aroma and taste.
- Healthy option: Packed with lean chicken and fresh vegetables, it’s a nutritious choice for any meal.
- Gluten-free: With simple ingredients like chicken and fresh herbs, this dish caters to gluten-free diets effortlessly.
You’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again because it checks all the boxes for a satisfying meal!
Tips for Success
To make your Thai basil chicken truly shine, always use the freshest ingredients you can find. Fresh Thai basil is key to that authentic flavor, so don’t skimp on it! If you want to adjust the spice level, feel free to start with just one red chili and add more if you like it hot—it’s all about personal preference! Also, make sure to prep everything before you start cooking; stir-frying goes quickly, and you don’t want to be chopping while your chicken waits! Lastly, taste as you go to ensure it’s just right for you. You’ve got this!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick note: the nutritional information provided for this Thai basil chicken may vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. I strive to give you accurate details, but it’s always a good idea to check the labels for the most precise information—your body, your rules!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of basil?
Absolutely! While fresh Thai basil is the star of this dish, you can substitute it with sweet basil if that’s what you have. Just keep in mind that sweet basil has a milder flavor and lacks the unique, spicy notes of Thai basil. It’ll still be delicious, just a bit different!
What can I serve with Thai basil chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with jasmine rice, as it helps soak up all those yummy flavors. You can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh cucumber salad to balance the meal. Want to elevate it? Add some spring rolls for a delightful appetizer!
How can I make this recipe spicy?
If you love heat, there are several ways to spice things up! Start by adding an extra red chili or two when cooking. You can also toss in some chili flakes or a dash of sriracha at the end. Just remember to taste as you go, so it doesn’t overpower the delicious flavors of the dish!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got some leftovers? No problem! To store your delicious Thai basil chicken, let it cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If you find it a bit dry, adding a splash of water or a little extra soy sauce can help bring back that lovely moisture. You’ll want to savor every last bite, trust me!
Learn more about the delicious flavors of basil in this creamy soup recipe.
Imprimer
Thai Basil Chicken: 25 Minutes to Unforgettable Flavor
- Temps Total: 25 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
A flavorful and aromatic Thai dish featuring chicken stir-fried with fresh basil and vegetables.
Ingrédients
- 500g chicken breast, sliced
- 2 cups fresh Thai basil leaves
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1–2 red chilies, sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add chicken and cook until browned.
- Add onion and bell pepper, stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
- Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Mix well.
- Add Thai basil and chilies, stir until basil wilts.
- Serve hot with rice.
Notes
- Adjust chili level to your preference.
- Use fresh Thai basil for the best flavor.
- Serve with jasmine rice for a complete meal.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 10 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Course
- Méthode: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Thai
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sucre: 2g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 15g
- Graisses Saturées: 2g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 10g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 20g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 30g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 70mg
Mots-clés: thai basil chicken, stir-fry, chicken recipe, thai cuisine