Thai Basil Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Thai Basil Chicken is a quick and flavorful stir-fry that brings the vibrant tastes of Thailand to your kitchen. With fragrant basil, spicy chili, and savory sauces, this dish is perfect for a delicious weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken, thinly sliced
- 2 cups fresh Thai basil leaves
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 red chilies, sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add a little oil. Cook the sliced chicken with the minced garlic and sliced chili until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly browned.
- Step 2: Add the fresh Thai basil leaves, soy sauce, and fish sauce to the pan. Stir everything together for another minute until the basil wilts and the flavors combine.
- Step 3: Serve the Thai Basil Chicken hot over steamed rice for a satisfying meal.
Tips & Variations
- Use ground chicken for a quicker cook time and a different texture.
- Adjust the amount of chili to control the spice level to your preference.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of oyster sauce or a pinch of sugar.
- Serve with jasmine rice for an authentic Thai experience.
Storage
Store leftover Thai Basil Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water if it feels dry.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular basil instead of Thai basil?
While Thai basil has a unique licorice-like flavor, regular sweet basil can be used as a substitute, though the dish will have a slightly different taste.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Traditional soy sauce contains gluten, but you can use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to make this recipe gluten-free.
PrintThai Basil Chicken Recipe
A vibrant and flavorful Thai Basil Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken sautéed with aromatic garlic, spicy chili, fresh basil, and umami-rich soy and fish sauces. This quick and easy stir-fry is perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner served over steamed rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken or thinly sliced chicken breast
Herbs and Aromatics
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 red Thai bird’s eye chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
Sauces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
Serving
- Steamed jasmine rice, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Mince the garlic cloves finely and chop the chilies. Wash and dry the Thai basil leaves, removing them from their stems. Set all aside for quick access during cooking.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground or sliced chicken to the pan and stir-fry, breaking it up if using ground chicken, until it is cooked through and starting to brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add aromatics: Add the minced garlic and chopped chilies to the chicken in the pan. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not burnt, to infuse the chicken with spicy garlicky flavor.
- Add sauces and basil: Pour in the soy sauce and fish sauce, stirring thoroughly to coat the chicken. Immediately add the fresh Thai basil leaves and toss everything together until the basil is just wilted and fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the Thai Basil Chicken hot over steamed jasmine rice for an authentic and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Adjust chili quantity according to your preferred heat level.
- Use fresh Thai basil for the authentic flavor; sweet basil can be a substitute but the taste will differ.
- Ground chicken works best for quick cooking and texture, but sliced breast is a good alternative.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
- Can be garnished with sliced fresh chilies or a fried egg on top for extra richness.
Keywords: Thai Basil Chicken, Pad Krapow Gai, Thai stir-fry, Basil chicken recipe, quick Thai dinner
