Thai Basil Chicken
Looking for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner that transports you straight to the bustling streets of Thailand? Look no further than this Thai Basil Chicken. With its bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and a delightful kick, this dish showcases the vibrant essence of Thai cuisine. Perfectly paired with fluffy jasmine rice, it’s a meal that will have you coming back for seconds – and thirds!
What Makes This Recipe Special
Thai Basil Chicken stands out for its aromatic blend of fresh basil, tender chicken, and a medley of savory sauces that meld together beautifully. The unique flavor profile comes from using Thai basil, which has a slightly spicy, anise-like flavor that elevates the dish beyond standard stir-fries. With the inclusion of garlic, ginger, and just the right amount of heat, this recipe will excite your taste buds and give you a satisfying meal in under 30 minutes.
Ingredient Breakdown
To make this scrumptious Thai Basil Chicken, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing and adding richness.
- 2 shallots, thinly sliced: Provides a sweet and mild onion flavor.
- 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced: Adds a pungent, aromatic kick.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced: Delivers warmth and depth.
- 1/2 bell pepper, thinly sliced: Adds color and crunch.
- 1 pound ground chicken: You can also use diced chicken breast or ground turkey for a leaner option.
- 2 teaspoons light brown sugar: Balances the savory elements with a hint of sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce: If unavailable, hoisin sauce can be used as a substitute.
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce: Enhances the umami flavor.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Adds a rich, savory flavor.
- 2 tablespoons Asian garlic chili sauce: Adjust for desired heat level; Sambal Oelek is a great alternative.
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the dish moist and flavorful.
- 1/4 cup water: Helps with the cooking process.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch: Thickens the sauce for a perfect consistency.
- 2/3 cup fresh basil leaves: The star of the show, providing authenticity and aromatic flavor.
- Cooked Jasmine rice: For serving alongside your delicious Thai Basil Chicken.
Prep & Cook Tools
To whip up this flavorful dish, you will need:
- Large skillet or wok: Ideal for stir-frying ingredients quickly and evenly.
- Cutting board and knife: Essential for chopping your vegetables and herbs.
- Measuring spoons and cups: For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Spatula or wooden spoon: To stir and combine your ingredients as they cook.
- Serving dishes: To present your finished Thai Basil Chicken alongside jasmine rice.
Thai Basil Chicken: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Heat the Oil
In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add the sliced shallots, garlic, and minced ginger to the pan. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and the shallots are translucent.
Step 3: Add Bell Pepper
Stir in the sliced bell pepper and continue to sauté for another 2 minutes until it’s slightly tender.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Add the ground chicken (or your choice of protein) to the skillet. Break it apart with your spatula and cook for about 5-7 minutes until it’s no longer pink and starting to brown.
Step 5: Season the Dish
Sprinkle in the light brown sugar, fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and Asian garlic chili sauce. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
Step 6: Create the Sauce
In a separate small bowl, mix the low-sodium chicken broth, water, and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 7: Finish with Basil
Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the fresh basil leaves. The residual heat will wilt them perfectly, releasing their aromatic oils.
Step 8: Serve
Spoon the Thai Basil Chicken over a bed of fluffy cooked jasmine rice. Enjoy your homemade Thai feast!
If You’re Out Of…
- Fish sauce: Use hoisin sauce for a sweeter alternative.
- Asian garlic chili sauce: Substitute with Sriracha or even crushed red pepper flakes.
- Ground chicken: Diced chicken breast or ground turkey works just as well.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Vegetable broth can be used for a different flavor profile.
Missteps & Fixes
If you find yourself facing challenges while making Thai Basil Chicken, here are some common missteps and their fixes:
- Too Salty: If the dish turns out too salty, add a bit of sugar to balance the flavors.
- Too Spicy: If you’ve added too much heat, stir in a bit of coconut milk or additional broth to mellow it out.
- Dry Chicken: Ensure you don’t overcook the chicken; it should be just cooked through and tender.
- Not Enough Sauce: If you prefer more sauce, simply double the broth and cornstarch mixture.
Best Ways to Store
If you have leftovers of your delicious Thai Basil Chicken, here’s how to store them:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
Your Questions, Answered
Can I use other proteins in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
What can I serve with Thai Basil Chicken?
This dish pairs excellently with jasmine rice, but you can also serve it with rice noodles or a fresh salad for a lighter meal.
Is Thai basil necessary for this recipe?
While Thai basil adds a unique flavor, you can use regular basil in a pinch. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will differ slightly.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To adjust the spice level, simply reduce the amount of Asian garlic chili sauce or add it gradually until you reach your desired heat level.
One Pan, More Ideas
If you love one-pan meals as much as we do, here are some more delicious recipes to try:
The Takeaway
This Thai Basil Chicken is not only a feast for the senses but also a quick and easy meal that can fit into your busy weeknight schedule. With fresh ingredients and simple techniques, you can bring a taste of Thailand to your kitchen. The delightful combination of flavors, textures, and aromas will not only satisfy your hunger but also leave you with a sense of accomplishment. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a delightful homemade dish that will impress your family and friends alike!
Thai Basil Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add the sliced shallots, garlic, and minced ginger to the pan. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and the shallots are translucent.
- Stir in the sliced bell pepper and continue to sauté for another 2 minutes until it's slightly tender.
- Add the ground chicken (or your choice of protein) to the skillet. Break it apart with your spatula and cook for about 5-7 minutes until it's no longer pink and starting to brown.
- Sprinkle in the light brown sugar, fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and Asian garlic chili sauce. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
- In a separate small bowl, mix the low-sodium chicken broth, water, and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the fresh basil leaves. The residual heat will wilt them perfectly, releasing their aromatic oils.
- Spoon the Thai Basil Chicken over a bed of fluffy cooked jasmine rice. Enjoy your homemade Thai feast!
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze in a safe container for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
