Thai Basil Chicken Recipe
If you’re searching for a dish that perfectly balances savory, spicy, and aromatic flavors, look no further than this Thai Basil Chicken Recipe. This delightful stir-fry is not only quick and easy to prepare but also bursting with freshness thanks to the fragrant Thai basil. Let’s dive into the details of making this delicious meal that will transport your taste buds straight to Thailand!
Why I Love This Recipe
Thai Basil Chicken is a staple in Thai cuisine, celebrated for its vibrant flavors and satisfying ingredients. What I love most about this recipe is its versatility—it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner and can be served with steamed jasmine rice or noodles. The combination of tender chicken thighs, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs creates a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Plus, the sauce is simple yet incredibly flavorful, making it a favorite in our household.
What Goes Into Thai Basil Chicken Recipe
To create this mouthwatering Thai Basil Chicken, you’ll need a selection of ingredients to enhance the dish’s flavor profile. Here’s what you need:
- For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Water if needed (for consistency)
- For the Chicken Stir Fry:
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil or coconut oil
- 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
- 6-8 cloves garlic, minced
- 3-6 Thai bird chiles, minced (adjust for spice level)
- 1 bunch scallions, chopped and separated into whites and greens
- 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 8 ounces green beans, trimmed and halved
- 1 cup packed fresh Thai basil leaves or sweet basil
Equipment Breakdown
To make this Thai Basil Chicken Recipe, you’ll want to have the following equipment on hand:
- Wok or Large Skillet: Ideal for stir-frying ingredients quickly and evenly.
- Sharp Knife: For chopping vegetables and cutting chicken.
- Cutting Board: A sturdy surface for your prep work.
- Measuring Spoons: To measure out sauces and oil accurately.
- Spatula: For stirring and flipping the ingredients in the wok.
Thai Basil Chicken Recipe in Steps
Now that we have everything prepped, let’s get cooking! Follow these steps to create your own Thai Basil Chicken at home.
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the oyster sauce, low sodium soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and a splash of water if needed. Stir well and set aside. This sauce will add depth and flavor to your dish.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
In a wok or large skillet, heat the peanut oil or coconut oil over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to get hot but not smoking.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add the bite-sized pieces of chicken thighs to the hot oil. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Make sure to keep stirring to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Chiles
Once the chicken is cooked, add the minced garlic and Thai bird chiles to the pan. Stir-fry for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the garlic to become fragrant but careful not to burn it.
Step 5: Incorporate Vegetables
Next, add the chopped scallion whites, red bell pepper, and green beans to the wok. Stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Step 6: Pour in the Sauce
Now, it’s time to add the sauce you prepared earlier. Pour it over the chicken and vegetables, tossing everything to coat evenly. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 7: Add Thai Basil
Finally, fold in the fresh Thai basil leaves. Continue to stir for about a minute until the basil is wilted but still vibrant.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Your Thai Basil Chicken is ready to serve! Dish it up over a bed of jasmine rice or toss it with noodles. Enjoy the delightful flavors of this homemade Thai dish!
Seasonal Flavor Boosts
To elevate your Thai Basil Chicken, consider adding some seasonal ingredients:
- Seasonal Vegetables: Substitute or add vegetables like zucchini, snap peas, or mushrooms based on what’s in season.
- Citrus Zest: A little lime or lemon zest can add a refreshing twist to the sauce.
- Chopped Peanuts: For an added crunch and nutty flavor, sprinkle chopped peanuts over the top before serving.
- Fresh Herbs: In addition to Thai basil, experiment with cilantro or mint for a flavor boost.
Missteps & Fixes
Even the best cooks can encounter a few hiccups in the kitchen! Here are some common missteps and how to fix them:
- Chicken Sticking to the Pan: Ensure your oil is hot before adding the chicken and avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Sauce Too Thick: If your sauce becomes too thick, simply add a splash of water to loosen it up while cooking.
- Too Spicy: If the dish turns out too spicy, balance it with a bit of sugar or serve with a side of coconut rice to mellow the heat.
- Vegetables Overcooked: Stir-fry vegetables quickly to maintain a tender-crisp texture; remove them from the heat as soon as they are bright and tender.
Save It for Later
If you find yourself with leftovers, don’t worry! Thai Basil Chicken stores well and can be saved for later meals:
Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be cautious not to overcook the chicken.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the Thai Basil Chicken for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container.
- Serving Suggestions: Leftovers can be used to create a delicious stir-fry wrap or served on top of a fresh salad for a light lunch.
Reader Q&A
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs in this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken breast can be used, but keep in mind that it may be a bit drier than thighs. To keep it juicy, be careful not to overcook the chicken.
What if I can’t find Thai basil?
If Thai basil is unavailable, sweet basil can be a substitute, although the flavor will differ slightly. You can also try using a mix of sweet basil and mint for a refreshing twist.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! You can substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh and replace the fish sauce with soy sauce or a plant-based alternative to keep the flavors balanced.
How spicy is this recipe?
The spiciness of the dish largely depends on the number of Thai bird chiles you use. Start with fewer chiles if you’re sensitive to spice, and adjust to your preference!
Next Steps
Now that you have a delightful Thai Basil Chicken Recipe in your repertoire, it’s time to get cooking! Share this dish with your friends and family, and enjoy a taste of Thailand in the comfort of your home. Don’t forget to experiment with your own variations and make this recipe your own. Happy cooking!
Thai Basil Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Prepare the Sauce - In a small bowl, combine the oyster sauce, low sodium soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and a splash of water if needed. Stir well and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat the Oil - In a wok or large skillet, heat the peanut oil or coconut oil over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to get hot but not smoking.
- Step 3: Cook the Chicken - Add the bite-sized pieces of chicken thighs to the hot oil. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Step 4: Add Garlic and Chiles - Once the chicken is cooked, add the minced garlic and Thai bird chiles to the pan. Stir-fry for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Step 5: Incorporate Vegetables - Add the chopped scallion whites, red bell pepper, and green beans to the wok. Stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes.
- Step 6: Pour in the Sauce - Add the sauce you prepared earlier. Pour it over the chicken and vegetables, tossing everything to coat evenly.
- Step 7: Add Thai Basil - Fold in the fresh Thai basil leaves. Continue to stir for about a minute until the basil is wilted but still vibrant.
- Step 8: Serve and Enjoy - Your Thai Basil Chicken is ready to serve! Dish it up over jasmine rice or toss with noodles.
Notes
- Feel free to adjust the number of chiles based on your spice preference.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- For freezing, let it cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container.
