As the sun starts to dip below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the day, the kitchen transforms into a sanctuary of flavors and aromas. It’s a time when I crave comfort wrapped in delight. One recipe that continually draws me in with its vibrant taste is Thai Basil Chicken. This dish is not just a blend of flavors; it’s an experience packed deeply with memories of traveling through bustling streets in Thailand, where the scent of fresh basil and spicy chilies fills the air.
Imagine a busy evening, perhaps after a long workday when you want something hearty yet quick to whip up. Thai Basil Chicken takes center stage, delivering a trail of fragrant garlic, heat from the Thai bird chilies, and the utterly irresistible kick of fresh basil. With every bite, you’re transported to a Thai market, amidst laughter and sizzling street food stalls. Join me, and let’s bring this delightful dish to your table!
Recipe Timing
- Prep Duration: 10 minutes
- Active Cooking: 15 minutes
- Total Duration: 25 minutes
- Portion Size: 4 servings
- Complexity: Simple
Nutritional Recipe
- Calories per portion: Approximately 320 kcal
- Protein: 28 g per serving
- Carbs: 10 g per serving
- Fats: 20 g per serving
- Fiber: 1 g per serving
- Sugars: 3 g per serving
- Sodium: 780 mg per serving
Why You’ll Love This Thai Basil Chicken
Thai Basil Chicken is a perfect marriage of savory, spicy, and sweet notes. The ground chicken makes it easy to cook, ensuring tenderness in every bite. The vibrant green of fresh Thai basil not only enhances the dish visually but also contributes essential freshness and a peppery undertone. Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with jasmine rice or even noodles, making it a delightful option for a cozy family dinner or a sophisticated gathering.
The Complete Cooking Journey
Cooking Thai Basil Chicken is an adventure of color, aroma, and taste. This dish comes together in about 25 minutes, allowing you to enjoy a delicious homemade meal after just a short time in the kitchen. Throughout this culinary journey, you’ll bind together simple ingredients into a symphony of flavor, brimful of freshness. Ready to dive in?
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 Thai bird chilies, chopped (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
- Cooked jasmine rice (for serving)
Method:
Step 1: Heat the Oil
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. This sets the stage for all those tantalizing aromas to come!
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Chilies
Add the minced garlic and chopped Thai bird chilies to the pan. Sauté them until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Let the warmth rise as the flavors meld together.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Next, introduce the ground chicken. Cook it until it’s nicely browned, stirring often to break it up into small, flavorful pieces. This step ensures that every bite has a bit of that savory goodness.
Step 4: Combine Sauces and Sugar
Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Mix everything well and let it cook for a few minutes, allowing the sauce to coat all the chicken pieces beautifully.
Step 5: Add in the Thai Basil
Remove the pan from heat. Now it’s time to fold in the fresh Thai basil leaves until they wilt just slightly. The residual heat brings out the most remarkable aroma!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Your dish is ready! Serve the Thai Basil Chicken hot over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice. Dive into this flavor-packed meal and share it with loved ones!
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Pair this dish with steamed vegetables like bok choy or a simple cucumber salad for a fresh crunch. A side of sesame seed crackers can add a nice textural contrast. Don’t forget a chilled glass of sweet iced tea or coconut water to complement those spicy notes!
Storage & Leftovers Guide
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out. NOTE: This dish does not freeze well due to the fresh basil.
Kitchen Wisdom & Success Tips
Make sure to adjust the spiciness by tasting as you go. If you aren’t fond of heat, start with one chili and gradually increase. Additionally, fresh Thai basil is key—it can be found at specialty markets or Asian grocery stores.
Flavor Variations & Adaptations
Feel free to mix it up! You can replace ground chicken with ground turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Add bell peppers or snap peas for extra texture and color, or try out other herbs like cilantro for a different aromatic twist.
Reader Questions & Solutions
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Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
- While fresh is best for flavor, if you’re in a pinch, use half the amount of dried basil, but add it earlier in the cooking process.
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What can I substitute for fish sauce?
- A mix of soy sauce and a hint of lime juice can be a great alternative for that savory depth!
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How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
- Ensure there’s no pink remaining and it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
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Can I make it gluten-free?
- Yes! Just use gluten-free soy sauce and check that your oyster sauce is gluten-free too.
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What are some good side dishes to serve?
- Think steamed jasmine rice, a light salad with citrus dressing, or even crispy spring rolls.
Wrapping Up
This Thai Basil Chicken is a deliciously simple dish that brings a burst of flavor and joy to your table. You don’t have to travel far to enjoy authentic Thai cuisine; with just a few ingredients and a little time, you can create a meal that’s satisfying, aromatic, and brimming with character. So gather your ingredients and let’s get cooking — your taste buds will thank you! Happy cooking!
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Thai Basil Chicken
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
Description
A vibrant and flavorful Thai dish made with ground chicken, fresh basil, and a blend of savory sauces.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2–3 Thai bird chilies, chopped (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
- Cooked jasmine rice (for serving)
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and chopped Thai bird chilies to the pan and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the ground chicken and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces.
- Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar, mixing well and allowing to cook for a few minutes.
- Remove from heat and fold in the fresh Thai basil leaves until they wilt slightly.
- Serve the Thai Basil Chicken hot over jasmine rice.
Notes
Adjust spiciness by tasting as you go. Fresh Thai basil is key for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
