Thai Basil Chicken

If you’re craving something that’s packed with flavor, fast, and downright irresistible, Thai Basil Chicken is your answer. This dish brings together tender chicken, bold spices, and a fragrant mix of basil that’ll make your taste buds dance with joy. The savory sauce, with its hint of garlic, chili, and fish sauce, coats each bite of chicken perfectly, and the fresh basil adds an aromatic touch that’ll have you coming back for more. It’s spicy, savory, and a little bit sweet—just the right combo to satisfy that Thai food craving. Trust me, once you make this dish, it’s going to be a regular in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love Thai Basil Chicken

Here’s why this dish is going to become your favorite go-to weeknight meal:

Quick and Easy

This recipe is a total lifesaver when you’re pressed for time but want something with serious flavor. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious, restaurant-quality meal on the table.

Bold Thai Flavors

From the fragrant basil to the punchy fish sauce and chili, this dish is bursting with those classic Thai flavors we all know and love. It’s a delightful balance of savory, spicy, and a touch of sweetness.

Customizable

The beauty of this recipe is how you can easily adjust the spice level to suit your tastes. Want it extra fiery? Toss in more chilies! Prefer something milder? Skip the extra heat. Plus, you can swap chicken for ground pork or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

One-Pan Wonder

This dish comes together in just one pan, making it simple to prepare and clean up afterward. No fuss, just flavor-packed goodness!

Ingredients

For Thai Basil Chicken, here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken: 1 lb (boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, thinly sliced or ground)
• Basil: 1 cup fresh (Thai basil is preferred, but regular basil works too)
• Garlic: 4 cloves (minced)
• Red Chili Peppers: 2 (thinly sliced, adjust based on heat preference)
• Onion: 1 medium (sliced thinly)
• Fish Sauce: 2 tablespoons (adds that essential umami)
• Soy Sauce: 1 tablespoon (for a bit of saltiness)
• Brown Sugar: 1 tablespoon (for a hint of sweetness)
• Oyster Sauce: 1 tablespoon (for depth and richness)
• Lime Juice: 1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
• Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
• Jasmine Rice: For serving (optional, but highly recommended)
• Green Onion: For garnish (optional)
• Cilantro: For garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Slice your chicken into thin strips or use ground chicken. Slice the onion and chili peppers, and mince the garlic. If you’re using fresh basil, give it a rough chop.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the garlic, onion, and chili peppers. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes, or until the garlic becomes fragrant and the onions soften.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Add the chicken to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through and slightly golden on the edges (about 5-7 minutes).

Step 4: Add the Sauces and Sugar

Once the chicken is cooked, pour in the fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and brown sugar. Stir everything together, allowing the sugar to dissolve and the sauce to coat the chicken evenly. Cook for another 2 minutes so the flavors really meld together.

Step 5: Add the Basil and Lime Juice

Turn off the heat and stir in the fresh basil and lime juice. The basil should wilt slightly from the residual heat, adding that wonderful aroma and flavor to the dish.

Step 6: Serve

Serve the Thai Basil Chicken over a bed of jasmine rice (or any rice of your choice). Garnish with fresh cilantro and green onions if you’d like, and add an extra lime wedge for a burst of freshness.

Nutrition Facts

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 300
• Total Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 90mg
• Sodium: 900mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 5g
• Protein: 35g
• Vitamin A: 10% of daily value
• Vitamin C: 25% of daily value
• Calcium: 4% of daily value
• Iron: 15% of daily value

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Thai Basil Chicken

• With Jasmine Rice: Serve this dish with jasmine rice for a classic pairing. The rice absorbs all those delicious juices, making each bite better than the last.
• With Noodles: If you’re feeling like a twist, serve this dish over noodles instead of rice. You can use rice noodles, udon, or even spaghetti in a pinch!
• As a Lettuce Wrap: For a lighter option, spoon the Thai Basil Chicken into lettuce leaves for a fun, low-carb alternative.

Additional Tips

• Adjust the Spice: If you like more heat, feel free to add extra chili peppers, chili paste, or a dash of Sriracha sauce when cooking.
• Use Fresh Thai Basil: Thai basil has a unique, slightly peppery flavor that really enhances the dish, so try to use it if you can find it.
• Use Ground Chicken for a Shortcut: If you’re in a rush, ground chicken cooks even faster than sliced chicken, making it a great option when you need dinner on the table quickly.
• Make It Veggie-Friendly: Swap the chicken for tofu or a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and mushrooms to make this dish vegetarian.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use regular basil instead of Thai basil?
A1: Yes, you can! While Thai basil has a distinct flavor, regular basil will still work in this dish. Just keep in mind the flavor profile will be slightly different.

Q2: Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
A2: Absolutely! You can use ground pork, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose.

Q3: How can I adjust the spice level?
A3: If you want more heat, add more sliced chili peppers or a spoonful of chili paste. For less spice, simply reduce the amount of chili or omit them altogether.

Q4: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A4: Yes! You can prepare the chicken and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat and serve with fresh basil and lime.

Q5: Can I use bottled lime juice?
A5: Fresh lime juice is best for this recipe, but if you don’t have it, bottled lime juice can be used in a pinch.

Q6: How do I store leftovers?
A6: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave.

Q7: Can I make this dish spicier?
A7: Yes, you can add more chilies or a spoonful of chili paste to increase the heat level. Adjust to your taste!

Q8: What other veggies can I add?
A8: You can add bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or snow peas. Stir-fry them along with the chicken for added texture and flavor.

Q9: Can I use brown sugar substitutes?
A9: You can use coconut sugar or honey as a substitute for brown sugar if you prefer a different sweetener.

Q10: How do I make this dish more filling?
A10: Serve the chicken with extra rice or noodles, or pair it with a hearty side like a Thai-style cucumber salad.

Conclusion

Thai Basil Chicken is the kind of dish that makes you feel like a pro chef without the effort. The combination of fresh herbs, savory sauces, and a little heat is absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re looking for something quick and tasty or want to impress your friends with an authentic Thai meal, this dish has you covered. Serve it with rice or noodles, and watch it disappear in minutes. Enjoy!

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