why make this recipe
Spicy Thai Basil Chicken is a delicious and quick meal that brings the flavors of Thailand right to your kitchen. This dish is not only flavorful but also packed with healthy ingredients. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, the combination of fresh basil, spicy chilies, and succulent chicken makes it a dish that will impress everyone at the dinner table.
how to make Spicy Thai Basil Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 shallots, thinly sliced
- 2-3 Thai chilies, finely chopped (adjust according to spice preference)
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- Cooked rice, for serving
Directions:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sliced shallots to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the sliced chicken to the skillet and stir-fry until it’s cooked through and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the chopped Thai chilies and sliced bell pepper to the skillet. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the bell pepper is slightly softened.
- In a small bowl, mix together the oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and chicken broth or water.
- Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to combine and coat everything evenly with the sauce.
- Add the fresh basil leaves to the skillet and toss everything together until the basil is wilted and evenly distributed throughout the dish.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Once everything is heated through and well combined, remove the skillet from the heat.
- Serve hot over cooked rice.
how to serve Spicy Thai Basil Chicken
Serve Spicy Thai Basil Chicken hot over a bed of fluffy cooked rice. This will help soak up the flavorful sauce. You can garnish the dish with extra fresh basil or chopped peanuts for added texture and taste. A side of steamed vegetables or a simple cucumber salad pairs well with it.
how to store Spicy Thai Basil Chicken
Let any leftovers cool down to room temperature. Then, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until hot. If freezing, it can last up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Spicy Thai Basil Chicken
- Use fresh basil for the best flavor; it makes a real difference.
- Adjust the number of chilies based on your spice tolerance.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce and garlic for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
- Serve with jasmine rice for an authentic Thai experience.
variation
You can substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or beef for a different take on this recipe. Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or snap peas for more color and nutrition.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken and omit fish sauce. Use a vegetarian soy sauce or replace fish sauce with more soy sauce.
2. How spicy is this dish?
The spice level depends on the number of Thai chilies you use. Start with one or two if you are sensitive to spice and adjust to your liking.
3. What kind of rice should I serve with this dish?
Jasmine rice is the traditional choice for Thai dishes, but you can also serve it with brown rice or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
