Basil chicken – This savory stir-fry features tender chicken, aromatic Thai basil, and a delicious sauce that ties it all together. It’s a quick and versatile recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes!
- Healthy and Delicious: Packed with lean protein and vibrant herbs.
- Customizable: Adjust spice levels and ingredients to suit your taste.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Basil Chicken
- Use the Right Basil: For authentic Thai basil chicken, use Thai basil, which has a distinct anise-like flavor. If you can’t find it, sweet basil is a good substitute.
- Prepare Ingredients Ahead: Stir-frying is quick, so have all your ingredients chopped and ready before starting.
- Cook Over High Heat: A hot pan ensures the chicken cooks quickly and caramelizes slightly for a richer flavor.
- Balance the Flavors: Taste your sauce and adjust the sweet, salty, and spicy elements to your preference.
- Marinate for Extra Tenderness: If you have time, marinate the chicken in a bit of soy sauce and cornstarch for 15 minutes before cooking.
Variations of Basil Chicken
- Spicy Basil Chicken: Add more Thai chilies for an extra kick.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with tofu or mushrooms.
- Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the fish sauce.
- Add Vegetables: Bell peppers, green beans, or baby corn can add color and nutrition.
- Coconut Basil Chicken: Add a splash of coconut milk for a creamy twist.
How to Serve Basil Chicken
- With Rice: Jasmine rice is the classic pairing, but brown rice works too.
- Over Noodles: Serve over rice noodles for a satisfying meal.
- In Lettuce Wraps: Spoon the chicken mixture into lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.
- As a Salad Topper: Add it to a fresh salad for a protein-packed meal.
How to Store and Reheat Basil Chicken
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to refresh the sauce.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh basil?
Fresh basil is essential for the authentic flavor of this dish. Dried basil won’t provide the same vibrant taste.
Is Thai basil different from regular basil?
Yes, Thai basil has a unique anise-like flavor, while sweet basil is milder. Thai basil is the preferred choice for this recipe.
How can I make this dish less spicy?
Use fewer chilies or deseed them before cooking. You can also add a splash of coconut milk to mellow the heat.
Can I make basil chicken gluten-free?
Yes! Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce, and check that your fish sauce and oyster sauce are gluten-free.
What protein can I substitute for chicken?
Pork, shrimp, or tofu are excellent alternatives. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Basil Chicken
Basil chicken - This savory stir-fry features tender chicken, aromatic Thai basil, and a delicious sauce that ties it all together. It’s a quick and versatile recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for guests.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 225g (7 oz) chicken thigh fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup Thai basil leaves (or Holy Basil, if available)
- 1 green onion, cut into 4 cm (2") lengths
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 bird’s eye chili, deseeded and finely chopped
- 1 ½ tbsp oil (peanut, vegetable, or canola)
Sauce Ingredients:
- 2 tsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp light soy sauce
- 1 tsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 tbsp water
Serving:
- Steamed jasmine rice
Instructions
- Prep the Sauce: Combine all sauce ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.
- Cook Aromatics: Heat oil in a hot wok or skillet. Add garlic and chili, cooking for 10 seconds until fragrant (watch out for the spicy steam!).
- Cook Chicken: Toss in chicken and the white parts of the green onion, stir-frying for 2 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Add Sauce: Pour in the sauce and cook for another minute, allowing it to thicken into a glossy coating.
- Finish with Basil: Stir in the green parts of the onion and Thai basil. Toss until the basil wilts slightly.
- Serve Immediately: Spoon over steamed jasmine rice and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Yield
2Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 641Total Fat 37gSaturated Fat 9gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 23gCholesterol 134mgSodium 1594mgCarbohydrates 42gFiber 2gSugar 5gProtein 37g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Conclusion
Basil chicken is a delightful dish that’s easy to prepare and endlessly adaptable. With its bold flavors, quick cooking time, and simple ingredients, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish, basil chicken delivers every time.
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