Thai Basil Chicken

Fragrant stir-fry, shimmering with savory sauce, and vibrant with the peppery bite of holy basil, Thai Basil Chicken is a culinary masterpiece that explodes with authentic Thai flavours in every mouthful. This is not just a chicken stir-fry; it’s a symphony of tastes and textures, where tender chicken pieces are wok-tossed with aromatic garlic, chilies, and a medley of umami-rich sauces, culminating in a dish that is both deeply satisfying and incredibly addictive. Picture the sizzling sounds and enticing aromas filling your kitchen as this dish comes together in minutes, promising a quick, flavourful, and utterly delicious meal that transports you straight to the bustling streets of Bangkok. This recipe is your express ticket to Thai culinary excellence, bringing the authentic taste of Pad Kra Pao Gai to your home, ready to ignite your taste buds with its bold and unforgettable flavours.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Lightning-Fast Weeknight Meal

Embrace the speed and simplicity of this incredibly quick Thai Basil Chicken recipe. Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish, it’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when time is short but flavour is paramount. Skip the takeout queues and whip up a restaurant-quality Thai dish faster than delivery arrives, offering a satisfying and flavourful meal without compromising on time.

Authentic Thai Street Food Flavours

Experience the genuine taste of Thailand’s iconic street food right in your own kitchen. Thai Basil Chicken captures the bold, savory, and slightly spicy flavours of authentic Pad Kra Pao Gai, delivering a taste of Thailand that is both vibrant and deeply satisfying. Each bite is a journey to the bustling food stalls of Bangkok, offering a truly immersive and delicious culinary experience.

Customizable Spice Level for Everyone

Tailor the heat to your preference with this easily adjustable Thai Basil Chicken recipe. Whether you prefer a mild and aromatic stir-fry or crave an fiery kick, you can easily control the spice level by adjusting the amount of chilies used. It’s a recipe that caters to all palates, ensuring everyone can enjoy the delicious flavours of Thai basil chicken, perfectly customized to their spice tolerance.

Aromatic and Intensely Flavorful

Indulge your senses in the intoxicating aromas and bold flavours of Thai Basil Chicken. The combination of fragrant holy basil, pungent garlic, fiery chilies, and umami-rich sauces creates a truly aromatic and flavourful dish that is guaranteed to awaken your taste buds. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavour, resulting in a complex and deeply satisfying culinary experience.

Versatile Protein and Vegetable Base

Enjoy the flexibility of this adaptable Thai Basil Chicken recipe. While chicken is the classic choice, you can easily substitute with other proteins like beef, shrimp, or tofu. Similarly, you can add your favourite vegetables to create a personalized and nutritious meal. It’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit your dietary preferences and available ingredients, making it a staple for any kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Savory and Aromatic Stir-Fry Base

• 1 lb chicken thighs or chicken breast, boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces. Chicken is the star protein, providing a tender and versatile base for absorbing the flavourful sauce. Chicken thighs remain more moist during stir-frying, while chicken breast offers a leaner option. Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking. Ensure to use halal certified chicken.
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for stir-frying. Vegetable oil is essential for stir-frying, providing a neutral cooking medium that allows the ingredients to cook quickly and evenly without sticking. Use a high-heat oil like canola or sunflower oil.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced. Garlic forms the aromatic foundation of the stir-fry, providing a pungent and savory base flavour. Freshly minced garlic is crucial for its potent aroma and flavour. Mince finely to release its flavour fully into the oil.
• 2-4 Thai chilies or red chilies, finely chopped, adjust to your spice preference. Chilies provide the signature heat of Thai Basil Chicken. Thai chilies are traditionally used for authentic flavour, but red chilies can be substituted. Adjust quantity based on your desired spice level. Remove seeds for milder heat.
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced. Onion adds a foundational savory flavour and aromatic depth to the stir-fry, softening and caramelizing as it cooks. Yellow or white onions are versatile and provide a balanced flavour base. Slice thinly for quick cooking and even distribution in the stir-fry.
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced. Red bell pepper adds sweetness, colour, and a slight crunch to the stir-fry, complementing the savory and spicy flavours. Red bell pepper provides a vibrant visual element and a subtle sweetness that balances the dish. Slice thinly for quick cooking and even distribution.
• 1 cup holy basil leaves (Thai basil), packed. Holy basil is the signature ingredient, providing a unique peppery, slightly anise-like flavour that is essential for authentic Thai Basil Chicken. Holy basil (also known as Thai basil or Kra Pao) is crucial for the dish’s characteristic flavour. Use fresh, packed leaves for the best aroma and taste.

For the Umami-Rich and Flavorful Sauce

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce, adds a savory umami base and saltiness to the sauce. Soy sauce provides essential umami and saltiness, forming the backbone of the Thai flavour profile. Use regular or light soy sauce.
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, adds a rich, savory, and slightly sweet flavour, enhancing the umami depth of the sauce. Oyster sauce contributes a characteristic richness and depth of flavour that is essential for authentic Thai Basil Chicken. Use halal certified oyster sauce if concerned about ingredients.
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce, optional, for authentic Thai flavour (can be substituted with soy sauce for vegetarian option). Fish sauce adds a pungent, salty, and umami-rich depth that is characteristic of authentic Thai cuisine. It can be omitted or substituted with extra soy sauce or vegetarian fish sauce for vegetarian versions.
• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce, adds colour and a hint of sweetness to the sauce, contributing to the dish’s visual appeal and flavour complexity. Dark soy sauce provides colour and a subtle sweetness, enhancing the visual appeal and flavour depth.
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar or brown sugar, balances the savory and spicy flavours and adds a touch of sweetness to the sauce. Sugar balances the saltiness and spiciness, creating a harmonious flavour profile. Granulated or brown sugar can be used.
• ¼ cup water or chicken broth, thins the sauce to the desired consistency and helps to distribute the flavours evenly. Water or chicken broth helps to create a balanced sauce consistency and ensures even flavour distribution throughout the stir-fry. Use low-sodium chicken broth for better salt control.

For Serving

• Cooked jasmine rice, for serving. Jasmine rice is the traditional accompaniment to Thai Basil Chicken, providing a fragrant and fluffy base for soaking up the flavourful sauce. Serve hot jasmine rice alongside the stir-fry.
• Fried egg, optional, for topping. Fried egg is a classic topping in Thailand, adding richness and a runny yolk that enhances the dish. Fried egg (optional) adds extra richness and protein to the dish.

How to Make Thai Basil Chicken ?

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Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Prepare chicken by cutting it into uniform bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking.

Mince garlic and finely chop chilies. Prepare aromatics by mincing garlic and chopping chilies finely to release their flavour quickly during stir-frying.

Thinly slice onion and red bell pepper. Slice onion and red bell pepper thinly for quick and even cooking in the stir-fry.

Prepare holy basil leaves by washing and drying them. Wash and dry holy basil leaves and set aside.

Combine all sauce ingredients in a small bowl and whisk together: soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce (if using), dark soy sauce, sugar, and water (or chicken broth). Whisk sauce ingredients together in a bowl to ensure they are well combined and ready to be added to the stir-fry.

Step 2: Stir-Fry Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until shimmering. Ensure wok or skillet is hot before adding ingredients for proper stir-frying.

Add minced garlic and chopped chilies to the hot oil and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir-fry garlic and chilies briefly until fragrant, being careful not to burn them. This step releases their aroma and flavour into the oil.

Add chicken pieces to the wok and stir-fry until browned and cooked through. Stir-fry chicken until it is no longer pink and lightly browned, ensuring it is cooked through.

Step 3: Add Vegetables and Sauce

Add sliced onion and red bell pepper to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened. Stir-fry vegetables until slightly softened but still crisp-tender.

Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the wok. Pour sauce over the stir-fry and stir to combine, coating all ingredients evenly.

Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and coat the chicken and vegetables. Simmer sauce briefly to thicken and allow flavours to meld.

Step 4: Finish with Holy Basil

Remove the wok from heat and stir in holy basil leaves. Add holy basil leaves at the very end of cooking, just before removing from heat, to preserve their fresh flavour and aroma.

Stir until the basil leaves are wilted and fragrant. Stir basil leaves until they wilt and release their characteristic aroma.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Serve Thai Basil Chicken immediately over hot jasmine rice. Serve immediately over jasmine rice for the best flavour and texture.

Top with a fried egg (optional) if desired. Fried egg topping is optional but adds extra richness and protein.

Garnish with extra fresh holy basil leaves for visual appeal, if desired. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for added aroma and visual appeal.

Tips for Variations:

Protein Powerhouse

Substitute chicken with other proteins like ground beef, ground turkey, shrimp, tofu, or sliced beef for different flavour profiles. Experiment with different proteins to create variations to suit your preferences. Ensure seafood is cooked until pink and opaque, and beef/turkey/tofu is cooked through.

Vegetable Medley Boost

Add more vegetables like green beans, baby corn, broccoli florets, or mushrooms to increase the nutritional value and texture of the dish. Incorporate your favourite vegetables for added flavour, texture, and nutrition. Add vegetables along with bell peppers and onions for stir-frying.

Brown Sugar Sweetness

Use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar in the sauce for a slightly richer, caramel-like sweetness. Brown sugar adds a deeper sweetness and caramel notes compared to granulated sugar, enhancing the sauce’s complexity.

Fish Sauce Alternative

For a vegetarian or vegan option, substitute fish sauce with vegetarian fish sauce or simply use more soy sauce to maintain umami flavour. Vegetarian fish sauce or extra soy sauce can effectively replace fish sauce in vegetarian and vegan versions, maintaining the savory depth.

Extra Spicy Fire

Increase the spice level by adding more chilies, using bird’s eye chilies, or incorporating a dash of chili oil for an extra fiery kick. Adjust spice level to your preference by increasing the amount or type of chilies used, or adding chili oil for extra heat.

Serving Suggestions:

Lunchtime Rice Bowl

Pack Thai Basil Chicken in a lunchbox with a side of jasmine rice for a flavourful and satisfying midday meal. Thai Basil Chicken makes a delicious and convenient lunch option when paired with rice.

Family-Style Dinner Feast

Serve Thai Basil Chicken family-style with a variety of other Thai dishes like spring rolls, soups, and salads for a complete and authentic Thai dinner experience. Create a Thai feast by serving Thai Basil Chicken alongside other Thai appetizers, soups, and salads for a diverse and flavourful meal.

Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner

Enjoy Thai Basil Chicken as a simple and speedy weeknight dinner served over jasmine rice. Its quick cooking time and flavourful profile make it ideal for busy weeknights when you need a fast and delicious meal.

Appetizer Lettuce Wraps

Spoon Thai Basil Chicken into crisp lettuce cups for a lighter and refreshing appetizer or snack. Lettuce wraps offer a lighter and healthier way to enjoy Thai Basil Chicken, perfect as an appetizer or light meal.

Noodle Bowl Twist

Serve Thai Basil Chicken over a bed of cooked noodles like rice noodles or egg noodles instead of rice for a different textural experience. Noodles provide an alternative carbohydrate base and can be paired with Thai Basil Chicken for a different textural experience.

FAQ:

Can I use dried basil instead of holy basil?

Holy basil is essential for the authentic flavour of Thai Basil Chicken. Dried basil or regular basil will not provide the same unique peppery and slightly anise-like flavour. For authentic Thai Basil Chicken, holy basil is crucial. Substitutions will significantly alter the flavour profile.

What if I can’t find holy basil?

If holy basil is unavailable, you can use sweet basil as a less authentic but still flavourful substitute. However, the taste will be different. Look for holy basil in Asian grocery stores. If unavailable, sweet basil is a workable, though less authentic, substitute.

Can I make Thai Basil Chicken ahead of time?

Thai Basil Chicken is best enjoyed fresh and immediately after cooking. While leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days, the basil flavour and texture may diminish upon reheating. For best flavour and texture, Thai Basil Chicken is best served immediately. Reheating may slightly alter the basil’s fresh aroma and the overall texture.

How do I store leftover Thai Basil Chicken?

Store leftover Thai Basil Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Reheat leftovers gently to prevent drying out the chicken and vegetables.

Can I freeze Thai Basil Chicken?

Freezing Thai Basil Chicken is not recommended as the texture of the chicken and vegetables may become watery and the basil flavour may diminish significantly upon thawing. Freezing is not recommended as it can negatively impact the texture and flavour of the dish, especially the basil.

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