| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 492 | 13g | 3g | 57g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 4g | 43g | 1.35g |
Every now and then, I find myself gravitating back to a recipe that is as vibrant and aromatic as the Golden State itself, and that’s when I know it’s time to prepare the delightful Holy Basil Chicken Stir-fry! Born and raised amidst the sunny valleys of California, I have learned to appreciate the rich tapestry of flavors that well-balanced, nutrient-filled dishes can offer, and this dish is no exception.
A Fusion of Health and Flavor
As a mother of three adopted children and a food enthusiast, I am always in pursuit of dishes that are not only rich in flavor, but also packed with all the good stuff that our bodies need. When it comes to our beloved Holy Basil Chicken Stir-fry, there’s a harmony of proteins from the chicken and an array of vitamins and minerals from the fresh vegetables. It’s a perfect blend of health-conscious West Coast nutrition with a dash of classic American comfort, just like many Thai-Inspired stir-fry dishes.
The Quintessential Stir-Fry Experience
In this recipe, the sweet crispness of red bell peppers wonderfully complements the tender chicken slices and the flavorsome holy basil leaves. The kick of red pepper flakes, coupled with the savory sweetness brought on by the brown sugar and sauces, help strike a delightful balance. Moreover, the dish’s versatility is another of its strong suits. It can be beautifully paired with a simple bowl of jasmine rice or even some sautéed greens for an extra serving of vegetables.
Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen, an experienced cook, or a loving parent like me looking to put a hearty and healthy meal on the table, the Holy Basil Chicken Stir-fry is a gratifying culinary experience that can be shared with your loved ones. It’s a testament to the balance of health and flavor, the fusion of West Coast and classic American, and the love for good food that plays a big role in bringing people together.
I’m certain that once you try this recipe, it might just become your new favorite go-to weeknight dinner just like it has become mine. Whether you’re from California or not, the Holy Basil Chicken Stir-fry brings a piece of the sunny West Coast right to your plate, for a meal that is as comforting as it is nutritious.
What You’ll Need
- 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 cup of fresh Holy Basil leaves
- 2 large red bell peppers, cut into thin strips
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup of chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons of fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water
- Red pepper flakes to taste (optional)
- 1 cup of sliced carrots (optional)
- 2 cups of jasmine rice, cooked
Method
Step One
Start by thinly slicing 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Also, cut 2 large red bell peppers into thin strips and thinly slice 1 large yellow onion. If you’re using them, slice 1 cup of carrots.
Step Two
Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken to the pan and cook until it’s thoroughly browned. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
Step Three
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, add the sliced bell peppers, onions, carrots (if using), and 4 cloves of finely chopped garlic. Stir fry these ingredients until they’re tender, which will take approximately 5 minutes.
Step Four
Return the cooked chicken to the pan and add 1/2 cup of chicken broth, 3 tablespoons of fish sauce, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar. Stir everything together to combine.
Step Five
In a separate bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until it’s smooth. Then, pour this mixture into the stir-fry while stirring constantly. This will create a sauce that thickens as it cooks.
Step Six
Let everything cook for another 2 to 3 minutes so the sauce can thicken. If you’d like it to be a bit spicy, you can add red pepper flakes to taste at this point.
Step Seven
Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the pan from the heat and stir in 1 cup of fresh Holy Basil leaves.
Step Eight
Serve the Holy Basil Chicken Stir-fry over cooked jasmine rice. Enjoy while it’s still hot.
