| Prep: 25 mins | Cook: 15 mins – 20 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 530 | 15g | 4g | 50g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 7g | 2g | 58g | 1.2g |
There’s something magical about the vibrant flavors of this Thai Basil Chicken recipe. I fell in love with it the moment I laid my eyes and taste buds on it. And it wasn’t just because it was fantastic on the palate but, it’s an embodiment of what I love most about cooking: bringing together varied ingredients to create a mouth-watering masterpiece.
A Southern Twist on a Thai Classic
Being a Southern belle, my dishes predominantly orbit around biscuits, fried chicken, fresh seafood, and other foods that showcase Southern comfort. Although Thai Basil Chicken isn’t a part of traditional Southern cuisine, I can’t help but appreciate the aromatic, spicy, and umami-rich depth of this concoction.
It’s not unlike the Southern stews I grew up with – a great big melting pot of flavors and ingredients, united by love and attention to detail. What’s more, this recipe could be a fantastic complementary dish to a Southern seafood boil – adding some international flair to your classic low-country feast!
Health Benefits and Flavor Galore
Beyond its delightful taste, Thai basil chicken brings a myriad of health benefits to the table. The fresh Thai Basil leaves, a crucial component of this dish, are an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin A, and beta-carotene. They also contain iron, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids (source). So while you’re indulging in these incredible flavors, you’re also doing your body a favor!
Let’s not forget about the dose of lean protein you’re getting from the chicken. And the varied assortment of minerals in the soy and fish sauce. Even the garlic and chilies come with their unique bundle of health benefits.
A Dish to Remember
Every slice of chicken simmered in that fragrant Thai basil sauce, every spoonful of rice soaked in the savory mixture, every hint of the garlic rush, and every heat kick from the chilies is a celebration of flavor. Thai Basil Chicken is a dish that stands out in a meal and remains entrenched in memory long after the dinner plates have been cleaned.
So, if you’re looking to explore new cuisines or just want to brighten up your weeknight dinner, do give this Thai Basil Chicken recipe a try. And remember, no matter where you are, great food is just a recipe away!
What You’ll Need
- 3 lbs chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2/3 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 Thai chilies, seeds removed and chopped
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup onions, chopped
- 3 cups jasmine rice, cooked
Method
Step One
Start by preparing your ingredients. Chop your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Remove seeds from the Thai chilies and chop them. Mince your garlic cloves. Measure out your sauces and sugar. Chop the bell pepper and onions. Lastly, pluck fresh Thai basil leaves until you have about 2/3 of a cup.
Step Two
Next, heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and chopped chilies, sautéing them until they’re fragrant but not burnt.
Step Three
Add the chopped chicken to the pan. Sauté it along with the garlic and chilies, stirring frequently, until the chicken is cooked through, for around 7-8 minutes.
Step Four
Now add the chopped bell peppers and onions to the pan. Stir well to mix with the chicken, chilies, and garlic. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the onions and peppers have softened.
Step Five
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and white sugar. Stir these ingredients together until the sugar has dissolved. Then, pour this sauce over the chicken, onions, and peppers in the pan. Stir well to ensure every piece of chicken and vegetable is covered in sauce. Let this simmer for a few minutes for the flavors to meld together.
Step Six
Finally, stir in the fresh Thai basil leaves. Let them wilt in the heat of the pan for a minute or two. Then, remove the pan from the heat.
Step Seven
Serve the Thai Basil Chicken hot over cooked jasmine rice. Enjoy!
