Thai Basil Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Thai Basil Chicken is a quick and flavorful stir-fry that brings together tender chicken, aromatic garlic, and fresh basil leaves. This classic dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat and add a little oil. Stir-fry the sliced chicken with minced garlic until the chicken is cooked through and slightly browned.
- Step 2: Add the soy sauce and fresh basil leaves to the pan. Stir everything together until the basil is wilted and the chicken is well coated with the sauce. Serve hot with rice.
Tips & Variations
- Use Thai holy basil if you can find it for an authentic flavor, or substitute with sweet basil if not available.
- Adjust the soy sauce to taste or add a splash of fish sauce for a deeper umami flavor.
- Add a chopped chili pepper if you prefer a spicy kick.
Storage
Store leftover Thai Basil Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. The basil may lose some freshness after reheating, so you can add fresh basil when serving again.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast or thigh for this recipe?
Yes, both chicken breast and thigh work well. Thigh meat is juicier and more flavorful, while breast is leaner. Slice the chicken thinly for even cooking.
What can I serve with Thai Basil Chicken?
This dish goes great with steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice. You can also serve it alongside stir-fried vegetables or a light cucumber salad for a complete meal.
PrintThai Basil Chicken Recipe
Classic Thai Basil Chicken is a flavorful and aromatic stir-fry dish featuring tender chicken pieces cooked with fragrant garlic, savory soy sauce, and fresh Thai basil leaves. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner served over steamed rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 1 small chili, sliced (optional for heat)
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Thinly slice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic and wash the Thai basil leaves thoroughly.
- Heat the oil and garlic: In a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat, add the vegetable oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant and golden, about 30 seconds.
- Cook the chicken: Add the sliced chicken to the wok and stir-fry, stirring frequently, until it is cooked through and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add sauce and seasoning: Pour in the soy sauce and optional sugar and chili. Stir well to coat the chicken thoroughly with the sauce, cooking for another 1-2 minutes.
- Add basil leaves: Toss in the fresh Thai basil leaves and stir-fry everything together until the basil wilts and releases its aroma, about 1 minute.
- Serve hot: Remove from heat and serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice or your preferred side.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of chili to suit your preferred spice level or omit if you prefer a milder dish.
- Use dark soy sauce for a richer flavor and color, or light soy sauce for a lighter taste.
- For added depth, a splash of fish sauce can be included with the soy sauce.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or noodles.
- Cooking quickly on high heat preserves the texture and aroma of basil.
Keywords: Thai Basil Chicken, Stir-fry, Thai Recipe, Quick Dinner, Chicken Basil
