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Thai Basil Chicken: A Flavorful Recipe to Satisfy Your Cravings

This Thai Basil Chicken is a quick and delicious stir-fry made with tender chicken thighs, garlic, and fresh Thai basil. It’s a perfect blend of savory and spicy flavors, served over fluffy jasmine rice for a satisfying meal any night of the week.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 23 Thai bird’s eye chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, packed
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced (optional)
  • 1 onion, sliced (optional)
  • Cooked jasmine rice, for serving

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 15-20 minutes.
  2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  3. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and chopped bird’s eye chilies. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Add the marinated chicken to the skillet. Spread it out in a single layer and let it sear for about 2-3 minutes without stirring.
  5. After searing, stir the chicken well to cook through, about 5-7 minutes, until no longer pink in the center.
  6. If using, add the bell pepper and onion to the skillet. Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
  7. Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in the fresh Thai basil leaves. The residual heat will wilt the basil.
  8. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add more chopped chilies or a dash of chili sauce for extra heat if desired.
  9. Serve the Thai basil chicken hot over a bed of jasmine rice, garnished with extra basil leaves if desired.
  10. Relish your homemade Thai basil chicken, a delightful mix of savory, spicy, and aromatic flavors!

Notes

  • Substitute Thai basil with regular basil if unavailable, but note the flavor difference.
  • For a vegetarian option, replace chicken with tofu or a mix of vegetables.
  • Customize vegetables based on availability; broccoli, snap peas, or carrots work well.