Thai Basil Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Thai Basil Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken, fragrant garlic, and fresh Thai basil in a savory soy sauce blend. It’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you crave a taste of Thailand at home.
Ingredients
- Chicken (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat a pan over medium-high heat and cook the chicken pieces with minced garlic until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
- Step 2: Stir in the fresh Thai basil leaves and soy sauce, cooking until the basil wilts and the flavors combine well. Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier kick, add sliced fresh chili peppers or a dash of chili flakes when cooking the chicken.
- Substitute chicken with ground pork or tofu for different protein options.
- Serve over steamed jasmine rice for a complete meal.
Storage
Store leftover Thai Basil Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water if it feels dry.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular basil instead of Thai basil?
While Thai basil offers a distinct peppery and anise-like flavor, you can substitute it with sweet basil if needed, though the dish will have a slightly different taste.
Is this dish gluten-free?
The dish can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Check labels to ensure no gluten-containing ingredients are present.
PrintThai Basil Chicken Recipe
Thai Basil Chicken is a flavorful and aromatic stir-fried dish featuring tender chicken cooked with garlic and fresh Thai basil leaves, seasoned with savory soy sauce. This quick and easy recipe captures authentic Thai flavors, perfect for a delicious weeknight meal served over rice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients
For the Thai Basil Chicken
- 300g boneless chicken, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
For the Tartlet Shells
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Tartlet Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and sugar. Add the chilled, cubed butter and use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gather the dough, form it into a ball, and chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
- Shape and Bake the Tartlet Shells: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface and press into tartlet molds. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
- Cook the Chicken with Garlic: Heat a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a little oil, then sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the sliced chicken and cook, stirring frequently, until fully cooked and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in Basil and Soy Sauce: Add the fresh Thai basil leaves and soy sauce to the cooked chicken. Stir continuously until the basil wilts and the chicken is well coated with sauce, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat.
Notes
- If Thai basil is unavailable, sweet basil can be used as a substitute but flavor will be slightly different.
- Adjust soy sauce quantity to taste, especially if using a saltier brand.
- For a spicier dish, add chopped fresh chili or chili flakes when cooking the garlic.
- Tartlet shells can be filled with a variety of fillings beyond this chicken recipe.
Keywords: Thai Basil Chicken, Thai Recipe, Stir-Fry Chicken, Quick Thai Dinner, Basil Chicken Stir Fry
