Spicy Thai Basil Chicken

$- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, thinly sliced - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2-3 Thai bird’s eye chilies, minced - 1 cup fresh basil leaves (Thai basil preferred) The chicken breast is the star of this dish. I prefer to slice it thinly. This helps it cook quickly and evenly. Garlic adds a nice, bold flavor. Use fresh garlic for the best taste. Thai bird’s eye chilies bring heat. Adjust the amount based on your spice level. The fresh basil adds a fragrant touch that makes this dish special. - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon fish sauce - 1 tablespoon oyster sauce - 1 teaspoon sugar Sauces are key for flavor. Soy sauce gives a savory taste. Fish sauce adds depth and umami. Oyster sauce brings a sweet, rich flavor. The sugar balances the salty notes and enhances the overall taste. Mix them well to get a great sauce. - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces Vegetables add color and crunch. The red bell pepper is sweet and bright. Green beans provide a nice texture. Together, they make the dish look appealing. Plus, the veggies keep it healthy! - Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. - Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 2-3 minced Thai bird’s eye chilies. Sauté them for about 30 seconds until they smell great. - Toss in 1 lb of thinly sliced chicken breast. Stir-fry it until it turns golden brown, which takes about 4-5 minutes. - Next, add 1 sliced red bell pepper and 1 cup of trimmed green beans cut into 2-inch pieces. Stir-fry these for another 3-4 minutes until the veggies are tender but still crisp. - In a small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. - Pour this sauce over the chicken and veggies in the skillet. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Cook for 2 more minutes to meld the flavors. - Finally, remove from heat and fold in 1 cup of fresh basil leaves until they wilt slightly. Serve your Spicy Thai Basil Chicken hot over cooked jasmine rice. To make the chicken tender, use thin slices. This helps it cook quickly and evenly. Heat the skillet or wok until hot before adding the oil. This gives the chicken a nice sear. Stir-fry the chicken in small batches if your pan is small. This keeps it from steaming. For cutting vegetables, keep them uniform in size. This ensures even cooking. Slice the bell pepper into thin strips. Cut green beans into two-inch pieces. This makes them easy to eat and cook perfectly. Always choose Thai basil for authentic flavor. It has a unique taste that regular basil lacks. If you can’t find Thai basil, use regular basil as a last resort. To adjust spice levels, start with one chili. Taste the dish, then add more if you like it hotter. Remember, Thai bird’s eye chilies pack a punch! Serve Spicy Thai Basil Chicken over jasmine rice. The fluffy rice soaks up the flavors well. You can also use sticky rice for a fun twist. Pair this dish with other Thai favorites. Consider spring rolls or a fresh salad. These will add crunch and balance to your meal. {{image_2}} You can switch the chicken for shrimp or tofu in this dish. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice flavor. If you choose tofu, use firm tofu for the best texture. Simply cut it into cubes and sauté it just like the chicken. You can also use beef or pork if you prefer. Just cut them thin and follow the same cooking steps. To make a plant-based version, focus on vegetables. You can use mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. These add great taste and texture. Try using a mix of your favorites. For protein, you can add more tofu or even chickpeas. They absorb the flavors well and make the dish filling. To boost the flavor, consider adding more spices. A pinch of cumin or coriander can add depth. If you want more heat, try adding more bird's eye chilies or even some chili flakes. You can also explore different sauces. Instead of fish sauce, use soy sauce or coconut aminos for a vegan twist. Each choice will give the dish a unique taste. To store leftovers, first let the chicken cool to room temperature. Then, place it in a container. Use an airtight container to keep the flavors fresh. You can use glass or plastic containers. Both work well, but glass is more eco-friendly. Make sure to eat the leftovers within three days for the best taste. When reheating, avoid the microwave for best results. Instead, use a skillet or pan. Heat on low to medium heat. This method maintains the flavor and texture. Stir gently to warm it evenly. If the dish looks dry, add a splash of water or broth. This keeps it moist and tasty. Yes, you can freeze Spicy Thai Basil Chicken! First, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. Reheat in a skillet as mentioned earlier. Enjoy your meal any time! What can I substitute for fish sauce? If you need a fish sauce substitute, use soy sauce or tamari. Both give a savory flavor. You can also mix soy sauce with a bit of lime juice. This mix mimics the taste well. Can I make this dish gluten-free? Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free. Use gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce. Check that the oyster sauce is also gluten-free. This way, you keep all the great flavors. How spicy is Spicy Thai Basil Chicken? The spice level of this dish depends on the chilies used. Thai bird’s eye chilies bring a lot of heat. If you prefer less spice, use fewer chilies. You can also remove the seeds for less heat. Can I use ground meat instead of sliced chicken? Yes, you can use ground meat. Ground chicken or turkey works well. Just cook it until it's browned before adding the veggies and sauces. This keeps the recipe simple and fast. Where can I find Thai bird’s eye chilies? You can find Thai bird’s eye chilies at Asian grocery stores. Look in the fresh produce section. If they're not available, use jalapeños as a milder option. What’s the best type of basil to use? Thai basil is the best choice for this dish. It has a unique flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients. If you can't find Thai basil, regular basil works too, but the taste will be different. This blog post covers a delicious Spicy Thai Basil Chicken recipe. We explored key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and helpful tips. Using chicken, fresh basil, and hot chilies gives this dish its bold flavor. You can customize it by switching proteins or enhancing flavors with extra spices. Remember to store leftovers properly to keep them fresh. With these insights and variations, you can create a fantastic meal. Enjoy cooking this tasty dish!$

Unlock the flavors of Thailand with this easy Spicy Thai Basil Chicken recipe! Packed with tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and aromatic basil, this dish is sure to tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it takes just 20 minutes from prep to plate. Dive into the step-by-step instructions, and enjoy a delicious meal served over fluffy jasmine rice.

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Ingredients

1 lb (450g) chicken breast, thinly sliced

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

2-3 Thai bird’s eye chilies, minced (adjust for heat preference)

1 red bell pepper, sliced

1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon fish sauce

1 tablespoon oyster sauce

1 teaspoon sugar

1 cup fresh basil leaves (Thai basil preferred)

Cooked jasmine rice, for serving

Instructions

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

Add minced garlic and chilies, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Toss in the sliced chicken breast and stir-fry until it turns golden brown, about 4-5 minutes.

Add the sliced red bell pepper and green beans, stir-frying for another 3-4 minutes until the veggies are tender-crisp.

In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Pour this mixture into the skillet, stirring to ensure all ingredients are coated evenly.

Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Remove from heat and fold in the fresh basil leaves until they wilt slightly.

Serve the Spicy Thai Basil Chicken hot over cooked jasmine rice.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4