Spicy Thai Basil Chicken

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 15 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Spicy Thai Basil Chicken is a flavorful dish that brings the heat and aroma of Thai cuisine right to your kitchen. With its vibrant ingredients and quick cooking time, it's perfect for a weeknight dinner that doesn't skimp on taste.

Ingredients for Spicy Thai Basil Chicken

Chicken breast provides a lean protein base that absorbs the sauce flavors beautifully. The vegetable oil is your frying medium, essential for stir-frying at high heat. Garlic adds depth and aroma, while Thai bird chilies bring the heat. Fresh holy basil leaves are the star, offering a unique, peppery flavor. Soy sauce, fish sauce, and oyster sauce create a savory, umami-rich blend. A touch of sugar balances the flavors. Onion and red bell pepper add sweetness and crunch, and finally, lime wedges provide a refreshing finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you can't find holy basil, Thai basil or even regular basil will do in a pinch.
  • Adjust the number of Thai bird chilies based on your heat tolerance. Removing the seeds can also reduce spiciness.
  • Use a high smoke point oil like canola or peanut oil if you don’t have vegetable oil.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, which absorbs the flavors beautifully. For a low-carb option, serve it over cauliflower rice or a bed of sautéed greens like bok choy or spinach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and add more flavor. Just adjust cooking times as needed.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Be sure to press the tofu to remove excess moisture before cooking.

Spicy Thai Basil Chicken Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating up your wok over medium-high heat and adding the vegetable oil. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the minced garlic and Thai chilies. Stir-fry them quickly, just until they’re fragrant. This should take about 30 seconds to a minute, so stay close to avoid burning.

Next, add the sliced chicken breast to the wok. Spread it out to ensure even cooking. Let it sit for a moment, then stir occasionally until it’s browned on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

Once the chicken is browned, add the onion and red bell pepper. Stir-fry these until they start to soften, which should take a couple of minutes.

With your veggies softened, it’s time to add the heart of the sauce: the soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Pour them over the chicken and veggies, stirring everything to coat in that savory goodness.

Finally, toss in the holy basil leaves. Stir them through until they're wilted, which happens quickly. This step is key as it releases the basil's aromatic oils into the dish.

Serve your spicy creation hot, with lime wedges on the side for that extra zing.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Packed with authentic Thai flavors that invigorate your taste buds.
  • Quick and easy to make, perfect for a busy weeknight.
  • Uses fresh, simple ingredients you can find in most grocery stores.
  • Customizable heat level to suit your spice preference.

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast, sliced thinly
2 tbsp vegetable oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
3-4 Thai bird chilies, sliced
1 cup fresh holy basil leaves
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp fish sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tsp sugar
1/2 cup onion, sliced thinly
1/4 cup red bell pepper, sliced
1 lime, cut into wedges for serving

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add minced garlic and Thai chilies, stir-fry until fragrant.
3. Add sliced chicken breast and cook until browned on all sides.
4. Stir in onion and red bell pepper, cooking until softened.
5. Mix in the soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar, stirring to combine.
6. Toss in the holy basil leaves and mix well until they are wilted.
7. Serve hot with lime wedges on the side.

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