Description
Spicy Thai Basil Chicken brings a delicious explosion of flavor straight from Thailand’s street food scene to your dinner table. Tender chicken sizzles with aromatic basil, fiery chilies, and savory sauce, making your home kitchen feel like a bustling Bangkok street vendor’s spot.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 lb (454 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tsp sugar
Sauces and Oils:
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili paste
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
Optional:
- Chopped bell peppers or other vegetables
Instructions
- Combine 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 2 tablespoons chili paste, and 1 teaspoon sugar in a medium bowl to create your marinade.
- Slice 1 pound chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and thoroughly coat them in the marinade mixture. Let sit for 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Heat 2 tablespoons cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (375°F) until the surface appears shimmery and thin wisps of smoke appear.
- Mince 3 cloves of garlic and add them to the hot skillet. Sauté for precisely 45-60 seconds until fragrant and golden around edges.
- Transfer marinated chicken pieces into the skillet, spreading them in a single layer. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring every 90 seconds to ensure even browning.
- If using vegetables, add ½ cup chopped bell peppers now. Stir and cook for additional 2-3 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Remove skillet from heat and immediately fold in 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, allowing their aroma to release without wilting.
- Let the dish rest for 2 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving hot over steamed rice.
Notes
- Always marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes to let flavors deeply penetrate the meat and tenderize it.
- Chop garlic and herbs just before cooking to preserve their maximum freshness and aromatic qualities.
- Use a high-heat cooking method like a wok or cast-iron skillet to get that authentic Thai sear and crisp texture.
- For a lighter version, swap chicken for tofu and use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce overall sodium and calories.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Sautéed
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg