Description
Whipping up thai basil chicken brings a speedy dinner solution that zings with authentic Thai street food flavor. Sizzling garlic, chili peppers, and fragrant basil create a quick protein-packed meal your family will devour in minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 2 shallots
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 red chili
- 1 bell pepper
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Warm 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large wok over medium-high heat for 30 seconds until shimmering.
- Drop minced garlic and sliced shallots into hot oil, stirring quickly for exactly 1 minute until their aroma fills your kitchen.
- Add 1 lb chicken strips to the wok, spreading them across the surface to maximize browning for 5-7 minutes.
- Toss chicken occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking, waiting until pieces turn golden and crisp.
- Incorporate sliced red chili and bell pepper into the wok, stirring continuously for 2-3 minutes until vegetables soften slightly.
- Whisk together 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon fish sauce, 1 teaspoon sugar, and ¼ cup chicken broth in a separate bowl.
- Pour sauce mixture over chicken and vegetables, stirring to coat every piece evenly and create a glossy finish.
- Simmer sauce for 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and slightly thicken.
- Drop 1 cup fresh basil leaves into the wok, gently tossing until leaves wilt and release their fragrant oils.
- Taste and sprinkle salt and pepper as needed for final seasoning.
- Serve immediately over steaming jasmine rice, capturing all the vibrant flavors.
Notes
- Check chicken for even, bite-sized strips to ensure consistent cooking and tender texture.
- Use fresh Thai basil for authentic flavor, but regular basil works if Thai basil isn’t available.
- Keep wok or skillet super hot to create that classic stir-fry sear and prevent soggy vegetables.
- For a gluten-free version, swap soy sauce with tamari and use gluten-free oyster sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-16 minutes
- Category: Sautéed
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg