Imagine a dish that transports you straight to the bustling street markets of Thailand, where sizzling woks and aromatic herbs create culinary magic. Our Thai Basil Chicken recipe is not just a meal—it's a sensory adventure that will revolutionize your home cooking! With its perfect balance of savory chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and the intoxicating aroma of fresh basil, this stir-fry will have your taste buds dancing and your family begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Thai
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs, sliced
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Slice the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and set aside. Wash the fresh basil leaves and pat them dry. Slice the bell pepper into thin strips. Mince the garlic cloves and have them ready.
- In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce and oyster sauce. Mix well and set aside. This will be your stir-fry sauce.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to get hot but not smoking.
- Add the minced garlic to the hot oil. Stir-fry the garlic for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Next, add the sliced chicken thighs to the skillet. Stir-fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until it is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Make sure to stir frequently to ensure even cooking.
- Once the chicken is cooked, add the sliced bell pepper to the skillet. Continue to stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until the bell pepper is tender but still crisp.
- Pour the prepared stir-fry sauce over the chicken and bell pepper mixture. Stir well to coat everything evenly with the sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Finally, add the fresh basil leaves to the skillet. Gently toss them with the chicken and vegetables until the basil is wilted and fragrant, which should take about 1 minute.
- Remove the skillet from heat and serve the stir-fry hot. This dish pairs well with steamed jasmine rice or noodles. Enjoy your delicious Thai Basil Chicken!
Tips
- Prep is Key: Have all ingredients chopped and ready before you start cooking. Stir-frying moves quickly, so mise en place is crucial.
- High Heat, Quick Cooking: Use a wok or large skillet and keep the heat high to achieve that authentic stir-fry char and prevent soggy vegetables.
- Fresh Basil Matters: Use fresh Thai basil if possible. Add it at the very end to preserve its bright flavor and aromatic qualities.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary to ensure each piece of chicken gets a nice sear.
- Adjust Sauce to Taste: Feel free to add a touch of chili sauce or sriracha if you want extra heat.Pro tip: For the most tender chicken, slice the thighs against the grain and let them sit with a quick marinade of soy sauce for 10 minutes before cooking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 176kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 50mg