If you're craving a quick and flavorful meal that transports your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of Thailand, look no further than this Thai Style Basil Chicken! In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a delicious dish that features tender ground chicken, aromatic garlic, and the unmistakable freshness of basil. With a hint of heat from red chili and the umami richness of soy and oyster sauce, this recipe is sure to become a weeknight favorite. Ready to impress your family or guests with a taste of Thailand? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Thai
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 red chili, sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping fresh basil leaves, mincing garlic, and slicing red chili (if using).
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers and becomes hot.
- Add minced garlic to the hot oil and stir-fry quickly for 30 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic, which can create a bitter taste.
- Add ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula to create small, even pieces.
- Cook the ground chicken for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the meat is completely cooked through and no longer pink.
- Pour in soy sauce and oyster sauce, stirring to coat the chicken evenly and allow the sauces to caramelize slightly.
- Add sliced red chili (if using) for additional heat and flavor.
- Remove the skillet from heat and immediately fold in fresh basil leaves, allowing them to wilt slightly from the residual heat.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed with additional soy sauce or a pinch of salt.
- Serve hot over steamed jasmine rice, garnishing with extra fresh basil leaves if desired.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your garlic and basil leaves in advance. This will make the cooking process smoother and faster.
- Control the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, feel free to omit the red chili or use less than the recipe calls for. You can always add more spice later!
- Use Fresh Basil: Fresh basil is key to achieving that authentic Thai flavor. Make sure to use it right before serving for maximum freshness.
- Don’t Overcook the Garlic: Keep a close eye on the garlic while sautéing. It should be fragrant and golden, but not burnt, as burnt garlic can ruin the dish.
- Perfect Pairing: Serve your basil chicken over steamed jasmine rice for a complete meal. The rice soaks up the delicious sauce perfectly!
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra color and nutrition. Just stir-fry them before adding the chicken.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste your dish before serving and adjust the seasoning with more soy sauce or a pinch of salt to suit your preference.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 90mg
