- Spicy Thai Basil Chicken

$- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs or breast - 3 tablespoons vegetable oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2-3 Thai bird's eye chilies, sliced - 1 red bell pepper, julienned - 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon oyster sauce - 1 tablespoon fish sauce - 1 tablespoon sugar - 1 teaspoon black pepper - Cooked jasmine rice for serving Tips for slicing chicken When slicing chicken, use a sharp knife. Cut against the grain for tender pieces. Aim for thin, even slices. This helps the chicken cook quickly and evenly. How to handle Thai bird's eye chilies safely Wear gloves when slicing bird's eye chilies. Their heat can linger on your hands. If you touch your face, it may sting. After slicing, wash your hands well. You can adjust the number of chilies based on your spice level. More chilies mean more heat! 1. Heat the oil: Start by heating 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. 2. Sauté garlic and chilies: Once the oil is hot, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 2-3 sliced Thai bird's eye chilies. Stir and sauté for about 30 seconds. This step makes your kitchen smell amazing. 3. Stir-fry the chicken: Increase the heat to high. Add 1 lb of thinly sliced boneless chicken thighs or breasts. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and slightly browned. 4. Add vegetables: Toss in 1 julienned red bell pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the pepper is tender but still crisp. 5. Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Pour this sauce over the chicken and veggies in the skillet. 6. Coat everything: Toss everything together until the chicken and veggies are evenly coated in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to let the flavors meld. 1. Add fresh basil: Off the heat, add 1 cup of fresh Thai basil leaves. Stir until just wilted. This adds a fresh taste that makes the dish special. 2. Serving suggestions: Serve your Spicy Thai Basil Chicken over fluffy cooked jasmine rice. For a pop of color, garnish with extra basil leaves and a slice of lime on the side. This makes for a fun and tasty meal. For precise measurements and methods, check the Full Recipe. To make your Spicy Thai Basil Chicken just right, adjust the spice levels to your taste. If you like it hot, use more bird's eye chilies. If you prefer mild, start with one chili. You can always add more later. For marinating chicken, let it sit in soy sauce and garlic for at least 30 minutes. This step adds a deep flavor. If you have time, marinate overnight for the best taste. When serving Spicy Thai Basil Chicken, fluffy jasmine rice is the best side. It balances the spice well. You can also add a simple cucumber salad for crunch and freshness. Pair this dish with a chilled Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc. These wines complement the spice and enhance the flavors. If you prefer something non-alcoholic, a lightly sweet iced tea works great too. For the full recipe, check out the cooking steps above. Enjoy your meal! {{image_2}} If you want to switch things up, consider these options for the chicken: - Pork: Thinly sliced pork works well in this dish. - Tofu: Firm tofu absorbs flavors and gives a nice texture. - Tempeh: A great protein source with a nutty taste. For vegetarian or vegan options, use these substitutes: - Mushrooms: Shiitake or portobello mushrooms add a rich flavor. - Seitan: This wheat-based meat alternative is chewy and satisfying. You can enhance the flavors by adding other vegetables. Here are some ideas: - Carrots: Julienne them for a sweet crunch. - Snow peas: They add color and a nice snap. - Broccoli: Use small florets for extra nutrition. When it comes to soy sauce, consider this: - Tamari: This gluten-free option is richer and great for those with gluten allergies. These variations keep the dish exciting and cater to different diets. You can find the full recipe to try them all! To keep your Spicy Thai Basil Chicken fresh, follow these steps: - Refrigeration: After cooking, let the chicken cool. Place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the chicken. Portion it in freezer-safe bags. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheating should keep your meal tasty. Here are some great methods: - Stovetop: Heat a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth. Stir in the chicken, warming it gently. - Microwave: Place the chicken in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts to avoid overcooking. - Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish with a bit of water. Cover with foil and warm for about 10-15 minutes. Try these tips to enjoy every bite of your Spicy Thai Basil Chicken again! What can I use instead of Thai basil? If you cannot find Thai basil, use regular basil or sweet basil. You can also try a mix of mint and oregano for a fresh flavor. These options will change the taste a bit but still taste good. How can I make this dish less spicy? To lower the spice, use fewer Thai bird's eye chilies. You can also remove the seeds from the chilies. Consider adding bell peppers or carrots to balance the heat. A touch of sugar can help too. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can make this dish ahead. Cook the chicken and sauce, then store it in the fridge. Reheat it when you're ready to eat. Just add the fresh basil right before serving for the best taste. What should I serve with Spicy Thai Basil Chicken? Serve this dish over jasmine rice for a nice pairing. You can also add a side of stir-fried vegetables or a light cucumber salad to balance the flavors. Calories and key nutritional facts One serving of Spicy Thai Basil Chicken has around 350 calories. It packs protein from the chicken and healthy fats from the oil. The dish also provides fiber and vitamins from the vegetables. Potential allergens in the recipe This recipe contains soy sauce, which has soy. It also has fish sauce, so it's not suitable for those with seafood allergies. If you're allergic to any of these, look for alternatives. In this article, we explored how to make Spicy Thai Basil Chicken. We covered essential ingredients, preparation tips, and step-by-step cooking instructions. I shared ways to adjust flavors and discussed storage methods for leftovers. Remember, cooking is all about trying new things. Don't hesitate to tweak this dish to suit your taste. Enjoy your cooking adventure, and serve this dish with enthusiasm!$

Experience a burst of flavor with this delicious Spicy Thai Basil Chicken recipe! Featuring tender chicken, aromatic garlic, and fresh Thai basil, this dish is a perfect blend of spices that will tantalize your taste buds. Ready in just 20 minutes and best served over fluffy jasmine rice, it's a quick weeknight dinner idea. Click through to discover the full recipe and impress your family tonight!

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Ingredients

1 lb (450g) boneless chicken thighs or breast, thinly sliced

3 tablespoons vegetable oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

2-3 Thai bird's eye chilies, sliced (adjust for spice level)

1 red bell pepper, julienned

1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon oyster sauce

1 tablespoon fish sauce

1 tablespoon sugar

1 teaspoon black pepper

Cooked jasmine rice for serving

Instructions

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

Add minced garlic and sliced chilies to the skillet, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Increase the heat to high and add the sliced chicken to the skillet. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and slightly browned.

Add the julienned red bell pepper and cook for another 2-3 minutes until slightly tender.

In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and black pepper. Pour this sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet.

Toss everything together until evenly coated in the sauce, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Finally, add the fresh Thai basil leaves and stir until just wilted.

Remove from heat and serve over jasmine rice.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the Spicy Thai Basil Chicken over a mound of fluffy jasmine rice, garnishing with additional basil leaves and a slice of lime on the side for a pop of color.