If you’re looking for a dish that’s going to ignite your taste buds and become a staple in your weeknight dinner lineup, look no further than Thai Basil Chicken. This dish is a flavor explosion, balancing the rich and aromatic blend of Thai ingredients with the ease of preparation that makes it a true culinary gem.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 10 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Delight: The combination of bird chilies, garlic, and Thai basil creates an unforgettable taste.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable for different dietary needs and preferences.
- Authentically Thai: Brings the bold and aromatic essence of Thai cuisine to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Thai Basil Chicken are simple yet essential, each bringing its own unique character to the dish. From the fiery Thai bird chilies to the aromatic basil, every element plays a critical role.
- Oil: Perfect for high-heat cooking, ensuring everything cooks evenly and doesn’t stick.
- Thai bird chilies: Bring the heat! Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
- Shallots: Add a mild, sweet onion flavor that balances out the spices.
- Garlic: A classic component in many Thai dishes, providing a robust base.
- Ground chicken: The protein that absorbs all the flavors, making the dish hearty and satisfying.
- Sugar or honey: Balances the spicy and savory elements with a hint of sweetness.
- Soy sauce and fish sauce: These essential sauces enhance savory and umami flavors.
- Chicken broth: Deglazes the pan, adding moisture and depth.
- Thai basil leaves: The star of the show, providing a sweet, peppery burst of flavor.
Variations
This recipe welcomes your creativity and dietary needs! Feel free to adapt the ingredients to suit your preferences without losing the soul of this delicious meal.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute ground chicken with firm tofu or a medley of vegetables for a plant-based option.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free twist.
- Milder Heat: Replace Thai bird chilies with mild chili varieties or reduce the amount used.
How to Make Thai Basil Chicken
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
In a wok over high heat, add the oil, sliced chilies, shallots, and garlic. Fry them for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes golden, releasing a fragrant aroma that will have everyone’s mouth watering.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Add the ground chicken to the wok, stir-frying for another 2 minutes. Use your spatula to break apart any chunks until the meat is browned and evenly coated with the aromatic flavors.
Step 3: Add Sauces and Deglaze
Incorporate sugar, soy sauce, and fish sauce, stirring well for one minute. Quickly deglaze the pan with chicken broth, allowing the high heat to evaporate excess liquid rapidly.
Step 4: Finish with Thai Basil
Finally, add the fresh Thai basil, stirring just until the leaves wilt. This blast of basil will transform the dish, elevating it to an authentic Thai creation ready to serve over steaming hot rice.
Pro Tips for Making Thai Basil Chicken
- Control the Heat: Adjust the number of chilies based on your spice tolerance. Start small, and add more until you find your perfect level of heat.
- Fresh Basil: Use fresh Thai basil leaves if available; they make a big difference in flavor over dried versions.
- High Heat Cooking: Keep the wok on high heat to ensure quick cooking and maintain the crispness of the ingredients.
- Serve Hot: For the best experience, serve the dish immediately while it’s hot, to enjoy the full spectrum of flavors.
How to Serve Thai Basil Chicken
Garnishes
Top with a few extra whole basil leaves or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added visual appeal and a slight flavor boost.
Side Dishes
Serve Thai Basil Chicken over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or with a side of fried rice. A fresh cucumber salad would complement it nicely, adding a refreshing crunch to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a creative twist, serve the chicken in lettuce cups as an appetizer or roll it into a wrap using flatbread for a fun fusion meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors meld beautifully over time, making for a delicious repeat meal.
Freezing
Freeze Thai Basil Chicken in a sealed container for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to refresh the dish. Stir occasionally until it’s heated through.
FAQs
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Can I use another type of meat instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, pork, or even beef can be used as a substitute for chicken in this dish. Simply adjust the cooking time as needed.
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What if I can’t find Thai basil?
If Thai basil is unavailable, you can use sweet basil as a substitute. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious!
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How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, substitute the ground chicken with firm tofu or a mix of your favorite vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms.
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Is Thai Basil Chicken spicy?
It can be! The level of spiciness mainly depends on the amount and type of chilies used. Adjust to your liking for a milder or spicier dish.
Final Thoughts
Thai Basil Chicken is more than just a dish; it’s a delightful experience packed with flavor and aroma, perfect for any night of the week. Let this recipe light up your dining table and win over the hearts (and taste buds) of your loved ones. Enjoy the culinary adventure, and don’t be surprised when this becomes a cherished favorite in your household!
Print
Thai Basil Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Stir-fry
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Description
Thai Basil Chicken (Gai Pad Krapow) is a flavorful and spicy stir-fry dish featuring ground chicken cooked with aromatic Thai herbs, chilies, and basil, served over steamed rice for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Meats & Oils
- 3 to 4 tablespoons oil
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 3 Thai bird chilies or holland chilies (de-seeded if desired and thinly sliced)
- 3 shallots (thinly sliced)
- 5 cloves garlic (sliced)
Proteins & Sauces
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 2 teaspoons sugar (or honey)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
Liquids & Herbs
- 1/3 cup low sodium chicken broth (or water)
- 1 bunch holy or Thai basil leaves
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Gather all ingredients and slice the chilies, shallots, garlic, and basil leaves to keep everything ready for quick cooking.
- Cook aromatics: In a wok or large skillet over high heat, add the oil, chilies, shallots, and garlic, and fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
- Add chicken: Add the ground chicken to the wok and stir-fry for about 2 minutes, breaking it into small bits until mostly cooked through.
- Add sauces and seasoning: Mix in the sugar, soy sauce, and fish sauce, stirring well to coat the chicken evenly. Continue stir-frying for another minute.
- Deglaze with broth: Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, stirring to incorporate, and cook until the liquid reduces quickly, approximately 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Add basil leaves: Turn off heat and stir in the basil leaves until wilted and fragrant. Serve immediately over steamed rice.
Notes
- Adjust the number of chilies according to your heat preference.
- You can substitute fresh Thai basil with Thai holy basil if available for more authentic flavor.
- To make it less spicy, deseed the chilies before slicing.
- Ensure the wok is hot enough for quick stir-frying to keep the ingredients flavorful and tender.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 294 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 933 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 98 mg
