Zesty Thai Basil Chicken Dish
Have you ever craved a dish that bursts with flavor, tantalizing your taste buds and igniting your senses? The Zesty Thai Basil Chicken Dish offers a vibrant explosion of aromatic herbs, spicy chilies, and succulent chicken. This delightful meal is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or an exciting gathering with friends.
As I reminisced about my first taste of this dish during a summer trip to Thailand, the memories flooded back. The street vendors expertly stir-fried the chicken in fragrant oil, infusing the air with enticing aromas that beckoned passersby. The moment I took my first bite, I was hooked. Now, I’m excited to share this experience with you through this easy-to-follow recipe. Prepare for an unforgettable flavor experience that will transport you straight to the bustling streets of Bangkok.
Key Ingredients For Zesty Thai Basil Chicken Dish
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Tender and juicy chicken thighs work best for this recipe as they absorb flavors beautifully.
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Fresh Thai Basil: Look for vibrant green leaves, as they lend an aromatic quality that defines the dish.
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Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add depth to the sauce; opt for firm cloves for maximum flavor.
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Red Bell Pepper: This adds sweetness and color; slice it thinly for even cooking.
For the Sauce:
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Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce allows better control over saltiness without sacrificing flavor.
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Oyster Sauce: This contributes a rich umami taste that enhances the overall profile of the dish.
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Sugar: A touch of sugar balances out the savory elements; brown sugar works particularly well.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Instructions For Zesty Thai Basil Chicken Dish
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
First Step : Prepare Your Ingredients
Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Wash the basil leaves thoroughly and set them aside to dry. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Second Step : Cook The Chicken
In a large skillet or wok, heat two tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in batches if necessary, ensuring they cook evenly. Stir-fry until golden brown and cooked through for about five to seven minutes.
Third Step : Add Aromatics
Add minced garlic and sliced red bell pepper to the skillet. Stir frequently for about one minute until fragrant. This step enhances the flavor profile while creating a beautiful aroma in your kitchen.
Fourth Step : Mix The Sauce
In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Stir until sugar dissolves completely. Pour this mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet.
Fifth Step : Incorporate The Basil
Add fresh Thai basil leaves to the pan last. Toss everything together quickly for about one minute or until basil wilts and releases its essential oils.
To serve: Transfer to plates and garnish with extra basil if desired. Enjoy this savory dish over steamed jasmine rice or noodles for an incredible meal.
Expert Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs like Thai basil make a significant difference in flavor; avoid dried alternatives.
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Adjust Spice Level: Feel free to add more chilies or crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicier kick.
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Don’t Overcook Chicken: Ensure you don’t overcook the chicken; aim for tender pieces that retain moisture.
Cooking Instructions
To create a mouthwatering Zesty Thai Basil Chicken Dish, follow these simple steps.
Start by marinating the chicken in soy sauce, fish sauce, and a hint of lime juice for at least 30 minutes. This step enhances the flavor and tenderness of the meat. While the chicken marinates, prepare your vegetables; chop bell peppers, onions, and garlic finely.
Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Next, introduce the marinated chicken to the wok, cooking it until it turns golden brown, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Add your chopped vegetables to the wok and stir-fry everything together for another 3-4 minutes. Finally, toss in fresh Thai basil leaves and give it a final stir to combine all the flavors beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
This Zesty Thai Basil Chicken Dish is best enjoyed with various sides that complement its vibrant flavors:
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: The fluffy rice absorbs the delicious sauce.
- Sautéed Greens: Fresh greens like bok choy or broccoli add a healthy crunch.
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad balances the dish’s zestiness.
Nutritional Information
The Zesty Thai Basil Chicken Dish is not only flavorful but also nutritious. It typically contains lean protein from chicken breast, essential vitamins from vegetables, and healthy fats from cooking oil. Each serving offers a good balance of macronutrients while being relatively low in calories when compared to other dishes.
Storage Tips
To keep your Zesty Thai Basil Chicken Dish fresh for later enjoyment, store it properly. Allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. The dish can be refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for up to one month.
When reheating, make sure to warm it on medium heat to retain its texture and flavor. Add a splash of water or broth if necessary to avoid dryness during reheating.
FAQs
What makes this Zesty Thai Basil Chicken Dish special?
This Zesty Thai Basil Chicken Dish is renowned for its bold flavors and aromatic ingredients. The combination of fresh basil with savory sauces creates an unforgettable taste experience. Additionally, using fresh ingredients helps enhance both flavor and nutrition.
Can I use other proteins for this Zesty Thai Basil Chicken Dish?
Absolutely! While chicken is traditional, you can substitute it with tofu for a vegetarian version or shrimp for seafood lovers. Just adjust cooking times accordingly; shrimp cooks quickly while tofu requires proper marination to absorb flavors.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This Zesty Thai Basil Chicken Dish is perfect for meal prep. Cook a larger batch and divide it into individual portions. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator or freezer for quick meals throughout the week.
How spicy is this Zesty Thai Basil Chicken Dish?
The spice level can vary based on personal preference. To keep it mild, omit any additional chili peppers or reduce their quantity significantly. For those who enjoy heat, feel free to add sliced bird’s eye chilies or chili paste during cooking!
Zesty Thai Basil Chicken Dish
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Zesty Thai Basil Chicken is a flavorful stir-fry that combines tender chicken thighs with fresh Thai basil, garlic, and vibrant bell peppers. This dish is perfectly balanced with savory sauces, delivering an unforgettable taste experience that transports you to the bustling streets of Thailand. Ideal for any mealtime, this recipe is quick to prepare and sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced thinly
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp brown sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by cutting it into bite-sized pieces and seasoning lightly with salt and pepper.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken in batches if necessary, cooking until golden brown (5-7 minutes).
- Stir in minced garlic and sliced bell pepper; cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, and brown sugar until dissolved. Pour over chicken and vegetables.
- Add fresh basil leaves last; toss everything together for about one minute until basil wilts. Serve over steamed jasmine rice or noodles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
