Spicy Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fry
This Spicy Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fry brings an explosion of flavors and vibrant colors to your table. Juicy, tender pieces of chicken breast are marinated in a savory blend of fish sauce and soy sauce, complemented by the aromatic essence of fresh basil and the intense heat of chili peppers. Serve it over steamed jasmine rice for a complete meal that’s quick to prepare yet deeply satisfying. While holy basil is traditionally used in this recipe, feel free to substitute with Thai or sweet basil, sweeping your taste buds on a delightful journey through the streets of Bangkok. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with your culinary skills!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
1 1/3 lbs (cut into 1-by-2-inch pieces (about 4 pieces))
Asian fish sauce (nam pla or nuoc mam)
2 tablespoons (available at Asian markets and many supermarkets)
Soy sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons
Water
1 tablespoon
Sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons
Cooking oil
2 tablespoons
Onion
1 large (cut into thin slices)
Fresh chili peppers
3 (seeds and ribs removed, cut into thin slices)
Garlic cloves
3 (minced)
Basil leaves
1 1/2 cups (lightly packed)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, soy sauce, water, and sugar until combined. Add the chicken pieces and ensure they are well coated with the marinade. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
2
Heat the cooking oil in a large nonstick frying pan or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3
Add the sliced onion and sauté for about 2 minutes until it begins to soften and becomes translucent.
4
Stir in the sliced chili peppers and minced garlic, cooking for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
5
Using a slotted spoon, remove the marinated chicken from the bowl and add it to the hot pan. Stir-fry the chicken for about 3 minutes, or until the chicken is nearly cooked through.
6
Pour in the remaining marinade and continue to cook for another 30 seconds, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
7
Remove the pan from heat and carefully fold in 1 cup of the basil leaves, letting them wilt slightly from the residual heat.
8
Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with the remaining 1/2 cup of fresh basil leaves before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fry?
It is a vibrant Thai dish featuring chicken breast marinated in fish sauce and soy sauce, stir-fried with onions, garlic, chilies, and fresh basil.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What type of chicken should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 1/3 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-by-2-inch pieces.
How long does the chicken need to marinate?
The chicken should marinate for at least 15 minutes.
What is in the marinade?
The marinade consists of fish sauce, soy sauce, water, and sugar.
Can I use a different type of basil?
Yes, while holy basil is traditional, you can substitute it with Thai or sweet basil.
How spicy is this dish?
The dish is designed to be spicy as it uses three fresh chili peppers with seeds and ribs removed.
What should I serve with this stir-fry?
It is best served over steamed jasmine rice for a complete meal.
How do I prepare the onions?
One large onion should be cut into thin slices.
How much fish sauce is required?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of Asian fish sauce (nam pla or nuoc mam).
What is the first step in cooking?
The first step is whisking together the marinade ingredients and coating the chicken.
What kind of oil is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends 2 tablespoons of cooking oil, heated until shimmering.
How long should I sauté the onions?
Sauté the onions for about 2 minutes until they begin to soften and become translucent.
How much garlic is needed?
You will need 3 minced garlic cloves.
When do I add the chili peppers and garlic?
Add them after the onions have softened, cooking for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
How do I add the chicken to the pan?
Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken from the marinade and add it to the hot pan.
How long do I stir-fry the chicken?
Stir-fry for about 3 minutes until the chicken is nearly cooked through.
What do I do with the leftover marinade?
Pour the remaining marinade into the pan after the chicken is mostly cooked and simmer for 30 seconds to thicken.
When is the basil added?
Remove the pan from the heat first, then fold in 1 cup of the basil leaves so they wilt slightly.
How is the dish garnished?
Garnish the stir-fry with the remaining 1/2 cup of fresh basil leaves before serving.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, as long as the chicken is fully thawed and patted dry before marinating.
What can I substitute for fish sauce?
While it changes the flavor profile, you can use additional soy sauce or a vegan fish sauce alternative if necessary.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Standard soy sauce contains gluten; use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make it gluten-free.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Only cook the garlic for 30 seconds and ensure the pan contains enough oil and moisture from the onions.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, bell peppers or snap peas would be great additions, though the cooking time may vary.
What equipment do I need?
A large nonstick frying pan or a wok is ideal for this stir-fry.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of sugar.
What is the total amount of basil used?
The recipe uses a total of 1 1/2 cups of lightly packed basil leaves.
Should I keep the seeds in the chilies?
The recipe suggests removing the seeds and ribs to manage the heat level, but you can keep them for extra spice.
Is this a quick meal?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as a quick meal and a one-pan dinner perfect for weeknights.