Oh, the chaotic bliss of a bustling kitchen! Imagine the sizzle of garlic meeting oil, the aroma of fresh basil wafting through the air. This Thai basil chicken recipe—quick as a flash yet bursting with zest—whisks me back to last summer’s street markets in Bangkok. It’s like a dance of flavors, each bite a step in a lively tango you won’t want to miss.
Steps
- Gather all the ingredients needed for the recipe.
- In a bowl, blend together chicken broth, oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Heat a large skillet over high heat and add the oil. Stir fry the chopped chicken until it is no longer pink, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add the sliced shallots, minced garlic, and chilies to the skillet. Continue cooking on high heat until the juices begin to caramelize at the bottom, which should take another 2 or 3 minutes.
- Pour about a tablespoon of the sauce mixture into the skillet; cook and stir for about a minute until it starts to caramelize.
- Add the remaining sauce to the skillet. Stir continuously to deglaze the pan, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken, for another 1 or 2 minutes. Remove from the heat.
- Mix in the sliced basil, stirring until the basil wilts from the residual heat, which should take around 20 seconds.
- Serve the Thai basil chicken hot, accompanied by rice, and enjoy your meal.
Ingredients
- ? cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken thighs, coarsely chopped
- ¼ cup sliced shallots
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons minced Thai chilies, serrano, or other hot pepper
- 1 cup very thinly sliced fresh basil leaves
- 2 cups hot cooked rice
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1430 | Total Fat: 60g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 312mg | Sodium: 2364mg | Total Carbohydrate: 118g | Dietary Fiber: 2g | Total Sugars: 12g | Protein: 100g | Vitamin C: 62mg | Calcium: 198mg | Iron: 12mg | Potassium: 1340mg |
FAQ
- What is Thai Basil Chicken?
- Thai Basil Chicken, or Pad Krapow Gai, is a traditional Thai stir-fry dish featuring finely chopped or ground chicken cooked with chili peppers, garlic, and shallots. It’s seasoned with a sweet and salty sauce and finished with fresh basil, offering a harmonious blend of flavors.
- Can I use a different type of basil for this recipe?
- While the recipe traditionally uses Thai basil or holy basil, which have unique flavors, you can substitute with sweet basil as it is more commonly found in grocery stores. The dish will still be delicious with sweet basil’s peppery taste.
- How spicy is Thai Basil Chicken?
- The spiciness of this dish can be adjusted according to your preference. You can use Thai chilies, serrano chilies, or another hot pepper of your choice, and alter the quantity to suit your tolerance for heat.
- Is it necessary to use chicken thighs, or can I use another cut of chicken?
- Chef John suggests mincing skinless, boneless chicken thighs for their superior flavor and texture. However, if you prefer, you can use packaged ground chicken for convenience.
- How long does it take to prepare and cook Thai Basil Chicken?
- Preparing the ingredients takes about 15 minutes, and the cooking process is quick, only taking around 10 minutes. It’s a speedy dish perfect for a quick meal, especially when served with steamed rice.
Tips
- Prepare Ingredients in Advance: Make sure to have all your ingredients ready before you start cooking, as the stir-fry process is quick and requires your full attention.
- Maximize Flavor with Homemade Ground Chicken: For better flavor and texture, consider chopping or grinding your own chicken thighs instead of using pre-packaged ground chicken.
- Use the Right Heat Level: Customize the spice level by choosing your preferred type of hot pepper, and adjust the quantity based on your heat tolerance.
- Basil Selection Matters: While Thai or holy basil offers a unique flavor, sweet basil can be a good substitute if you’re unable to find the traditional types.
Equipment
- Large Skillet or Wok – A high-quality, large skillet or wok is essential for stir-frying the chicken and other ingredients efficiently.
- Sharp Chef’s Knife – For finely chopping or mincing chicken and other ingredients like shallots and chilies.
- Cutting Board – A sturdy cutting board is necessary for preparing ingredients.
- Mixing Bowl – A mixing bowl is needed for whisking together the sauce ingredients.
- Tongs or Spatula – Useful for stirring and tossing the ingredients while cooking.
