Spicy Thai Basil Chicken

This Spicy Thai Basil Chicken is a vibrant dish that combines the bold flavors of Thailand with the simplicity of stir-frying. It’s packed with aromatic basil leaves, fiery chilies, and tender pieces of chicken, making it an unforgettable meal for those who love spicy food.

Preparation Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

20 minutes

Serving Size:

4 servings

Description:

This dish is a whirlwind of flavors, with the sweetness of bell peppers and onions complemented by the heat from dried chilies and fresh Thai basil. The chicken is marinated briefly in soy sauce and rice vinegar to infuse it with flavor before being stir-fried until golden brown.

Ingredients:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, sliced thinly
1 green bell pepper, sliced thinly
1 small onion, sliced thinly
3-4 dried Thai chilies (adjust to taste)
1/2 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, torn into pieces
2 tbsp vegetable oil or peanut oil
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tsp sugar
1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)

How To Cook:

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix chicken pieces with soy sauce and rice vinegar. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes.
Cook the Vegetables: Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add garlic and dried chilies; stir-fry until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
Add bell peppers and onion to the pan, stirring frequently for about 2 minutes.
Cook the Chicken: Remove vegetables from the skillet using a slotted spoon and set aside. Add chicken pieces to the same skillet; cook until golden brown on all sides (about 5-7 minutes).
Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked vegetables to the pan with the chicken. Stir in sugar, oyster sauce (if using), salt, and pepper.
Add Thai basil leaves and stir-fry for another minute until fragrant.
Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles if desired.

Tips:

For a milder version of this dish, use fewer dried chilies or substitute with fresh red chili peppers.
If you don’t have Thai basil, regular sweet basil can be used as a substitute but the flavor profile will differ slightly.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 275
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fat: 10g
Sodium: 650mg

Variations:

Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with extra-firm tofu or a variety of vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and snap peas.
Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions:

This Spicy Thai Basil Chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or noodles. Garnish with extra chopped basil and a squeeze of lime juice for an added burst of flavor.