Thai Basil Chicken

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Thai Basil Chicken is a quick and tasty dish you can make at home in just 15 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful but don’t have much time. This recipe brings the taste of Thailand to your kitchen with its spicy, garlicky, and savory flavors.

You’ll love how easy it is to make this stir-fry. The ingredients are simple and easy to find. You’ll need chicken thighs, Thai basil, garlic, chili, and a few sauces to create the perfect balance of flavors. Serve it over steamed jasmine rice for a complete meal that’s sure to impress.

Exact Ingredients List

You’ll need these items to make Thai Basil Chicken:

Main Ingredients:

  • 225g (7oz) skinless boneless chicken thigh fillets, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1 green onion, cut into 4cm (2″) lengths
  • 1 cup loosely packed Thai basil leaves (Holy Basil if you can find it)
  • 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1 birds eye or Thai chilli, deseeded and finely chopped
  • 1 1/2 tbsp oil (peanut, vegetable or canola)

Sauce:

  • 2 tsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tsp light soy sauce
  • 1 tsp dark soy sauce (or all purpose)
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 2 tbsp water

For Serving:

  • Steamed jasmine rice

This recipe makes 2 servings. You can easily double or triple the amounts if you’re cooking for more people. Make sure to have all your ingredients ready before you start cooking, as this stir-fry comes together quickly!

Instructions

Mix the sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Set it aside.

Heat oil in a wok or large pan over high heat. Add garlic and chili. Cook for 10 seconds. Be careful not to breathe in the spicy fumes!

Toss in the white parts of the green onion and chicken. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.

Pour in the sauce. Let it bubble for 1 minute. The sauce will thicken and become glossy.

Add the green parts of the onion and basil leaves. Stir quickly until the leaves just start to wilt.

Serve right away with steamed jasmine rice. Enjoy your homemade Thai Basil Chicken!

Tips:

  • Cut all ingredients before you start cooking.
  • Have your rice ready when you begin stir-frying.
  • The cooking process is fast, so stay by the stove.

Possible Substitutes List

Can’t find Thai basil for your chicken stir-fry? No worries! Here are some tasty alternatives you can use:

• Sweet basil: This common variety works well in a pinch. It’s easier to find and still gives your dish a nice herb flavor.

• Italian basil: Another good option that’s widely available. It has a similar taste to sweet basil.

• Holy basil: If you’re lucky enough to find it, this is actually the traditional choice for Thai Basil Chicken.

• Mint leaves: For a different twist, try using mint. It adds a fresh, cool taste to your stir-fry.

Don’t have birds eye chili? Here are some substitutes:

  • Serrano peppers
  • Jalapeños
  • Red pepper flakes

For the sauces, you can make these swaps:

• Oyster sauce → Hoisin sauce or soy sauce
• Dark soy sauce → More light soy sauce
• Light soy sauce → Regular soy sauce

Remember, these substitutes may change the flavor a bit, but your Thai Basil Chicken will still be yummy!

How To Make It Diabetes-Friendly

To make this Thai Basil Chicken more diabetes-friendly, try these easy changes:

  1. Use chicken breast instead of thighs to cut down on fat.
  2. Skip the sugar in the sauce. You can add a splash of lime juice for flavor instead.
  3. Replace regular rice with cauliflower rice or brown rice. This lowers the carbs and adds fiber.

Try these swaps for the sauce:

  • Use low-sodium soy sauce
  • Pick a sugar-free oyster sauce
  • Add extra veggies like bell peppers or broccoli for more nutrients and fiber

When cooking, use a non-stick pan to cut down on oil. This helps keep calories in check. You can also steam the chicken first, then stir-fry it quickly at the end for less oil.

Remember to watch your portion sizes. Stick to about 3-4 ounces of chicken per serving. Fill half your plate with non-starchy veggies to make the meal more filling without adding many carbs.

With these tweaks, you can enjoy a tasty Thai dish that’s better for blood sugar control. It’s still quick to make and full of flavor!

Tips, Tricks & Storing

For the best Thai Basil Chicken, use chicken thighs instead of breast. They stay juicy and add more flavor. Cut the chicken into small, even pieces so it cooks fast and evenly.

Don’t skimp on the basil! It’s the star of the dish. If you can’t find Thai basil, regular basil will work in a pinch.

Prep all your ingredients before you start cooking. This stir-fry moves fast, so you want everything ready to go.

Here’s a quick prep guide:

  • Chop chicken
  • Mince garlic and chili
  • Cut green onions
  • Mix sauce

When cooking, keep your wok or pan really hot. This gives you that authentic stir-fry taste.

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Put it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat until hot all the way through.

You can freeze this dish too. It will keep for about 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

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