Thai Basil Chicken Stir Fry

$- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, sliced into thin strips - 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves - 2-3 Thai bird chilies, sliced The main ingredients give this dish its hearty base. Boneless chicken thighs are juicy and tender. They soak up flavors well. Fresh Thai basil leaves add a sweet, aromatic taste. They make the dish unique. Chili peppers add heat. You can adjust the number based on your spice level. - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon oyster sauce - 1 teaspoon sugar The sauces and seasoning bring the dish together. Soy sauce adds saltiness and umami. Oyster sauce gives a rich depth. Sugar balances the flavors and adds a hint of sweetness. Mixing these sauces creates a tasty glaze for the chicken. - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 cup snap peas Vegetables add color and crunch. Garlic brings a strong aroma and flavor. Red bell pepper adds sweetness and a pop of color. Snap peas provide a crisp texture. They all work together to make the dish bright and fresh. - Slicing the chicken: Start by taking 1 pound of boneless chicken thighs. Use a sharp knife to cut it into thin strips. Thin strips cook evenly and quickly. This helps keep your meal fast and tasty. - Minced garlic and chili prep: Next, take 4 cloves of garlic. Peel and mince them finely. Then, grab 2-3 Thai bird chilies. Slice them thinly, adjusting the amount based on how spicy you want it. More chilies add more heat! - Heating the oil and cooking the garlic: In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sliced chilies. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic; it can turn bitter! - Adding and browning the chicken: Now, add your sliced chicken to the skillet. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes. You want the chicken to brown nicely and be cooked all the way through. Stir it often to make sure it cooks evenly. - Incorporating vegetables and sauce mixture: Toss in the sliced red bell pepper and 1 cup of snap peas. Stir constantly for another 2-3 minutes. You want the veggies tender but still crisp. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Pour this sauce mixture into the skillet and stir well. - Adding basil and lime juice: Finally, add 1 cup of fresh Thai basil leaves and the juice of 1 lime. Stir gently until the basil wilts. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed. This mix of flavors will make your dish shine! To make sure your chicken stays tender, use boneless thighs. They cook quicker and stay juicy. Slice them thinly for even cooking. Start with hot oil to seal in moisture. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until it turns golden brown. To avoid overcooked vegetables, add them later in the cooking process. Stir-fry the bell pepper and snap peas for only 2-3 minutes. This keeps them crisp and colorful. For a great meal, serve your Thai Basil Chicken over jasmine rice or rice noodles. Both soak up the flavors well. You can also pair it with a fresh salad or spring rolls for a balanced meal. Garnish the dish with extra basil leaves and lime wedges. This not only looks good, but the lime adds a zesty touch. If you like some heat, adjust the number of Thai bird chilies. Start with one and add more if you want. You can substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu for different flavors. For a veggie twist, try adding mushrooms or baby corn. If you don’t have oyster sauce, soy sauce works too. {{image_2}} You can change the meat for different tastes. Chicken is great, but try pork or shrimp. These options give new flavors and textures. For a vegetarian twist, consider tofu or tempeh. Both soak up the sauce well and add protein. Using seasonal veggies can make the dish pop. Try zucchini, broccoli, or carrots. These mix well and add color. Avoid starchy vegetables like potatoes. They don't blend nicely with the stir-fry style. To add crunch, toss in some cashews or peanuts. They will give a lovely texture. You can also use herbs like cilantro or mint. These will change the flavor and make the dish more exciting. To store leftovers, let the dish cool first. Then, place it in a clean container. I suggest using glass or plastic containers with tight lids. This keeps the food fresh and safe. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Yes, you can freeze Thai Basil Chicken Stir Fry. Make sure to cool it completely before freezing. Use airtight containers or freezer bags to prevent freezer burn. Label the bags with the date. The stir fry can stay good in the freezer for about three months. For reheating, you have two good options: microwave or stovetop. If you use the microwave, heat it in short bursts. Stir in between to heat evenly. On the stovetop, add a splash of water to the skillet. This helps keep the dish moist and tasty. Both methods work well to maintain the flavor and texture. Enjoy your meal! Thai Basil Chicken Stir Fry can be spicy, but you control the heat. The heat comes from Thai bird chilies. You can use 2-3 chilies for a nice kick. If you want it milder, remove the seeds. You can also use fewer chilies or swap them for sweet bell peppers. Always taste as you go. This way, you can find the heat level that works for you. You can use dried basil, but fresh is best. Fresh Thai basil has a bright, bold flavor. Dried basil lacks the same pop and aroma. If you must use dried, use about one teaspoon for every tablespoon of fresh. Add it earlier in the cooking to let the flavor develop. But remember, nothing beats fresh basil in this dish. Thai Basil Chicken Stir Fry works well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Jasmine rice: The classic choice to soak up the sauce. - Rice noodles: For a fun twist on this dish. - Steamed vegetables: Broccoli or bok choy add color and nutrients. - Cucumber salad: This adds a refreshing crunch. - Spring rolls: A great appetizer to start your meal. These dishes make a perfect spread for a Thai-inspired dinner. You now have a complete guide to making Thai Basil Chicken Stir Fry. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, helpful tips, and variations. You can adjust spice levels and use different vegetables to suit your taste. Remember to store leftovers properly and reheat with care. This dish is tasty, simple, and fun to customize. Enjoy mixing flavors and impressing your family or friends with your cooking. Dive in and make your own unique stir fry today!$

Make your dinner unforgettable with this mouthwatering Thai Basil Chicken Stir Fry recipe! Packed with tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and fragrant Thai basil, this dish is a quick and delicious meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. With easy steps and flavorful ingredients, you’ll impress your family and friends. Click to explore the full recipe and elevate your cooking tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

1 lb (450g) boneless chicken thighs, sliced into thin strips

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

2-3 Thai bird chilies, sliced (adjust to your spice preference)

1 red bell pepper, sliced

1 cup snap peas

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon oyster sauce

1 teaspoon sugar

1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves

Juice of 1 lime

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

Add the minced garlic and sliced chilies. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.

Add the sliced chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes.

Toss in the sliced red bell pepper and snap peas, stirring constantly for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender yet crisp.

In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Pour this mixture into the skillet and stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.

Add the fresh basil leaves and lime juice, stirring gently until the basil wilts. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Remove from heat and serve immediately over jasmine rice or rice noodles.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the stir fry in a large bowl or on a platter, garnished with extra basil leaves and lime wedges for an eye-catching display.