RECIPE

Thai Chicken with Basil

  • Contributed by Quick From Scratch Herbs & Spices
  • ACTIVE:
  • TOTAL TIME:
  • SERVINGS: 4

An abundance of whole basil leaves joins chicken and fiery red chiles for a quick, delicious,and decidedly spicy stir-fry. Holy basil is the most authentic choice, but any variety will do.

Plus: More Chicken Recipes and Tips

  • ACTIVE:
  • TOTAL TIME:
  • SERVINGS: 4
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Ingredients

  • Ingredients
    1. 1 1/3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4), cut into 1-by-2-inch pieces
    2. 2 tablespoons Asian fish sauce (nam pla or nuoc mam); see Note
    3. 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
    4. 1 tablespoon water
    5. 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
    6. 2 tablespoons cooking oil
    7. 1 large onion, cut into thin slices
    8. 3 fresh red chiles, seeds and ribs removed, cut into thin slices, or 1/4 teaspoon dried red-pepper flakes
    9. 3 cloves garlic, minced
    10. 1 1/2 cups lightly packed basil leaves

Directions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken with the fish sauce, soy sauce, water, and sugar.In a large nonstick frying pan or a wok, heat the oil over moderately high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Stir in the chiles and garlic; cook, stirring, 30 seconds longer.
  2. Remove the chicken from the marinade with a slotted spoon and add it to the hot pan. Cook until almost done, stirring, about 3 minutes. Add the marinade and cook 30 seconds longer. Remove from the heat and stir in 1 cup of the basil. Serve topped with the remaining 1/2 cup basil.