Simple Chicken Basil Recipe – Comfort Food Meals

Let me tell you about a dish that’s bright, flavorful, and oh-so-simple – Simple Chicken Basil. As a food enthusiast and a registered dietitian, I’m always on the lookout for meals that are not just tasty but also healthy. 

This dish checks all the boxes. It’s a delightful combination of succulent chicken, aromatic herbs, and tangy sauces that can transform any dinner into a special occasion.

As I share this recipe, I’ll take you on a delicious journey through its components. You might even feel inspired to whip it up as you read!

What is Simple Chicken Basil?

Simple Chicken Basil is a stir-fry dish that features chicken and fresh Thai basil. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the fresh ingredients. The chicken is seasoned with a mix of soy sauce, garlic, and fish sauce, adding depth and umami to every bite. 

Serve it hot over rice or noodles, and you’ve got yourself a quick meal that feels gourmet.

I often make this dish when I want to impress guests but have limited time. It’s elegant and packed with flavor, yet it comes together in about 30 minutes. Imagine the aroma filling your kitchen and the delight on your dinner guests’ faces.

Why You’ll Love This Simple Chicken Basil

If you think you need to be a professional chef to create a dish that looks and tastes amazing, think again. 

This Simple Chicken Basil is perfect for anyone, from novice cooks to culinary pros. Here are a few reasons you’ll love it:

1. Fast and Easy: In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a complete meal.
2. Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein and fresh herbs, this dish fits well into a balanced diet.
3. Customizable: You can tweak the heat level by adjusting the amount of chile peppers. Add more veggies to suit your taste.
4. Impressive Presentation: Serve this dish, and everyone will think you spent hours in the kitchen.
5. Affordable: Using common ingredients, it doesn’t break the bank to make.

Trust me, once you’ve had this dish, you’ll want to make it a staple in your meal rotation.

The Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need:

– 1 large skinless, boneless chicken breast, diced into 1-inch pieces  

– 3 garlic cloves, minced  

– ½ small onion, thinly sliced  

– 2 tablespoons canola oil  

– 2 small red chile peppers, thinly sliced (Optional)  

– ⅓ cup water or chicken broth  

– ¼ cup dark soy sauce  

– 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce  

– 1 pinch of white sugar  

– 1 tablespoon fish sauce  

– ½ cup fresh Thai basil leaves  

– 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger

These ingredients come together to create a vibrant dish that’s just bursting with flavor.

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

First things first, gather all your ingredients. The efficiency of this dish depends on prepping beforehand. Dice the chicken into 1-inch pieces, mince the garlic, slice the onion and chile peppers, and grate the ginger.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

In a large skillet or wok, pour in the canola oil and heat it over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough that a drop of chicken sizzles when it touches the oil. This step is crucial for a nice sear.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Add the diced chicken to the hot skillet, spreading it out to ensure even cooking. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s golden brown and no longer pink in the center.

Step 4: Add Aromatics

Now, toss in the minced garlic, sliced onion, ginger, and optional chile peppers. Stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes. Your kitchen will smell divine!

Step 5: Mix the Sauces

In a small bowl, whisk together the dark soy sauce, low-sodium soy sauce, fish sauce, water or broth, and a pinch of sugar. Pour this mixture over your chicken in the skillet.

Step 6: Let It Simmer

Bring the dish to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 7: Add Fresh Basil

Just before serving, stir in the fresh Thai basil leaves. They’ll wilt slightly, releasing their aromatic oils and enhancing the dish.

Step 8: Serve It Up

Serve your Simple Chicken Basil hot over a bed of rice or noodles. Garnish with extra basil leaves if you like. Enjoy every flavorful bite!

Tips & Tricks

• Marinate Longer: For deeper flavors, marinate the chicken in soy sauce and garlic for an hour before cooking.
  
• Add Veggies: Bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas can add color and nutrition.
  
• Adjust Spice: If heat isn’t your thing, skip the chile peppers entirely or substitute with bell peppers.
  
• Create a Sauce: Add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water during the simmer for a thicker sauce.
  
• Use Leftovers: This dish is fantastic for meal prep. Leftovers can be used in wraps or salads, making them versatile.
  

Can I Store Simple Chicken Basil?

Absolutely! Let it cool completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

What Can I Serve with Simple Chicken Basil?

This dish pairs beautifully with:

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: The perfect base that soaks up the flavors.
  
• Noodles: Any type works – try udon or rice noodles for a different texture.
  
• Salad: A fresh cucumber or green salad balances the meal wonderfully.
  
• Spring Rolls: Add a crunchy side for some texture contrast.
  
• Fried Rice: Why not double up on the rice?
  

Variations

• Thai Chicken Basil Fried Rice: Toss leftover chicken and basil with cooked rice, and fry it all together for a delightful remnant dish.
  
• Coconut Curry Chicken Basil: Swap water for coconut milk and add curry powder for a twist!
  
• Grilled Simple Chicken Basil Skewers: Marinate chicken pieces, skewer them, and grill for a different flavor profile.
  
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with tofu for a plant-based version.
  
• Spicy Chicken Basil: Add more chile peppers or even a splash of chili paste for serious kick.
  

Conclusion

Simple Chicken Basil is not just a meal; it’s an experience that can elevate any dinner table. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and has the versatility to suit your personal taste. I hope this journey into crafting this dish has inspired you to get cooking.

Gather your ingredients, visualize the flavors, and enjoy the process. Your taste buds will thank you! Happy cooking, and may your kitchen echo with laughter and delicious aromas!

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