Thai Basil Chicken Bowls

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Thai Basil Chicken Bowls

Thai Basil Chicken Bowls are a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings the essence of Thai cuisine right to your kitchen. This easy recipe showcases tender chicken marinated in rich Sauces and paired with aromatic Thai basil, making it a perfect weeknight meal. Not only is it quick to prepare, but the step-by-step directions ensure that even novice cooks can whip up this dish with confidence and ease.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Thai Basil Chicken Bowls recipe offers a delightful explosion of flavors while being easy on the prep time—ideal for busy families or anyone seeking a quick dinner option. The use of fresh Thai basil imparts a unique aroma and garnishes your plate beautifully, while the combination of savory sauces and ingredients creates a mouthwatering taste sensation. Plus, it’s customizable; consider adding extra vegetables or adjusting the spice levels to suit your family’s preferences. It’s a dish that’s not only satisfying but makes your kitchen smell like a gourmet Thai restaurant!

Ingredients

• 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
• 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp coconut oil or vegetable oil
• 1 tsp chili flakes (optional)

The beautiful colors of the ingredients—from the vibrant red bell pepper and fresh green basil to the golden brown chicken—create an appealing dish that looks as good as it tastes. The high-quality ingredients not only enhance flavor but also promote that wholesome feeling after enjoying a home-cooked meal.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prep your ingredients: Begin by slicing the chicken into bite-sized pieces, mincing the garlic, and slicing the onion and bell pepper. Don’t forget to chop the fresh basil as well; its fragrant leaves will be the star of this dish.

2. Heat the oil: In a large skillet, heat the coconut oil over medium-high heat until it starts shimmering. This is key to getting a nice sear on the chicken.

3. Sauté garlic and onions: Add the minced garlic and sliced onion to the skillet, sautéing them for about 2 minutes until they’re fragrant and slightly softened.

4. Cook the chicken: Next, add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook them for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked through.

5. Combine sauces and vegetables: Stir in the sliced bell pepper, low-sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and chili flakes (if using). Let everything cook together for an additional 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

6. Toss in basil: Just before serving, add the fresh basil leaves to the skillet, tossing them to wilt slightly and integrate into the dish.

7. Serve it up: These delectable Thai Basil Chicken Bowls can be served over rice or noodles, making for a hearty and delicious meal.

Tips & Tricks

• For added texture, consider incorporating other vegetables like carrots or snap peas.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to increase the amount of chili flakes.
• To save time, you can buy pre-chopped vegetables or even use a stir-fry mix from the store.
• Leftover chicken can also be added to salads for a unique twist on a traditional dish.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

These Thai Basil Chicken Bowls are fantastic on their own, but to elevate the meal, consider serving them with:

• A side of jasmine rice or coconut rice for a unique flavor contrast.
• Fresh spring rolls with a peanut dip to start off the meal.
• A refreshing cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: Approximately 400 per serving
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 2g

Storing Tips & Variations

To store your leftover Thai Basil Chicken Bowls, simply place the dish in an airtight container and refrigerate. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days:

• Reheating: Warm it up on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
• Variations: You can substitute chicken for shrimp, tofu, or even beef if you’re looking to mix things up. Adjust cooking times accordingly, especially with shrimp, which cooks much faster.

Conclusion

Thai Basil Chicken Bowls are not just a meal; they’re a culinary experience that transports you straight to Thailand with every bite. This recipe is straightforward and allows for personalization, ensuring that it can cater to everyone’s tastes. Whether you’re enjoying it solo or sharing it with family, this dish promises satisfaction and a burst of flavor. Give this easy step-by-step recipe a try, and you’re guaranteed to make it a regular feature in your dinner rotation!

FAQs

1. Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
   While fresh basil is recommended for the best flavor, you can use dried basil in a pinch. Adjust the quantity to about one-third of the amount called for fresh.

2. Is this dish gluten-free?
   To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free.

3. What type of rice is best for serving?
   Jasmine rice is a great choice; its fragrant profile pairs perfectly with the flavors in this dish.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauces ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge and cook them fresh just before serving.

5. Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
   Absolutely! Substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of the sauces for a tasty vegetarian adaptation.

Enjoy cooking and savoring these delicious Thai Basil Chicken Bowls; your taste buds will thank you!

Thai Basil Chicken Bowls

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A vibrant and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken marinated in rich sauces and paired with aromatic Thai basil, perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

• Author: catherine
• Prep Time: 15
• Cook Time: 15
• Total Time: 30
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stir-frying
• Cuisine: Thai
• Diet: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
• 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp coconut oil or vegetable oil
• 1 tsp chili flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prep your ingredients: Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, mince the garlic, and slice the onion and bell pepper. Chop fresh basil.
2. Heat the oil: In a large skillet, heat the coconut oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3. Sauté garlic and onions: Add the minced garlic and sliced onion to the skillet, sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
4. Cook the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked through.
5. Combine sauces and vegetables: Stir in the bell pepper, low-sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and chili flakes. Cook together for an additional 3 minutes.
6. Toss in basil: Just before serving, add the fresh basil leaves, tossing them to wilt slightly.
7. Serve it up: Serve the Thai Basil Chicken Bowls over rice or noodles.

Notes

For added texture, consider incorporating other vegetables like carrots or snap peas. Adjust spice levels according to your preference.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 750mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 85mg

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