Thai Basil Chicken Bowls (Print version)

Tender chicken stir-fry with holy basil and bell pepper, served on jasmine rice with a savory sauce.

# What you'll need:

→ Protein

01 - 1.1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, thinly sliced

→ Sauce

02 - 3 tablespoons soy sauce
03 - 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
04 - 1 tablespoon fish sauce
05 - 1 tablespoon brown sugar
06 - 2 tablespoons water

→ Aromatics

07 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 2 to 3 Thai chilies, finely sliced, adjust to taste
09 - 1 small onion, thinly sliced

→ Vegetables & Herbs

10 - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
11 - 1 cup packed fresh holy basil leaves, or Thai basil if unavailable

→ To Serve

12 - 4 cups cooked jasmine rice
13 - Lime wedges, optional

# Directions:

01 - Combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, and water in a small bowl; set aside.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add garlic and chilies; stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
03 - Add sliced onion and cook for 1 minute until slightly softened.
04 - Add thinly sliced chicken and stir-fry for 4 to 5 minutes until browned and cooked through.
05 - Stir in red bell pepper and cook for 2 minutes until just tender.
06 - Pour in prepared sauce, stir well, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until bubbling and coating the chicken evenly.
07 - Remove from heat and immediately fold in holy basil leaves until wilted.
08 - Serve hot over jasmine rice with lime wedges if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It tastes like you spent all day cooking, but your hands are clean in 30 minutes.
  • The holy basil adds a peppery bite that makes every bite feel exciting and alive.
  • Completely dairy-free and naturally vibrant enough that you won't miss anything heavy.
02 -
  • Do not overcook the basil or it turns dark and bitter; stir it in at the very end off the heat.
  • If you can't find holy basil, Thai basil is a solid substitute, though it's a bit more delicate; regular basil works but tastes more Italian.
  • Fish sauce smells like the ocean had an argument, but trust it anyway—it's essential for authenticity.
03 -
  • Slice your chicken against the grain and as thin as possible so it cooks through in less than 5 minutes.
  • Have your rice already cooked and hot when you start cooking the chicken; finishing everything and then waiting for rice is a study in impatience.
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