Thai Chicken With Basil

JackieOhNo!'s Note:

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. (From Food and Wine.)

• Total Time: 15 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 0 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 1 1/3 lbs chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into 1-by-2-inch pieces (about 4)
• 2 tablespoons asian fish sauce (nam pla or nuoc mam, available at Asian markets and many supermarkets)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• 1 large onion, cut into thin slices
• 3 fresh chili peppers, seeds and ribs removed, cut into thin slices or 1/4 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 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.
2. In a large nonstick frying pan or a wok, heat the oil over moderately high heat.
3. Add the onion and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes.
4. Stir in the chiles and garlic; cook, stirring, 30 seconds longer.
5. Remove the chicken from the marinade with a slotted spoon and add it to the hot pan.
6. Cook until almost done, stirring, about 3 minutes.
7. Add the marinade and cook 30 seconds longer.
8. Remove from the heat and stir in 1 cup of the basil.
9. Serve topped with the remaining 1/2 cup basil.

Reviews

[LibbyF89]

This is perfect, tasted just like restaurant dish!

[ChefDebs]

This was excellent, just like the chicken with basil at our local Thai restaurant.

[paisley9999]

This tastes exactly like the Pad Kapau with Chicken at our favorite Thai restaurant. I have been trying to recreate this for YEARS! Thank you soooooo much! I used Peanut oil for cooking oil, and a bag of bell pepper/onions, I found the Thai basil for $1.65 at Oriental grocer, much cheaper than the $4 at grocery store.