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Sweet Thai Basil Chicken

Sweet Thai Basil Chicken

The ultimate comfort food, Sweet Thai Basil Chicken is an easy weeknight dinner that bursts with flavor. This dish combines tender chicken with fresh herbs and a sticky sauce that satisfies every craving. Perfect for any occasion!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Thai
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons sesame or peanut oil
  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • black pepper
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced or grated
  • 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 red or orange bell peppers, chopped
  • 1/2 cup raw cashews
  • 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce or tamari
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2-3 tablespoons chili paste (sambal oelek)
  • 1 cup fresh basil, roughly torn
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint, roughly torn
  • steamed white or brown rice, for serving
  • 1 mango, thinly sliced or diced

Equipment

  • Wooden Spoon
  • Grater
  • Cutting Board
  • Large Pot
  • Skillet
  • Chef's Knife

Method
 

  1. Start by heating the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready when the oil shimmers. Once hot, add the ground chicken to the skillet. Season it generously with black pepper and cook it for about five minutes, breaking it up as it browns. You'll want to achieve a nice golden color.
  2. Next, toss in the minced garlic, grated ginger, bell peppers, and raw cashews. Stir everything together and cook for another two to three minutes. This is where the kitchen will start to smell incredible, especially as the garlic becomes fragrant.
  3. Now, pour in the low sodium soy sauce, fish sauce, chili paste, and honey. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. This will create a beautiful sauce that coats the chicken well. Allow it to cook for about five to eight minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the chicken.
  4. Once the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened, remove the skillet from the heat. Gently fold in the fresh basil and mint, letting their flavors infuse into the dish. The vibrant greens will wilt and enhance the overall aroma.
  5. To serve, spoon the hot chicken and sauce over bowls of steamed rice. For an extra treat, top each serving with slices of mango and additional basil. This adds a refreshing element, balancing the richness of the dish.
  6. Enjoy your homemade Sweet Thai Basil Chicken with friends or family, and savor every delightful bite!

Notes

If you're feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to switch up this Sweet Thai Basil Chicken. Here are some tips: add more veggies, use different proteins, change the heat level, or make it a noodle dish. Enjoy!