Chicken in Thai Basil Sauce Recipe
A Bold and Flavorful Thai Appetizer for Any Occasion
Chicken in Thai Basil Sauce is a vibrant and aromatic dish that brings together the freshest ingredients from Thai cuisine. This recipe blends fragrant Thai basil, lemongrass, and garlic with tender chicken, coconut milk, and roasted peanuts to create a delicious and creamy sauce that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving a unique appetizer, this recipe is sure to impress. Letโs walk you through every step to prepare this savory dish thatโs perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Thai basil leaves | 1/2 cup | Fresh, preferably Thai basil for authenticity |
| Lemongrass | 2 stalks | Use fresh lemongrass for best flavor |
| Garlic | 6 cloves | Fresh garlic cloves, finely chopped |
| Black peppercorns | 5 whole | Crushed or left whole |
| Spring onion (bulb & greens) | 1/4 cup | Sliced, both bulb and green parts |
| Green chilies | 2 | Adjust according to spice preference |
| Ginger | 1 inch | Fresh ginger, finely chopped |
| Coriander (Dhania) seeds | 1 tsp | Ground or whole, as per preference |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 tsp | Lightly toasted for enhanced flavor |
| Salt | To taste | |
| Fresh coriander leaves | 2 sprigs | Chopped, for garnish |
| Sunflower oil | 1 tbsp | Or any neutral cooking oil |
| Chicken breasts | 200 grams | Cleaned and cut into strips |
| Roasted peanuts (Moongphali) | 1/4 cup | Lightly crushed for texture |
| Coconut milk | 1/2 cup | Full-fat coconut milk preferred |
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Cuisine: Thai
Course: Appetizer
Diet: High Protein, Non-Vegetarian
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Thai Basil Paste
To begin, we will prepare the flavorful Thai basil paste that forms the foundation of this dish. In a mixer or food processor, combine the following ingredients:
- Fresh Thai basil leaves
- Lemongrass (cut into smaller pieces)
- Garlic
- Whole black peppercorns
- Spring onion (both bulb and green parts)
- Green chilies (adjust based on spice preference)
- Ginger
- Coriander (Dhania) seeds
- Cumin seeds
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves
Add a small amount of water and grind these ingredients together until you achieve a smooth and fragrant paste. Set the paste aside in a bowl for later use.
Step 2: Cook the Thai Basil Paste
Next, heat 1 tablespoon of sunflower oil in a shallow frying pan or wok over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the freshly ground Thai basil paste to the pan. Stir continuously and cook the paste for 4-5 minutes. During this time, you will notice the raw smell of the paste fading away and the flavors deepening. The water content will also evaporate, leaving you with a fragrant and slightly thicker paste.
Step 3: Add the Chicken
Once the paste is cooked, itโs time to introduce the chicken. Add the chicken breast strips into the pan with the Thai basil paste. Sprinkle a few drops of water to help the chicken cook evenly and prevent it from sticking to the pan. Cook the chicken on medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until it is almost cooked through. This should take around 7-10 minutes depending on the size of the chicken strips.
Step 4: Add Coconut Milk and Peanuts
Once the chicken is nearly cooked, pour in the 1/2 cup of coconut milk, stirring to combine the coconut milk with the basil sauce. The coconut milk adds a creamy texture to the sauce, balancing out the heat from the chilies and the earthy flavors of the herbs. Next, add the crushed roasted peanuts to the pan and stir well to incorporate. The peanuts will give the dish a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
Step 5: Final Touches
Continue to cook the dish for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the chicken to finish cooking while absorbing all the flavors of the basil sauce and peanuts. Once everything is well combined, turn off the heat.
Step 6: Serve
Garnish the dish with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Serve the Chicken in Thai Basil Sauce hot as an appetizer, alongside a refreshing Thai Raw Papaya Salad with Lemon Peanut & Honey Dressing. For the main course, pair it with a Spicy Vegetarian Thai Noodle Bowl, and end the meal with a dessert of Khao Neeo Mamuang โ Thai Sweet Sticky Rice with Mango.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken in Thai Basil Sauce can be served as an appetizer or a light meal. Its rich, aromatic flavors pair wonderfully with other Thai dishes. The creamy coconut milk in the sauce balances the spice of the green chilies, while the fresh basil and peanuts create a satisfying texture.
Additional Pairing Ideas:
- Thai Raw Papaya Salad: A light, tangy, and spicy salad that complements the richness of the chicken.
- Spicy Vegetarian Thai Noodle Bowl: A zesty, noodle-based dish with vibrant vegetables and a kick of spice.
- Khao Neeo Mamuang (Thai Sweet Sticky Rice with Mango): A refreshing, sweet dessert to balance the savory flavors of the meal.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 kcal |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
Tips for the Perfect Thai Basil Chicken
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Adjusting Spice Level: The number of green chilies can be adjusted based on your tolerance for spice. For a milder dish, reduce the number of chilies or remove the seeds from the chilies before adding them.
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Using Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, always use fresh Thai basil and lemongrass. Dried versions wonโt provide the same fragrant aroma.
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Peanut Substitutes: If youโre allergic to peanuts or prefer a different texture, you can substitute roasted cashews or almonds. Just lightly crush them before adding.
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Substituting Coconut Milk: If you prefer a lighter version of this dish, you can substitute the coconut milk with a low-fat coconut milk or a light cream alternative.
Conclusion
Chicken in Thai Basil Sauce is an exciting and flavorful Thai appetizer that can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a multi-course meal. With its blend of aromatic herbs, spicy chilies, creamy coconut milk, and crunchy peanuts, this dish will take your taste buds on a journey to the heart of Thai cuisine. The vibrant flavors and rich texture make it a perfect choice for a special occasion or a casual family meal. Enjoy cooking and savor the unique taste of Thai basil!
