Spicy Basil Chicken
Try this Spicy Basil Chicken recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Spicy Basil Chicken recipe, or contribute your own.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 large onion thinly sliced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
- 3 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (see note if you don’t have fish sauce)
- 2 teaspoons hot chili sauce (i strongly recommend sambal oelek
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast cut into thin strips
- 1 pound asparagus tough ends trimmed and chopped into 1-in
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups packed fresh sweet or thai basil (thai but sweet works!)
- Carbohydrate 11.0909000122305 g
- Cholesterol 127.406340450696 mg
- Fat 9.79570451285915 g
- Fiber 2.57925001944373 g
- Protein 50.1123293377364 g
- Saturated Fat 2.48669872275967 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (491g)
- Sodium 582.94372351335 mg
- Sugar 8.51164999278676 g
- Trans Fat 1.22673122427603 g
- Calories 337 calories
Step-by-step
- In a small bowl, whisk the chicken broth, soy sauce, fish sauce, cornstarch, sugar, and chili sauce.
- In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 ½ teaspoons of the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook, stirring frequently, until no longer pink, 6 to 8 minutes.
- Remove the chicken to a plate.
- Add the remaining 1 ½ teaspoons of oil to the skillet and swirl to coat.
- Add the onion and asparagus and cook, stirring frequently, until just beginning to soften, about 3 minutes.
- Add the garlic and stir constantly until fragrant, 30 seconds.
- Return the chicken to the pan along with the soy sauce mixture.
- Stir and let the sauce come to a simmer until it thickens enough to coat the chicken and vegetables.
- Stir in the basil until wilted and fragrant and serve.
My Go-To Weeknight Dinner: Spicy Basil Chicken
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious dinner can feel like a monumental task. Weeknights are often a blur of school pick-ups, homework battles, and the ever-present laundry pile. But even amidst the chaos, I crave a meal that's both satisfying and quick to prepare. That's where my Spicy Basil Chicken recipe comes in – a lifesaver on those hectic evenings.
This dish is incredibly versatile. I often adjust the ingredients based on what's in my fridge. Sometimes I swap the asparagus for broccoli or bell peppers; other times, I’ll throw in some mushrooms for extra depth of flavor. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. It's a blank canvas upon which you can paint your own culinary masterpiece, using whatever fresh vegetables you happen to have on hand. And the best part? It's ready in under 30 minutes, leaving me with precious time to spend with my family. The vibrant green basil adds a beautiful pop of color to the plate, and the subtle heat from the chili sauce provides a delightful kick that isn't overpowering.
The secret to this recipe’s success is a simple yet flavorful sauce. It's a harmonious blend of savory soy sauce, fragrant fish sauce (you can omit this if you prefer), a touch of sweetness from sugar, and a kick from chili sauce. The cornstarch creates a glossy, slightly thickened sauce that clings perfectly to the tender chicken and crisp-tender vegetables. The chicken cooks quickly and evenly, ensuring juicy, flavorful results every time. And that fresh basil? Don't even get me started. It's the fragrant star of this show, infusing the dish with an irresistible aroma and a refreshing taste that perfectly complements the other flavors. I often double the recipe, leaving extra for lunch the next day. It’s just as delicious cold as it is hot.
Beyond the ease and deliciousness, this dish is also a nutritional powerhouse. Packed with lean protein from the chicken, vitamins from the vegetables, and healthy fats from the olive oil, it’s a guilt-free indulgence that nourishes both body and soul. And let's not forget the fiber – it’s a good source of energy and keeps me feeling full and satisfied long after dinner is done. It's the perfect fuel for those long, busy days, helping me to stay energized and focused. There’s nothing quite as rewarding as creating a delicious and healthy meal for my family, knowing I've made a choice that's both delicious and convenient.
So, if you're looking for a quick, easy, and healthy weeknight dinner that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters, give my Spicy Basil Chicken a try. It's a recipe that has become a staple in our home, a culinary hug on those busy evenings when we need it most. It’s more than just a meal; it's a testament to the power of simple ingredients transformed into something truly special.
Tips and Variations:
- Feel free to experiment with different types of vegetables. Broccoli, bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms all work wonderfully.
- For a spicier kick, add more chili sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- If you don't have fish sauce, you can omit it or substitute with a teaspoon of soy sauce.
- Leftovers are delicious cold in a salad or served over rice.
- Make it a complete meal by serving with brown rice or quinoa for added fiber and nutrients.
This Spicy Basil Chicken isn't just a recipe; it’s a reminder that even amidst the chaos of daily life, we can find joy and nourishment in the simplest of things – a delicious, healthy meal shared with loved ones. The aroma alone fills my kitchen with warmth and comfort, a small but significant act of self-care in a world that often demands so much. It’s a reminder to slow down, savor the moment, and appreciate the simple pleasure of a well-cooked meal.
