This Sticky Basil Chicken is a tasty dish that’s quick to make! Juicy chicken pieces are coated in a sweet and savory sauce with fresh basil that lifts the flavors. Yum!
You’ll love how easy it is to whip this up on a busy weeknight. Serve it with rice or noodles, and you’ll have a meal that’s both simple and delicious. Trust me, seconds are a must! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness. If you prefer, chicken breasts are a leaner option. You can even substitute with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian twist!
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds tons of flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work, but fresh is definitely best for this dish.
Chili Peppers: I love using red chili peppers for a bit of heat. If you’d prefer less spice, you can leave them out, or use bell peppers instead for color without heat.
Basil: Thai basil is fantastic in this recipe, providing a unique flavor. If you can’t find it, regular basil works too, just keep in mind the flavor will be a little different.
Honey or Sugar: Honey gives a nice sweetness, but you can swap it with brown sugar or maple syrup depending on your preference. Just keep in mind the sweetness level may vary.
How Do I Get My Sauce to Be Perfectly Sticky?
Creating a sticky sauce is key to this dish. The trick lies in the combination of honey and soy sauce. When cooking, make sure to let the sauce simmer after adding it to the chicken.
- Combine the sauces and honey in a bowl beforehand for a smoother mix.
- Let the sauce bubble gently with the chicken for about 3-5 minutes to thicken. The steam helps build that sticky texture!
- Stir frequently to ensure everything is evenly coated, and watch for the moment it clings beautifully to the chicken before adding the basil.
Sticky Basil Chicken Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-2 red chili peppers, sliced (optional for heat)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 1/2 tablespoons honey or palm sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon fish sauce (optional for extra umami)
- 1/4 cup water
For the Fresh Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves (preferably Thai basil)
- Cooked jasmine rice, to serve
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 30 minutes in total. This includes 10 minutes for preparation and about 20 minutes for cooking. Quick and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. It should be hot but not smoking.
2. Stir-Fry the Aromatics:
Add in the minced garlic and sliced chili peppers (if using) to the hot oil. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until you can smell their wonderful aroma. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
3. Cook the Chicken:
Next, introduce the chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until the chicken is browned on the outside and nearly cooked through—around 5-7 minutes should do the trick.
4. Make the Sauce:
While the chicken is cooking, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, fish sauce (if you’re using it), and water in a small bowl. This will be your flavorful sauce!
5. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the pan. Stir everything together until the chicken is nicely coated in the sauce.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
Let the mixture cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently. The sauce will thicken and become sticky, perfectly coating the chicken.
7. Add Fresh Basil:
Once the sauce is nice and sticky, toss in the fresh basil leaves. Stir quickly, allowing them to wilt without overcooking—this will keep that vibrant flavor!
8. Serve:
Remove from heat and serve your sticky basil chicken immediately over a bed of warm jasmine rice. Enjoy the delightful flavors!
Now you have a delicious meal ready to impress yourself or anyone you share it with! Enjoy your Sticky Basil Chicken! 🌿🍚
FAQ for Sticky Basil Chicken
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can definitely use boneless, skinless chicken breasts! They will cook a bit quicker and may be slightly drier without the fat, so be careful not to overcook them.
What Can I Use Instead of Fish Sauce?
If you’d like to skip fish sauce, you can substitute it with an extra tablespoon of soy sauce or use a splash of Worcestershire sauce for a similar depth of flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring to ensure even heating.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh and adjust cooking times accordingly. The sauce will still provide plenty of flavor, making it a delicious vegetarian option.