This Sticky Basil Chicken is a quick and tasty dish that brings you the wonderful flavors of basil and chicken, all in one pot! It’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
I love how the sweet and savory sauce clings to the chicken pieces. It’s great served over rice, and trust me, you’ll be licking your plate clean! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I prefer boneless, skinless thighs for their flavor and tenderness. However, chicken breasts work too! If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey can be a good substitute as well.
Vegetable Oil: This is perfect for high heat cooking. You can swap it with any neutral oil like canola or grapeseed oil if that’s what you have on hand.
Thai Basil: Thai basil adds a unique flavor, but if it’s hard to find, regular sweet basil will also do. Just remember it won’t have that distinct peppery taste.
Sauces: The blend of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce provides rich umami. In place of oyster sauce, you can use hoisin sauce, and soy sauce can be replaced with tamari for a gluten-free version.
How Can I Get the Sauce Extra Sticky?
The key to a sticky sauce is the balance of sugar and liquid. As the sauce cooks down, it thickens and becomes glossy. Here’s how to get that perfect texture:
- Cook the chicken properly before adding sauces to ensure they absorb flavors.
- Let the sauce simmer after adding water and sugar; this allows it to reduce and thicken more effectively.
- Keep stirring gently to coat the chicken, helping the sauce to cling beautifully.
Enjoy making this dish! It’s easy and brings wonderful flavors to the table in no time!
How to Make Sticky Basil Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1-2 fresh red chili peppers, sliced (optional, adjust for spiciness)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or palm sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves (or sweet basil if Thai basil unavailable)
- Cooked jasmine rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Sticky Basil Chicken recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time, so you’re looking at a total of around 30 minutes from start to finish! Perfect for a quick 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. Make sure the oil is hot enough to sizzle when you add the ingredients.
2. Stir-Fry Aromatics:
Add the minced garlic and sliced onion to the pan. Stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes until they become fragrant and the onion is soft. This is where all those wonderful flavors begin to develop!
3. Cook the Chicken:
Next, add the chicken pieces to the pan. Cook them until they are browned on the outside and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure they cook evenly.
4. Add the Flavors:
Now, it’s time to bring in the flavor! Stir in the sliced chili peppers, soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Mix everything together to ensure that the chicken is well-coated with the sauces.
5. Thickening the Sauce:
Pour in the water and keep cooking for another 3-5 minutes, stirring regularly. You’ll notice the sauce thickening and becoming sticky — that’s what you want!
6. Add the Basil:
Finally, toss in the fresh basil leaves and give them a good stir into the sauce. The heat will wilt the basil, releasing its lovely aroma!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove your sticky basil chicken from heat and serve it immediately over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice. Enjoy the delightful flavors and make sure to get every last bit of that sticky sauce!
Enjoy your sticky, flavorful basil chicken! It’s a dish that’s sure to become a favorite!
FAQ for Sticky Basil Chicken
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! If you prefer bone-in chicken, just adjust the cooking time to ensure it’s fully cooked. Bone-in pieces usually take longer, about 10-15 minutes more, depending on the size of the pieces. Make sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
What Can I Substitute for Fish Sauce?
If you don’t have fish sauce, you can substitute it with soy sauce for a vegetarian option or use Worcestershire sauce in a pinch. Keep in mind that these substitutes may alter the flavor slightly, but they will still be delicious!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat to avoid drying out the chicken. Add a small splash of water or broth if needed to keep the sauce moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Absolutely! If you love heat, you can add more chili peppers or even a pinch of red pepper flakes. For an extra kick, consider adding a splash of sriracha or chili sauce when mixing the sauces together.
