Thai Basil Chicken with Creamy Coconut Curry Sauce: A Flavor Explosion!
Craving a taste of Thailand but short on time? This Thai Basil Chicken with Coconut Curry Sauce recipe is your answer! It’s a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful dish that brings the vibrant tastes of Southeast Asia right to your kitchen. Forget takeout – this homemade version is healthier, cheaper, and arguably even more delicious. The combination of savory chicken, fragrant Thai basil, and a rich, creamy coconut curry sauce is simply irresistible.
This recipe perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and savory notes, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. The subtle heat from the chili paste is beautifully complemented by the sweetness of coconut milk and the herbaceous aroma of Thai basil. Serve it over fluffy rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion with every bite!
## Why This Recipe Works
There are tons of Thai basil chicken recipes out there, so what makes this one special? Here’s why you’ll love it:
* **Unbelievably Flavorful Sauce:** The coconut curry sauce is the star of the show. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with authentic Thai flavors. We use a combination of red curry paste, coconut milk, fish sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar to create a sauce that is both complex and incredibly delicious.
* **Quick and Easy:** From start to finish, this dish comes together in about 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a flavorful and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
* **Customizable Spice Level:** You can easily adjust the amount of chili paste to control the spiciness of the dish. If you like it mild, use less chili paste. If you like it hot, add more!
* **Fresh Ingredients:** We use fresh Thai basil, which is essential for that authentic Thai flavor. Don’t substitute with regular basil – it just won’t be the same.
* **Versatile:** Serve this Thai basil chicken over rice, noodles, or even lettuce wraps. It’s also great as a filling for tacos or spring rolls.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start cooking, gather these ingredients:
* **Chicken:** 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces. Chicken thighs are generally more flavorful and tender, but chicken breasts work just as well.
* **Thai Basil:** 1 cup of fresh Thai basil leaves, packed. This is the key ingredient that gives the dish its signature flavor. Don’t substitute with regular basil.
* **Coconut Milk:** 1 can (13.5 oz) of full-fat coconut milk. Full-fat coconut milk provides the richest and creamiest sauce. You can use light coconut milk, but the sauce will be less thick.
* **Red Curry Paste:** 2 tablespoons of red curry paste. This is the base of the curry flavor. You can find red curry paste in most Asian grocery stores and some mainstream supermarkets.
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves of garlic, minced. Garlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the dish.
* **Shallots:** 2 shallots, thinly sliced. Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor than onions, which complements the other flavors in the dish.
* **Chili Paste (Sambal Oelek):** 1-2 tablespoons of chili paste (such as sambal oelek), or to taste. This adds heat to the dish. Adjust the amount to your preference.
* **Fish Sauce:** 2 tablespoons of fish sauce. Fish sauce adds a salty and umami flavor that is essential to Thai cuisine.
* **Soy Sauce:** 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Soy sauce adds a savory and salty flavor.
* **Brown Sugar:** 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. Brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness that balances the other flavors in the dish.
* **Lime Juice:** 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice. Lime juice adds acidity and brightness to the dish.
* **Vegetable Oil:** 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Vegetable oil is used for stir-frying the chicken and vegetables.
* **Optional Garnishes:** Chopped peanuts, cilantro, lime wedges.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Thai Basil Chicken with Coconut Curry Sauce:
**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**
* Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This will help it brown better in the pan.
**Step 2: Sauté Aromatics**
* Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced shallots and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly golden brown. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
**Step 3: Cook the Chicken**
* Add the chicken to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is browned on all sides and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
**Step 4: Add Curry Paste and Chili Paste**
* Add the red curry paste and chili paste (sambal oelek) to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. This will help to bloom the flavors of the curry paste.
**Step 5: Pour in Coconut Milk**
* Pour in the coconut milk and bring to a simmer. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
**Step 6: Season the Sauce**
* Add the fish sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar to the skillet. Stir well to dissolve the sugar and combine the flavors. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more fish sauce for saltiness, more brown sugar for sweetness, or more chili paste for heat.
**Step 7: Simmer the Sauce**
* Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce for 5-10 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. This will allow the flavors to meld together.
**Step 8: Add Thai Basil and Lime Juice**
* Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the fresh Thai basil leaves and lime juice. The basil will wilt quickly from the heat of the sauce.
**Step 9: Serve and Garnish**
* Serve the Thai basil chicken with coconut curry sauce over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped peanuts, cilantro, and lime wedges, if desired.
## Tips and Variations
* **Use a wok:** If you have a wok, it’s ideal for stir-frying this dish. The sloping sides of the wok allow for even heat distribution and make it easy to toss the ingredients.
* **Adjust the spice level:** As mentioned earlier, you can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili paste. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
* **Add vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the dish, such as bell peppers, onions, carrots, or broccoli. Add them to the skillet along with the garlic and shallots.
* **Use different protein:** If you’re not a fan of chicken, you can substitute with other proteins, such as tofu, shrimp, or ground pork.
* **Make it vegetarian:** To make this dish vegetarian, use tofu instead of chicken and substitute the fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari.
* **Make it gluten-free:** To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
* **Don’t overcook the Thai basil:** Add the Thai basil at the very end and stir it in just until it wilts. Overcooking the basil will cause it to lose its flavor.
* **Use fresh ingredients:** Fresh ingredients are essential for the best flavor. Use fresh Thai basil, garlic, shallots, and lime juice.
## Serving Suggestions
* **Rice:** Serve this Thai Basil Chicken with Coconut Curry Sauce over steamed jasmine rice or brown rice.
* **Noodles:** Serve it over rice noodles, egg noodles, or even spaghetti.
* **Lettuce Wraps:** Serve it in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
* **Spring Rolls:** Use it as a filling for spring rolls.
* **Tacos:** Use it as a filling for tacos.
## Storage Instructions
* **Store:** Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the Thai basil chicken in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
* **Freeze:** This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
**Q: Can I use regular basil instead of Thai basil?**
A: While you *can* use regular basil, it won’t have the same distinct anise-like flavor as Thai basil. Thai basil is crucial for achieving that authentic Thai taste.
**Q: Where can I find Thai basil?**
A: Most Asian grocery stores carry Thai basil. You might also find it at farmers’ markets or some well-stocked supermarkets.
**Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?**
A: Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to cook, simply sauté the chicken and add the sauce.
**Q: Can I use light coconut milk instead of full-fat coconut milk?**
A: Yes, you can use light coconut milk, but the sauce will be less creamy and flavorful. Full-fat coconut milk is recommended for the best results.
**Q: Is this dish spicy?**
A: The spiciness of this dish depends on the amount of chili paste you use. You can adjust the amount to your preference. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a small amount and add more to taste.
**Q: Can I add other vegetables to this dish?**
A: Yes, you can add other vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, carrots, or broccoli. Add them to the skillet along with the garlic and shallots.
**Q: What if I don’t have fish sauce?**
A: Fish sauce is a key ingredient in Thai cuisine, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute it with soy sauce or tamari. However, the flavor will be slightly different.
**Q: Can I freeze this dish?**
A: Yes, this dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
## Thai Basil Chicken with Coconut Curry Sauce Recipe
This recipe provides a delectable and quick meal for any weeknight.
**Prep Time:** 10 minutes
**Cook Time:** 20 minutes
**Total Time:** 30 minutes
**Servings:** 4
### Ingredients
* 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
* 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, packed
* 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
* 2 tablespoons red curry paste
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 shallots, thinly sliced
* 1-2 tablespoons chili paste (sambal oelek), or to taste
* 2 tablespoons fish sauce
* 1 tablespoon soy sauce
* 1 tablespoon brown sugar
* 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
* Optional garnishes: chopped peanuts, cilantro, lime wedges
### Equipment
* Large skillet or wok
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring spoons and cups
### Instructions
1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and pat dry with paper towels.
2. **Sauté Aromatics:** Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced shallots and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
3. **Cook the Chicken:** Add the chicken to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
4. **Add Curry Paste and Chili Paste:** Add the red curry paste and chili paste to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
5. **Pour in Coconut Milk:** Pour in the coconut milk and bring to a simmer, stirring well to combine.
6. **Season the Sauce:** Add the fish sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar to the skillet. Stir well and taste the sauce, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
7. **Simmer the Sauce:** Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce for 5-10 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly.
8. **Add Thai Basil and Lime Juice:** Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the fresh Thai basil leaves and lime juice.
9. **Serve and Garnish:** Serve over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped peanuts, cilantro, and lime wedges, if desired.
### Nutrition
*Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and cooking methods.*
* Calories: Approximately 500-600 per serving
* Protein: 40-50g
* Fat: 30-40g
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g
## Conclusion
This Thai Basil Chicken with Coconut Curry Sauce is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s quick, easy, and packed with authentic Thai flavors. The creamy coconut curry sauce perfectly complements the savory chicken and fragrant Thai basil. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal! Don’t forget to share your creations with us on social media using #ThaiBasilChicken #CoconutCurry #EasyThaiRecipe. We can’t wait to see what you cook up!