Introduction
Thai Basil Chicken Bowls are a delicious and aromatic dish that encapsulates the bold flavors of Thai cuisine. This easy-to-make recipe combines ground chicken with fresh basil and a savory sauce, all served over fluffy jasmine rice. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep, these bowls are sure to please everyone at the table.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 cup jasmine rice
½ cup chicken stock
3 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1½ tablespoons light brown sugar
1½ tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 shallots, thinly sliced
1 red Thai chili pepper, thinly sliced
1¼ pounds ground chicken breast
1½ cups packed fresh basil leaves
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Enjoy your homemade Thai Basil Chicken Bowls!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Cook the Rice
Prepare the jasmine rice according to the package instructions. Once cooked, set it aside.
Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the chicken stock, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well combined. Set this sauce aside.
Sauté Aromatics
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, sliced shallots, and sliced red Thai chili pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture becomes fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes.
Cook the Chicken
Add the ground chicken breast to the skillet. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, approximately 3 to 5 minutes. As it cooks, use a spoon or spatula to break the chicken into crumbles. If there’s excess fat, drain it off.
Add the Sauce
Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the chicken. Stir continuously and cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Incorporate Basil
Add the fresh basil leaves to the skillet. Stir until the basil is just wilted, which should take about 30 seconds.
Assemble the Bowls
Divide the cooked jasmine rice among serving bowls. Top each portion with the basil chicken mixture.
Serve
Serve the bowls immediately while hot.
Notes
Storage Tip
If you have leftovers, they can be refrigerated for up to 3 to 4 days. To reheat, use the microwave in 30-second intervals until the dish is heated through.
Cook Techniques
Cooking Jasmine Rice
To cook jasmine rice, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch. Cook according to the package instructions, typically using a 1:1.5 rice to water ratio, and allow it to steam for about 10-15 minutes after cooking.
Preparing the Sauce
Combine chicken stock, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar in a small bowl. Whisk until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is uniform. This sauce enhances the flavor of the chicken.
Sautéing Aromatics
In a hot skillet with vegetable oil, add minced garlic, sliced shallots, and red Thai chili pepper. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, ensuring not to burn the garlic, which can develop a bitter flavor.
Cooking Ground Chicken
Add ground chicken breast to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Ensure it is browned evenly without leaving any pink, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
Thickening the Sauce
After adding the prepared sauce to the cooked chicken, stir continuously for 2-3 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken and coats the chicken evenly.
Incorporating Fresh Basil
Once the sauce has thickened, stir in fresh basil leaves and cook for an additional 30 seconds, just until the basil wilts, preserving its vibrant color and flavor.
Assembling the Bowls
For serving, place a portion of cooked jasmine rice in each bowl and top with the basil chicken mixture. This arrangement gives a visually appealing and balanced dish.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of rice?
Yes, you can substitute jasmine rice with other types of rice such as basmati or brown rice, but cooking times may vary.
What can I use instead of ground chicken?
You can use ground turkey, lean pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
How can I adjust the spiciness?
To reduce spiciness, you can omit the red Thai chili or use fewer slices. Alternatively, to increase heat, add more chili or include chili flakes.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for a few days. Reheat before serving.
What can I serve with Thai Basil Chicken Bowls?
These bowls pair well with side dishes like steamed vegetables, fresh salad, or spring rolls for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Cooking Thai Basil Chicken Bowls is a delightful and straightforward process, bringing together the bright flavors of fresh basil, savory chicken, and aromatic spices. This dish is not only satisfying but also healthy, making it an excellent choice for a quick weeknight dinner. Enjoy the vibrant tastes of Thailand in your own kitchen!
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetable Stir-Fry Bowl
Swap out chicken for an array of seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas, while keeping the same flavorful sauce for a vegetarian option.
Cilantro Lime Chicken Bowls
Use the same base recipe but replace basil with fresh cilantro and add a squeeze of lime juice for a zesty twist.
Thai Red Curry Chicken Bowls
Incorporate red curry paste into the sauce and serve it with coconut rice for a creamier, indulgent version of this dish.
Spicy Shrimp Bowls
Replace ground chicken with shrimp and incorporate lime juice and additional chilies for a seafood-inspired take.
Mango Chicken Bowls
Add diced fresh mango to the basil chicken mixture for a sweet and savory flavor combination that brightens the dish.
Quinoa Thai Bowls
Substitute jasmine rice with quinoa for a protein-packed alternative, complementing the flavors of basil chicken beautifully.
Larb Chicken Bowls
Create a larb-inspired dish by adding lime juice, roasted rice powder, and fresh mint along with the basil for an herby twist.
