We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Culinary

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is Basil Chicken?

Allison Boelcke
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 5,340
Share

Basil chicken is a dish that typically consists of pieces of boneless chicken that are quickly cooked in oil and primarily flavored with basil. Basil is a green, leafy herb with a slightly sweet flavor undertone that may be cooked and used as a flavoring agent, as well as be sliced into thin pieces and used uncooked as a garnish. Although basil tends to be associated most often with Italian cuisine, such as with tomato basil sauce, the basil chicken dish is a common dish from the cuisine of Thailand. It generally utilizes Thai basil, a variation of the herb that has a more distinctive licorice undertone than other sweeter basil varieties.

Although the main flavoring agent of basil chicken is the herb itself, most recipes for the dish contain a variety of other ingredients. The chicken is typically cooked with onion, garlic, and a spicy variety of pepper, such as chili peppers or crushed red pepper flakes. The dish also generally contains many spices and flavoring agents common to Thai cuisine. These include soy sauce, a staple ingredient in Asian cuisine that is made from fermented soy beans; and fish sauce, a condiment made from fermented fish.

The exact recipe for preparing basil chicken can widely range depending on the individual cook, but the basic process and ingredients tend to be constant. The dish is often cooked quickly over high heat in a pan on the stovetop. The boneless chicken is generally cut into small pieces and may be marinated in soy sauce, fish sauce, or other desired ingredients, before being cooked or the condiments may be added once the chicken is cooked through. Chopped basil, along with any other desired ingredients like onions, chili peppers, or garlic, may be cooked in the pan at the same time as the chicken or may be sautéed separately and then mixed together and heated prior to serving. Additional torn or chopped basil leaves are also generally served atop the chicken dish as a garnish before eating.

Basil chicken is often served atop a starch to soak up any sauce and make the dish more filling. The most common accompaniment to the dish tends to be hot, cooked rice, but it may also be served with hot noodles. Although the dish may suffice on its own as a main entrée when combined with a starch, it may also be served in smaller portions on its own as a side course.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Allison Boelcke
By Allison Boelcke
Allison Boelcke, a digital marketing manager and freelance writer, helps businesses create compelling content to connect with their target markets and drive results. With a degree in English, she combines her writing skills with marketing expertise to craft engaging content that gets noticed and leads to website traffic and conversions. Her ability to understand and connect with target audiences makes her a valuable asset to any content creation team.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Allison Boelcke
Allison Boelcke
Allison Boelcke, a digital marketing manager and freelance writer, helps businesses create compelling content to connect with their target markets and drive results. With a degree in English, she combines her writing skills with marketing expertise to craft engaging content that gets noticed and leads to website traffic and conversions. Her ability to understand and connect with target audiences makes her a valuable asset to any content creation team.
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-basil-chicken.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.