Introducing Thai basil chicken, a flavourful and nutritious dish that has its roots steeped in the culinary traditions of Thailand. This scrumptious recipe, locally known as ‘pad krapow gai’, showcases the harmonious blend of sweet, spicy and savoury flavours that define Thai cuisine.
A popular street food, Thai basil chicken has become a beloved favourite in households around the world, enchanting Australian palates with its irresistible taste and myriad health benefits.
At the heart of this Thai chicken dish lies the fragrant Thai basil, a herb known for its unique anise-like aroma and slightly spicy undertones. This culinary gem not only infuses the dish with its characteristic flavour but also brings with it an abundance of nutritional value. Thai basil is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and iron.
For this dish, we use free-range chicken, an excellent source of lean protein that works in tandem with the basil to make this recipe a nutritional powerhouse. Combined with the immune-boosting properties of garlic, the metabolism-enhancing effects of chillies, and the antioxidants found in bell peppers, Thai basil chicken becomes a delicious and healthful choice for any meal.
Chicken Chunks vs Ground (Minced) Chicken
In making Thai basil chicken, there are two main options for the free-range chicken: chicken chunks or ground chicken.
Chicken chunks are typically cut into bite-sized pieces and can be boneless or bone-in. One of the main advantages of using chicken chunks is that they tend to be more flavourful and juicier than ground chicken because the meat has more surface area to absorb the flavours of the sauce and spices used in the dish. Of course, using chicken chunks may require more cooking time.
Ground or minced chicken cooks quickly, making it a good option if you’re pressed for time. It also tends to be more tender than chicken chunks since it’s already broken down into smaller pieces. However, it may not be as tasty as chicken chunks since it has less surface area to absorb the flavours of the sauce and spices.
Ultimately, the choice between chicken chunks and ground chicken boils down to your preference. If you want more flavourful and juicier meat, free-range chicken chunks might be the way to go. But if you’re short on time or prefer a more tender texture, ground chicken might be the better option.
What To Serve With This Dish
Thai basil chicken is an exciting aromatic dish that pairs well with a variety of sides.
It is best enjoyed with steamed white rice or brown rice. However, you may also opt to serve it over a bed of rice or egg noodles.
Sautéed or stir-fried vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, and broccoli, make a great accompaniment to this dish. If you want something light, a refreshing salad with lettuce, cucumber, and tomato can provide a nice contrast to the rich flavours of the chicken. Crispy spring rolls filled with vegetables or shrimp also make for a tasty appetiser or side dish.
No matter what you choose, be sure to have plenty of Thai basil chicken on hand, as it’s sure to be a hit!
Get Free-Range Chicken From a Reputable Online Butcher
For Thai basil chicken and other meaty recipes, it’s essential to get fresh meat from a reputable neighbourhood online butcher like the Church Street Butcher in Brighton.
Here, you’ll get fresh meat sourced only from sustainable, ethical farms—whether it’s chicken, pork, beef or lamb.
So, gather your ingredients, and embark on a flavourful journey with this delightful and nutritious Thai basil chicken recipe.
Drop by Church Street Butcher or shop online today!
