Sweet Basil Chicken 🐓
Ingredients
2 Tbsp. sesame or peanut oil
1 lb. ground chicken
ground black pepper to taste
4 cloves garlic, minced or grated
1 inch fresh ginger, grated
2 red or orange bell peppers, chopped
1/2 cup raw cashews
1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce or tamari
2 Tbsp. fish sauce
1/4 cup honey
2 to 3 Tbsp. chili paste (sambal oelek)
1 cup fresh basil, roughly torn
1/4 cup fresh mint, roughly torn
steamed white or brown rice, for serving
1 mango, thinly sliced or diced
Detailed Steps:
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken. Season with black pepper and brown all over, breaking the chicken up as it cooks, about 5 minutes.
Add the garlic, ginger, peppers, and cashews, cook another 2 to 3 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant. Pour in the soy sauce, fish sauce, chili paste, and honey.
Bring the sauce to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until the sauce coats the chicken, about 5 to 8 minutes.
Remove from the heat and stir in the basil and mint.
Serve the chicken and sauce over bowls of rice. Top with mangos and additional basil. Enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 mins.
Cook Time: 15 mins.
Total Time: 25 mins.
Servings: 4
Sweet Basil Chicken is a delicious and aromatic dish that combines the savory flavors of ground chicken with the freshness of herbs like basil and mint. This recipe is particularly appealing because it balances spicy, sweet, and umami tastes, thanks to the inclusion of chili paste (sambal oelek), honey, soy sauce or tamari, and fish sauce. The use of raw cashews adds a pleasant crunch and richness, while fresh ginger and garlic infuse the dish with depth and fragrance. When preparing this dish, consider cooking the rice separately using either white or brown rice according to preference or dietary needs. Brown rice offers more fiber and nutrients, making the meal healthier without compromising on taste. For those seeking to customize the heat level, adjusting the amount of chili paste allows for milder or spicier variations. Additionally, substituting fish sauce for a vegetarian alternative like tamari or soy sauce can adapt this recipe for vegetarian diets while maintaining great flavor. This recipe’s inclusion of sliced mango as a topping provides a unique sweet contrast that complements the savory and spicy sauce perfectly, enhancing the overall sensory experience. Mango also brings a boost of vitamins and antioxidants. Sweet Basil Chicken is not only quick to prepare—with a total time of about 25 minutes—but also versatile, making it excellent for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers. Utilizing ground chicken keeps the dish lean and protein-rich, suitable for a well-rounded meal. To elevate the presentation and nutritional value, consider garnishing with additional fresh herbs such as cilantro or green onions. Serving with a side of steamed vegetables can round out the meal nutritionally. This dish showcases how simple ingredients can come together for a flavorful, nutritious meal that is both approachable for home cooks and impressive in taste, fitting well within various culinary preferences and dietary needs.