Basil Chicken Recipe

Name: Basil Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 dried Chinese black mushrooms; 1 pound boneless chicken breast or thighs; 5 candle nuts soaked in water for 10 minutes, or skinless almonds; 5 stalks fresh lemon grass, trimmed and sliced; 4 shallots (walnut-size) or 1 medium onion, peeled and sliced; 6 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced; 5 red Serrano chilies, trimmed; Roots and stems from 1/2 bunch fresh coriander; 1 teaspoon turmeric powder; 4 tablespoons corn oil; 1/4 cup cooked carrots, cut into 1/4-inch cubes; 1 13 1/2-ounce can unsweetened coconut milk, shaken well; 1/2 onion, cut into 1/4-inch slices; 1/4 cup peas; 1/2 cup bamboo-shoot strips, blanched in boiling water; 3 tablespoons sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; Juice of 1 lemon; ⅓ cup fresh basil leaves; 1 fresh red jalapeno chili, sliced lengthwise

Servings: persons

4 dried Chinese black mushrooms
1 pound boneless chicken breast or thighs
5 candle nuts soaked in water for 10 minutes, or skinless almonds
5 stalks fresh lemon grass, trimmed and sliced
4 shallots (walnut-size) or 1 medium onion, peeled and sliced
6 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced
5 red Serrano chilies, trimmed
Roots and stems from 1/2 bunch fresh coriander
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
4 tablespoons corn oil
1/4 cup cooked carrots, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
1 13 1/2-ounce can unsweetened coconut milk, shaken well
1/2 onion, cut into 1/4-inch slices
1/4 cup peas
1/2 cup bamboo-shoot strips, blanched in boiling water
3 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
Juice of 1 lemon
⅓ cup fresh basil leaves
1 fresh red jalapeno chili, sliced lengthwise

1
Cover the mushrooms with water, and soak for 30 minutes.
2
Cut off and discard the stems, slice the caps and set aside.
3
Remove the skin from the chicken.
4
Cut the meat into 1/2-inch strips and set aside.
5
To prepare the rempeh, or base for the sauce, use a food processor to grind the candle nuts or almonds, lemon grass, shallots, garlic, chilies, coriander and turmeric to a smooth paste.
6
Add a tablespoon or more of water if needed to blend.
7
Heat the oil in a wok or a saucepan over medium heat.
8
Add the ground mixture, and fry, stirring frequently, until the rem peh is fragrant and has a light orange color and a porridge-like consistency, about 8 minutes.
9
It is ready when oil seeps out.
10
Increase the heat to medium-high.
11
Toss in the chicken, carrots and coconut milk.
12
Stir continuously until the mixture comes to a boil.
13
Reduce to a lively simmer, and add the mushrooms, onion, peas, bamboo shoots, sugar, salt and lemon juice.
14
Cook for 1 minute, or until the chicken feels firm to the touch.
15
Add the basil, and cook until it wilts.
16
Garnish with the jalapeno slices.
17
Serve hot with rice.

1384

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
Leave out the nuts to make it nut-free, or swap in seeds for a similar crunch.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 20 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 4 dried Chinese black mushrooms, 1 pound boneless chicken breast or thighs, 5 candle nuts soaked in water for 10 minutes, or skinless almonds, 5 stalks fresh lemon grass, trimmed and sliced, and more.

Yes, Basil Chicken falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Basil Chicken

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions