Name: Stir-Fried Chicken with Basil and Chilies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 10-12 leaves Thai basil (or regular basil); 4-8 whole Thai chilies (more or less to taste); 1/2 pound Long Chinese beans (or green beans); 4 cloves garlic (chopped); 4 tablespoons fish sauce (I like Red Boat); 4 tablespoons Braggs Aminos (or soy sauce); 1.5 teaspoons Gluten free hoisin sauce (or black bean sauce); 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil (or other vegetable oil); 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (chopped into small pieces); 1/2 cup water

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Stir-Fried Chicken with Basil and Chilies

Direct from the Home Cooking School in Chang Mai this dish is known in Thailand as Pad Krapao Gai. This spicy, savory and totally delicious dish is what the Thai consider "everyday" food. I love the flavors and versatility of this dish and I hope you will too.

Servings people

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Ingredients

10-12 leaves Thai basil or regular basil
4-8 whole Thai chilies more or less to taste
1/2 pound Long Chinese beans or green beans
4 cloves garlic chopped
4 tablespoons fish sauce I like Red Boat
4 tablespoons Braggs Aminos or soy sauce
1.5 teaspoons Gluten free hoisin sauce or black bean sauce
2 tablespoons grapeseed oil or other vegetable oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts chopped into small pieces
1/2 cup water

Instructions

Assemble your ingredients - a trip to the Asian market or ethnic aisle in the grocery store is in order for this delightful dish
Grab the Thai Chilies - these tiny red & green chilies pack a punch, so a little goes a long way
Using the flat of a chef's knife, cut the root end off and roll/smash the chilies. This gives maximum flavor and heat - they look gorgeous too!
Grab the beans - I found these Chinese long beans at the Asian market, but any green beans will work well
Cut the beans into tiny slices - so pretty
Chop the garlic
Chop the chicken into small pieces
Grab the sauces - I found gluten free hoisin sauce at the Asian market - if you can't find it, substitute soy sauce w/a bit of sugar. The Braggs Amino Sauce is widely available and a great one to have in the kitchen
Mix the sauces together in a small bowl
Heat the oil in a wok (or large sauté pan) until hot
Add the chilies and give them a couple of minutes to sauté
Add the chicken and garlic and stir frequently
Stir fry until the chicken is cooked through - about 4-5 minutes
Add the sauces and water and cook until the sauce reduces a bit and begins to thicken - about 5 minutes
Add the beans and cook until they begin to soften - 2-3 minutes
Add the basil and stir until it softens - a minute or two
Remove from the heat and give it one last stir - taste and adjust the seasonings
Serve with rice and enjoy! This dish is now regular fare in my kitchen - everyone loves it and it's easy to adjust the spice level