Introduction
Indulge in a delightful dish that brings together fragrant jasmine rice and a savory ground chicken mixture, perfectly seasoned with a medley of flavors. This recipe combines the aromatic essence of garlic and shallots with the rich notes of soy and fish sauces, balanced by the sweetness of brown sugar and the fresh kick of basil. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 cup jasmine rice
½ cup chicken stock
3 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 ½ tablespoons light brown sugar
1 ½ tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 shallots, thinly sliced
1 red Thai chili pepper, thinly sliced
1 ¼ pounds ground chicken breast
1 ½ cups packed fresh basil leaves
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Enjoy this flavorful chicken and rice dish that captures the essence of Thai cuisine right in your kitchen!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Jasmine Rice
Prepare the jasmine rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, set aside to keep warm.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken stock, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar until well combined. Set this mixture aside for later use.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, sliced shallots, and thinly sliced red Thai chili pepper. Cook while stirring frequently until fragrant, approximately 1-2 minutes.
Step 4: Cook the Ground Chicken
Add the ground chicken breast to the skillet. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, breaking the chicken apart as it browns. Once cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Step 5: Add the Sauce
Pour the prepared stock mixture into the skillet with the browned chicken. Cook while stirring constantly until the sauce has thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 6: Incorporate Fresh Basil
Add the fresh basil leaves to the skillet and stir until they are just wilted, which should take about 30 seconds.
Step 7: Assemble the Dish
Divide the cooked jasmine rice into serving bowls and generously top each portion with the chicken mixture.
Step 8: Serve
Serve the dish immediately for the best flavor and freshness.
Notes
Note 1: Rice Cooking
Make sure to rinse the jasmine rice before cooking to remove excess starch, which will help achieve a fluffy texture.
Note 2: Spice Level
Adjust the amount of red Thai chili pepper based on your spice preference. For less heat, you can omit the chili or remove the seeds.
Note 3: Herb Variations
Feel free to substitute fresh basil with other herbs like cilantro or mint if desired, for a different flavor profile.
Note 4: Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Cook Techniques
Cooking Jasmine Rice
Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water to remove excess starch for fluffier rice. Cook according to package instructions, typically using a 1:1.5 rice-to-water ratio. Allow it to sit covered after cooking for a few minutes before serving.
Whisking Sauce Ingredients
Combine chicken stock, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar in a small bowl. Use a whisk to ensure everything is well incorporated, creating a balanced sauce for the dish.
Sauteing Aromatics
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat before adding minced garlic, sliced shallots, and sliced red Thai chili pepper. Stir frequently to evenly cook the ingredients without burning, enhancing their flavors.
Cooking Ground Chicken
Add ground chicken breast to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until completely browned, ensuring to drain any excess fat for a healthier dish.
Thickening the Sauce
Once the ground chicken is cooked, pour in the prepared sauce mixture. Stir constantly over medium heat until the sauce thickens, ensuring it coats the chicken evenly.
Wilting Basil
Incorporate fresh basil leaves towards the end of cooking. Stir just until the leaves wilt to preserve their bright flavor and color in the dish.
FAQ
Can I use other types of rice instead of jasmine rice?
Yes, you can substitute jasmine rice with other long-grain varieties such as basmati rice or even brown rice, but cooking times and water ratios may differ.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, replace ground chicken with a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
Can I adjust the spice level in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can remove the red Thai chili pepper for a milder flavor or add more chili peppers or spicy sauces to increase the heat level.
How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before consuming.
What can I serve alongside this dish?
This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, a simple salad, or additional herbs for garnish.
Conclusion
This delicious dish featuring ground chicken and fragrant jasmine rice showcases a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and aromatic flavors. The combination of fresh basil, garlic, and red Thai chili pepper adds depth and a touch of heat, making it a satisfying meal that is quick to prepare. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you want to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fry
Use the same base ingredients but stir-fry with bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots for added crunch and nutrition.
Chicken Fried Rice
Transform the leftovers into chicken fried rice by adding scrambled eggs, peas, and a splash of sesame oil for a quick and tasty meal.
Spicy Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Spoon the ground chicken mixture into crisp lettuce leaves, and top with shredded carrots and chopped peanuts for a refreshing appetizer.
Jasmine Rice Bowls
Layer the jasmine rice with grilled vegetables and a drizzle of sriracha for a colorful and healthy rice bowl option.
Chicken and Basil Pasta
Toss the ground chicken mixture with cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, and additional fresh basil for a fusion pasta dish.
Rice Paper Rolls
Wrap the chicken mixture in rice paper with cucumber, mint, and carrots for fresh and light rice paper rolls, perfect with a dipping sauce.
