Fabulous Food Friday: Thai Basil Chicken

Since my brother-in-law is from Thailand, we have had the pleasure of eating many delicious Thai meals together. This is one of my favorites.

Note: Begin cooking your rice before you make this dish and it should be ready at the same time.

Thai Basil Chicken

12-16 sweet basil leaves
1 cup hot water
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 pound chicken, thinly sliced (I use 2 lbs)
1-2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 medium onion, sliced (I use 1 onion)
1-2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and sliced
1 tablespoon fish sauce, available at Asian markets
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sugar

In a small bowl, soak sweet basil leaves in hot water for 15 minutes. Drain and discard water.
In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons oil over high heat for 1 minute. Add meat and cook over high heat, stirring constantly, until chicken begins to turn brown. Place meat aside in a bowl. Wash skillet and dry. Heat 1 tablespoon oil over high heat for one minute. Add garlic, onion and peppers and stir well. Cook, stirring frequently until peppers are soft. Add chicken, fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar and stir well. Tear basil into smaller pieces and add to the mix. Cook, stirring constantly over medium heat for 2 minutes or until heated through. Serve over rice with some sweet chili sauce on the side. Mmmmm!