Chicken and Basil Stir-Fry
Martha Stewart
Prep: 40 minutes Total: 40 minutes
Often used in Thai cooking, Thai basil is also called holy basil. It has sharp-pointed leaves and tastes of mint, cinnamon, and licorice.
Ingredients
Serves 4.
* 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices (longer pieces cut crosswise in half again)
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* Coarse salt and ground pepper
* 6 teaspoons vegetable oil
* 1 small onion, halved and cut into 1/4-inch-thick wedges
* 2 bell peppers (red, green, or a mix, ribs and seeds removed), cut into 1/4-inch-wide strips
* 6 garlic cloves, minced
* 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
* 2 tablespoons soy sauce
* 1 1/2 cups fresh Thai (see note) or other basil leaves, larger leaves torn in half
* Cooked white rice, for serving (optional)
Directions
1. Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, toss chicken with cornstarch until coated; season generously with salt and pepper.
2. In a large nonstick skillet, heat 2 teaspoons oil over medium-high. Cook half the chicken, turning once, until browned, but not completely cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes total. Transfer to a plate. Repeat with another 2 teaspoons oil and remaining chicken. Transfer chicken to plate. Set aside. Wipe out skillet with a paper towel.
3. To skillet, add remaining 2 teaspoons oil, onion, and bell peppers; cook over medium-high heat, tossing often, until beginning to brown, 3 minutes. Add garlic; cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Add 1/4 cup water, vinegar, soy sauce, and chicken to pan; cook, tossing, until chicken is cooked through, about 1 minute. Remove from heat. Stir in basil leaves. Serve immediately, over white rice, if desired.