San Bei Ji (Three-Cup Chicken)

1/3 cup Soy Sauce
1/3 cup Sherry
1 tbsp Brown Sugar
1 1/2 lb Chicken Thy Boneless
3 tbsp Vegetable Oil
1 Fresh Ginger (2-inch) piece ginger, peeled, halved lengthwise, and sliced into thin half-rounds
12 Garlic cloves, peeled and halved lengthwise
3/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
6 Scallion white and green parts separated and sliced thin on bias
1 tsp Corn Starch
1 cup Basil Leaves large leaves sliced in half lengthwise
1 tbsp Toasted Sesame Oil
Before you begin
We prefer the flavor of Thai basil in this recipe, but you can substitute sweet Italian basil, if desired. For a spicier dish, use the larger amount of red pepper flakes. Serve with white rice.
Step 1
Whisk soy sauce, wine, and sugar together in medium bowl. Add chicken and toss to coat; set aside.
Step 2
Heat vegetable oil, ginger, garlic, and pepper flakes in 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until garlic is golden brown and beginning to soften, 8 to 10 minutes.
Step 3
Add chicken and marinade to skillet, increase heat to medium-high, and bring to simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in scallion whites and continue to cook until chicken registers about 200 degrees, 8 to 10 minutes longer.
Step 4
Whisk 1tbsp water and cornstarch together in small bowl, then stir into sauce; simmer until sauce is slightly thickened, about 1 minute. Remove skillet from heat. Stir in basil, sesame oil, and scallion greens. Transfer to platter and serve.