Name: Thai Basil Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken thighs or breast, cut into bite-sized pieces; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped; 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 teaspoon fish sauce; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 2 Thai bird chilies or red chilies, chopped; 2 green onions, sliced; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional); 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Craving a bold, spicy dinner that hits the table in under 30 minutes? Thai Basil Chicken is the answer. This dish captures everything we love about Thai cooking: a harmony of heat, sweetness, umami, and the unmistakable aroma of fresh basil. Whether you’re aiming for a quick weeknight meal or a dish that impresses guests, this flavorful stir-fry doesn’t disappoint.

Aromatic garlic, fiery chilies, and tender chunks of chicken are quickly seared in a hot skillet before being tossed with soy sauce and sweet oyster sauce. Toss in crunchy bell peppers and vibrant Thai basil, and you’ve got an easy meal that packs restaurant-quality flavor. Served over jasmine rice, it’s a total crowd-pleaser.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into cooking, having the right tools makes a world of difference:

Wok or large non-stick skillet: A wok distributes heat quickly and evenly, essential for stir-frying on high heat. A large skillet also works if you don’t own a wok.
Sharp knife: You’ll be slicing chicken and veggies, so a sharp chef’s knife makes prep safer and faster.
Cutting board: Choose one that’s stable and large enough for prepping all your ingredients.
Mixing bowls: Great for marinating chicken and keeping ingredients organized.
Spatula or wooden spoon: These help you toss ingredients efficiently in the hot pan without damaging the surface.

Having everything chopped and ready before you turn on the stove is key to stir-frying success. The cooking process is fast, so mise en place is non-negotiable.

Ingredients for the Thai Basil Chicken

Chicken thighs or breast: Boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces. Thighs offer more flavor and stay juicier during high-heat cooking.
Garlic cloves: Freshly minced to provide an aromatic base.
Red and yellow bell peppers: For crunch, color, and sweetness to balance the savory heat.
Fresh Thai basil: The hero of the dish, adding a peppery, anise-like note.
Soy sauce: Provides salty depth and umami.
Oyster sauce: Adds sweet-salty richness and a glossy finish.
Fish sauce: A little goes a long way for authentic Thai flavor.
Brown sugar: Balances the savory and spicy elements.
Thai bird chilies or red chilies: For that signature heat.
Green onions: Stirred in at the end for freshness and crunch.
Sesame seeds (optional): For a nutty garnish.

How To Make the Thai Basil Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Slice the chicken into bite-sized chunks. Chop the bell peppers, mince the garlic, slice the green onions, and deseed and chop the chilies if needed. Have your sauces pre-measured in bowls.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat oil in a wok or skillet over high heat. Add the chicken and sear until browned and nearly cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Aromatics

In the same pan, add a touch more oil. Toss in the minced garlic and chopped chilies, stirring quickly until fragrant (about 30 seconds).

Step 4: Combine Everything

Return the chicken to the pan. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Stir well to coat. Toss in the bell peppers and cook for 2–3 minutes until just tender.

Step 5: Add the Basil

Turn off the heat and fold in the Thai basil leaves and sliced green onions. Let the residual heat wilt the basil.

Step 6: Serve

Serve hot over jasmine or white rice. Garnish with sesame seeds if using.

Best Ways to Serve and Store Thai Basil Chicken

Thai Basil Chicken is best served immediately, piping hot over a bowl of fluffy jasmine rice or even spooned over noodles. Want a low-carb option? Spoon it over cauliflower rice or tuck it into lettuce cups for a refreshing bite.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it an excellent next-day lunch. Reheat in a skillet for the best texture, or microwave for a convenient warm-up.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is Thai Basil Chicken?

It can be quite spicy if you use Thai bird chilies. Adjust the number of chilies or substitute with milder peppers based on your preference.

Can I use a different type of basil?

Thai basil is preferred for its unique flavor, but in a pinch, Italian basil can be used. The flavor will be less peppery and more sweet.

Can I substitute chicken with another protein?

Absolutely. Shrimp, tofu, or even ground pork work well in this recipe and adapt beautifully to the sauce.

What’s the best rice to serve with this?

Jasmine rice is the classic choice. Its floral aroma and soft texture pair perfectly with the bold stir-fry.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prep all the ingredients ahead, but stir-fry them just before serving for the freshest results.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

You might also like the Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta, a cozy and indulgent twist on weeknight comfort food.

Or try Buffalo Chicken Lasagna for a spicy, cheesy bake that’s always a hit. If you’re craving a one-pan solution, One-Pot French Onion Chicken Rice delivers flavor without the cleanup.

For bold and tangy flavors, the Spicy Honey Sriracha Chicken with Noodles packs a serious punch.

For more fresh recipes and daily food inspiration, be sure to follow my Pinterest – LadyPlate.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

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If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you swap the chicken for tofu? Go heavy on the chilies? Leave a comment below and let’s swap tips!

Thai Basil Chicken

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

A fast and flavor-packed Thai stir-fry dish featuring tender chicken, aromatic garlic, fiery chilies, and the signature punch of fresh Thai basil. Perfect for quick dinners or impressing guests, this meal comes together in under 30 minutes and is best served over jasmine rice.