If you are craving something that bursts with bold flavors yet comes together in no time at all, this Easy Thai Basil Chicken: A Flavorful Quick Dinner Delight Recipe is exactly what you need. Juicy chicken pieces are stir-fried with fragrant garlic, spicy red chilies, and vibrant bell peppers, all tossed with a perfect blend of soy, oyster, and fish sauces. The crowning glory is a generous handful of fresh Thai basil leaves, which infuse every bite with their signature aromatic freshness. This dish is a beautiful balance of spicy, savory, and sweet notes, packed with textures and colors that make dinner exciting and satisfying, especially when served over fluffy jasmine rice. It’s a true weeknight hero that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Easy Thai Basil Chicken: A Flavorful Quick Dinner Delight Recipe lies in its simple but vibrant ingredients. Each one brings something essential to the table—whether it’s the heat of the chilies, the fragrance of the basil, or the savory umami from the sauces. Nothing here is complicated, but together they create an irresistible flavor explosion.
- 500 grams diced chicken thighs or breasts: Choose boneless and skinless for tender, quick-cooking protein that soaks up all the flavors.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Adds a pungent depth to the dish that’s absolutely indispensable.
- 2 pieces red chili (sliced): Brings that essential kick of heat to balance the sweetness and saltiness.
- 1 cup Thai basil leaves: The star herb that imparts a fresh, slightly peppery aroma; regular basil works in a pinch.
- 1 piece red bell pepper (sliced): Adds sweetness and a pop of vibrant color.
- 1 piece yellow bell pepper (sliced): Another colorful element that enhances the visual appeal and mild sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (light): The salty backbone that brings everything together.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Adds a luscious, savory richness with a subtle hint of sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce: Provides that authentic, deep umami flavor essential in Thai cooking.
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar: Balances out the salty and spicy ingredients with a touch of caramel sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: For stir-frying, vegetable or canola oil works perfectly to get a nice sear without smoking.
- 4 cups cooked jasmine rice: The ideal fluffy base to soak up all the saucy goodness.
How to Make Easy Thai Basil Chicken: A Flavorful Quick Dinner Delight Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by mincing the garlic cloves until they are fine and slicing the red chilies thinly—these small prep steps build the bold character of your dish. Slice the red and yellow bell peppers so they’re ready to add in quickly during the stir-fry. Having everything ready to go means this dish comes together in a flash without any stress.
Step 2: Heat the Pan and Cook the Chicken
Warm 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the diced chicken and stir frequently, ensuring each piece gets a nice golden color. The high heat is essential here—it locks in juices and creates a savory crust while keeping the chicken tender and moist inside.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Chilies
As the chicken cooks, throw in the minced garlic and sliced chilies. Stir continuously for about 30 seconds to infuse the oil with those punchy flavors, but be careful not to let the garlic burn—this step fills your kitchen with an intoxicating aroma that’s a hallmark of Thai cooking.
Step 4: Stir in Sauces and Sugar
Now pour in your light soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce along with the teaspoon of brown sugar. Give everything a good stir to combine. This sauce trio is where all the savory, salty, and sweet layers meld together, coating every morsel of chicken and veggies with sticky, luscious flavor.
Step 5: Toss in Bell Peppers and Cook Until Tender
Add your sliced red and yellow bell peppers to the pan next. Stir-fry them until just tender but still retaining a slight crunch. This timing ensures the peppers maintain their bright color and fresh taste, which balances beautifully against the rich chicken and sauce.
Step 6: Fold in Thai Basil Leaves
Remove the skillet from heat and immediately fold in the Thai basil leaves. The residual warmth will wilt them perfectly without overcooking, releasing their fragrant oils right into the dish. This final flourish is the secret that elevates this meal from simple stir-fry to an authentic Thai masterpiece.
Step 7: Serve Over Jasmine Rice
Serve your Easy Thai Basil Chicken straight from the pan over steaming bowls of jasmine rice. The rice soaks up every ounce of the flavorful sauce, making every bite comforting and satisfying.
How to Serve Easy Thai Basil Chicken: A Flavorful Quick Dinner Delight Recipe
Garnishes
To make your dish pop visually and add texture, sprinkle some chopped fresh cilantro or sliced green onions on top. A wedge of lime on the side can brighten every mouthful with a zesty citrus burst that complements the savory chicken splendidly. If you love extra heat, a few extra fresh chili slices make a bold statement.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs beautifully with simple jasmine rice, but you can also round out your meal with a fresh cucumber salad or lightly steamed Asian greens like bok choy or gai lan. These lighter sides provide a refreshing contrast and keep the whole dinner feeling vibrant and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Thai basil chicken in lettuce cups for a hand-held dinner experience. Alternatively, spoon it over a bed of cauliflower rice to keep it low-carb but no less flavorful. You can even turn leftovers into a hearty wrap or rice bowl packed with your favorite crunchy veggies.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Thai Basil Chicken keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a wonderful next-day meal or packed lunch addition.
Freezing
If you want to save it longer, freeze the chicken in a sealed freezer bag or container for up to two months. Make sure to cool it completely before freezing to maintain texture and freshness. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid overcooking so the chicken stays juicy and the basil remains fragrant.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs in this recipe?
Absolutely! Both chicken breasts and thighs work well, though thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving during high-heat cooking. Just be sure to cut breast meat into even pieces for quick, uniform cooking.
What is the best substitute for Thai basil if I can’t find it?
If Thai basil isn’t available, regular sweet basil can be used. While the flavor is different—less peppery and more sweet—it still adds a lovely herbal note that complements the dish well.
How spicy is this recipe and can I adjust it?
This recipe has a moderate level of heat due to the red chilies. If you prefer it milder, reduce the number of chilies or remove the seeds before cooking. For an extra kick, add more sliced chilies or a dash of chili flakes.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can! Substitute the chicken with firm tofu or your favorite vegetable mix, and swap the fish and oyster sauces for vegetarian versions or soy sauce alone. The key flavors remain delicious and satisfying.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. Easy Thai Basil Chicken keeps well and is great for meal prepping. Cook it ahead, portion out with rice, and you have flavorful lunches or dinners ready for the week.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about Easy Thai Basil Chicken: A Flavorful Quick Dinner Delight Recipe that makes every dinner feel like a celebration of authentic Thai flavors without hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, it’s a recipe you can rely on to deliver warmth, excitement, and satisfaction on any weekday night. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and dive into this delicious adventure—you’re going to love every bite!
Print
Easy Thai Basil Chicken: A Flavorful Quick Dinner Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Description
This Easy Thai Basil Chicken recipe is a quick and flavorful dinner option perfect for busy weeknights. Tender diced chicken is stir-fried with aromatic garlic, spicy red chilies, colorful bell peppers, and fragrant Thai basil leaves, all coated in a savory blend of soy, oyster, and fish sauces. Served over fragrant jasmine rice, this dish delivers authentic Thai flavors in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Protein
- 500 grams diced chicken thighs or breasts (boneless and skinless)
Vegetables & Herbs
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 pieces red chili (sliced)
- 1 cup Thai basil leaves (can use regular basil as a substitute)
- 1 piece red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 piece yellow bell pepper (sliced)
Sauces & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (light)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (can substitute canola oil if preferred)
To Serve
- 4 cups cooked jasmine rice
Instructions
- Prepare Aromatics: Mince the garlic cloves and slice the red chilies. Set them aside to add later during cooking.
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
- Cook Chicken: Add the diced chicken pieces to the hot oil, stirring rapidly to cook evenly and prevent sticking, allowing the chicken to brown slightly.
- Add Garlic and Chilies: Toss in the minced garlic and sliced red chilies; stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burned.
- Season: Pour in the light soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sprinkle the brown sugar over the mixture. Stir thoroughly to coat the chicken and develop a rich sauce.
- Cook Vegetables: Add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers, stir-frying everything together until the peppers are tender but still crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
- Finish with Basil: Remove the skillet from heat, then fold in the Thai basil leaves. The residual heat will wilt the basil, releasing its aroma without overcooking.
- Serve: Immediately spoon the flavorful Thai basil chicken over cooked jasmine rice and enjoy while hot.
Notes
- If Thai basil is unavailable, Italian basil can be used as a substitute though the flavor profile will be slightly different.
- Adjust the amount of red chili based on your preferred spice level, removing seeds can reduce heat.
- Using chicken thighs gives more flavor and juiciness but breasts are leaner and suitable for a lighter dish.
- This recipe is best served fresh but can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce with tamari or gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
