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
Scale
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.
