If you are craving a vibrant, aromatic dish that bursts with flavor in every bite, this Thai Basil Chicken Recipe is the perfect answer. Combining tender chicken with fragrant Thai holy basil, garlic, and a spicy kick from chilies, this dish delivers an authentic taste of Thailand right in your own kitchen. The balance of savory sauces and just a touch of sweetness makes it irresistibly delicious and simple enough for a weeknight dinner that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Thai Basil Chicken Recipe is in its simplicity and the freshness of its ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish truly stand out.
- 1 lb chicken breast or thigh: Tender and versatile, either cut into bite-sized pieces to soak up the sauce perfectly.
- 1 cup Thai holy basil leaves (or Thai basil): The star ingredient providing that signature aromatic, slightly spicy flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a warm, pungent base that complements the spicy notes beautifully.
- 3 Thai chilies or 1 teaspoon red chili flakes: For that authentic kick of heat; adjust the amount to your preferred spice level.
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (optional): Adds crunch and a subtle sweetness, plus a pop of color.
- 1/2 onion, thinly sliced (optional): Offers mild sweetness and rounds out the texture.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Provides umami depth and saltiness.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Adds richness and a gentle sweetness to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce: Brings in essential savory complexity and authenticity.
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar: Balances out the salty and spicy flavors with a touch of sweetness.
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice: The perfect fragrant bed that soaks up every bit of the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon oil for cooking: Essential for stir-frying and bringing everything together smoothly.
How to Make Thai Basil Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking. Mince the garlic to release those wonderful flavors, slice the onion and bell pepper thinly if using, and pluck the fresh basil leaves from their stems. Having everything ready before the cooking begins makes a world of difference in timing and flavor.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and brown sugar. This magical combination forms the rich, savory-sweet sauce that coats the chicken. Balancing these ingredients perfectly is key to capturing the authentic taste of the Thai Basil Chicken Recipe.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a tablespoon of oil in your skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and stir-fry it for about 4 to 5 minutes until it’s nearly cooked through and starts to develop a golden color. Then, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. This step ensures your chicken stays juicy and tender.
Step 4: Build the Flavor Base
Add a little more oil, then toss in your minced garlic and Thai chilies. Stir them for about 30 seconds until their aroma fills your kitchen—a small step that makes a big impact. This base is where the heat and fragrant undertone of the dish begin to shine.
Step 5: Add the Vegetables
If you’re using bell peppers and onions, add them now and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes. They should remain slightly crisp while absorbing the flavors from the oil, garlic, and chilies, contributing to a wonderful textural contrast in your Thai Basil Chicken Recipe.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the chicken to the pan. Pour in the prepared sauce, stirring well to coat everything evenly. Allow it to simmer gently for 1 to 2 minutes; this helps the flavors meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly, enveloping the chicken in a delicious glaze.
Step 7: Toss in the Basil
Turn off the heat and immediately add your fresh basil leaves. Toss the mixture until the basil wilts and releases its signature aroma. This last touch brings the dish to life, offering a burst of fresh, peppery notes that make this Thai Basil Chicken Recipe unforgettable.
Step 8: Serve Hot
Dish out the fragrant chicken over bowls of fluffy jasmine rice. The rice soaks up the luscious sauce, completing the dish perfectly. Serve it straight away for the best flavor experience, warm and comforting.
How to Serve Thai Basil Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes elevate this dish even further! Sprinkle some chopped cilantro or extra Thai basil leaves on top for a fresh green pop. Thin slices of red chili or a wedge of lime on the side add color and an optional zing for those who like it spicy or a bit tangy.
Side Dishes
This Thai Basil Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides that do not compete but complement. Steamed jasmine rice is a classic, but you could also try stir-fried vegetables or a crisp cucumber salad to add refreshing contrast. A light soup such as Tom Yum would round out the meal beautifully too.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken in lettuce cups for a fresh, handheld version that’s perfect as an appetizer or light meal. Alternatively, a bowl with rice, chicken, and crispy shallots for topping makes for a cozy, hearty presentation. Don’t be afraid to get creative and let the vibrant nature of the dish inspire you!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Thai Basil Chicken keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to store the chicken and rice separately if possible to maintain the ideal texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the chicken mixture in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Keep in mind that the texture of basil may change slightly after freezing, so it’s best to add fresh basil when reheating if you have any on hand.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to maintain the chicken’s juiciness and to warm the sauce evenly. Adding a splash of water or a little more soy sauce can help loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much in the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use regular basil instead of Thai holy basil?
Yes, you can substitute Thai holy basil with regular sweet basil if needed. While the flavor will be milder and less peppery, it will still add a lovely fresh herbal note to your dish.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The spiciness depends on the amount of Thai chilies or chili flakes you use. Feel free to adjust to your taste or omit the chilies altogether for a milder version that still packs plenty of flavor.
What if I don’t have oyster sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can replace it with hoisin sauce or a combination of soy sauce and a small pinch of sugar to keep the sweet-savory balance of the dish.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Replace chicken with tofu or mushrooms and swap fish sauce with soy sauce or a vegetarian alternative to maintain the umami flavor while keeping it plant-based.
What’s the best rice to serve with Thai Basil Chicken Recipe?
Jasmine rice is ideal for this dish due to its fragrant aroma and slightly sticky texture, which complements the bold flavors perfectly. However, any long-grain rice could work in a pinch.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the simple, vibrant flavors that come together in this Thai Basil Chicken Recipe. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or aiming to impress friends with a taste of Thailand, this dish delivers on all fronts. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight meal that feels like a celebration in every bite!
Print
Thai Basil Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Description
A flavorful and aromatic Thai Basil Chicken recipe that combines tender chicken stir-fried with garlic, chilies, and fresh Thai holy basil leaves, served hot over fragrant jasmine rice. This quick and easy dish offers a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors, making it an authentic taste of Thailand suitable for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb chicken breast or thigh, cut into bite-sized pieces
Herbs & Aromatics
- 1 cup Thai holy basil leaves (or Thai basil)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 Thai chilies or 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
Vegetables (Optional)
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (optional)
- 1/2 onion, thinly sliced (optional)
Sauces & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
Other
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 1 tablespoon oil for cooking
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic, thinly slice the onion and bell pepper if using, and prepare the Thai basil leaves by washing and setting them aside.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and brown sugar until the sugar dissolves, creating a balanced savory and slightly sweet sauce.
- Cook Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and stir-fry for about 4 to 5 minutes until they are nearly cooked through and slightly browned. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add a little more oil to the pan if needed. Sauté the minced garlic and Thai chilies for about 30 seconds until fragrant, releasing their aroma into the dish.
- Cook Vegetables: Add the sliced bell pepper and onion to the pan and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until they begin to soften but still have some crunch.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir well to coat everything evenly. Let the mixture simmer for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Add Basil: Turn off the heat and immediately add the Thai basil leaves. Toss gently until the basil wilts and releases its distinctive fragrance.
- Serve: Serve the hot Thai Basil Chicken over freshly cooked jasmine rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the number of Thai chilies or chili flakes.
- Using chicken thigh adds more flavor and juiciness than chicken breast, but both work well.
- Substitute oyster sauce with mushroom stir-fry sauce for a vegetarian alternative, but omit fish sauce.
- Cook the rice ahead of time or use leftover rice for convenience.
- Adjust the amount of fish sauce and soy sauce according to your salt preference.
