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
Scale
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.
