Name: Thai Basil Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless chicken thighs or breast, diced; 2 cups fresh Thai basil leaves; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 3 Thai bird’s eye chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste); 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 teaspoon fish sauce; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 small red bell pepper, sliced; 1 small yellow bell pepper, sliced; 1 small onion, sliced; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; Cooked jasmine rice, for serving

Thai Basil Chicken is a fiery, savory, and utterly addictive stir-fry dish that brings the essence of Thai street food right into your kitchen. With juicy pieces of chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and a punchy sauce infused with garlic, chilies, and the unmistakable aroma of Thai basil, it’s a flavor explosion served over steaming jasmine rice. This meal is both a quick weeknight dinner and an impressive dish to serve guests who love a little heat and a lot of depth.

What makes Thai Basil Chicken stand out is its simple ingredients and fast cooking time. You don’t need hours or exotic tools to prepare it—just a handful of pantry staples, fresh herbs, and high heat. The result? A balanced blend of sweet, spicy, and umami that tastes like it came straight from your favorite Thai takeout spot.

Why You’ll Love This Thai Basil Chicken

Bold Flavors: The spicy, garlicky sauce clings to every bite of chicken, while Thai basil adds a peppery, slightly sweet finish.
Quick to Make: Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Customizable Heat: Adjust the chili to your spice tolerance—mild or blazing hot.
Great for Meal Prep: Reheats beautifully for a fast, flavor-packed lunch the next day.
Naturally Gluten-Free: When made with tamari or gluten-free soy sauce, it caters to gluten-sensitive diets.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving in, a little prep goes a long way to make cooking Thai Basil Chicken seamless and stress-free.

Essential Tools & Equipment:

Wok or Large Skillet: Essential for high-heat stir-frying. It ensures even cooking and gives that slightly charred, authentic flavor.
Sharp Knife: Crucial for dicing chicken evenly and slicing vegetables cleanly.
Cutting Board: Preferably a large one with space for separating meat and vegetables.
Garlic Press or Mortar & Pestle: If you want to intensify the flavor of garlic and chilies.
Rice Cooker or Pot: To get perfectly fluffy jasmine rice that soaks up the savory sauce.
Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Helps with quick tossing in the pan without breaking the chicken.

Having your ingredients prepped and ready (mise en place!) will let you focus entirely on the fun part: stir-frying with confidence.

Ingredients for the Thai Basil Chicken

Chicken Thighs or Breast: Juicy and tender, chicken is the base of the dish. Thighs are preferred for their rich flavor.
Fresh Thai Basil Leaves: The star of the dish! Adds a peppery, slightly sweet depth.
Garlic: Essential for aromatics and flavor depth.
Red Chilies or Thai Bird’s Eye Chilies: Provides the kick. Adjust based on your spice tolerance.
Soy Sauce: Adds umami and saltiness.
Oyster Sauce: Deepens the savory profile.
Fish Sauce: Brings that classic Thai umami funkiness.
Sugar: Balances the spice and salt.
Bell Peppers: Adds crunch, color, and natural sweetness.
Onion or Shallots: For a mild, slightly sweet aromatic base.
Jasmine Rice: The perfect companion to soak up the saucy goodness.

How To Make the Thai Basil Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic and chilies, slice the bell peppers and onion, and have your basil leaves washed and ready.

Step 2: Create the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and a bit of sugar. Stir until sugar dissolves and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Chilies

Heat oil in your wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and chilies, stirring constantly until fragrant—about 30 seconds.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Add the diced chicken and stir-fry until browned and nearly cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5: Add Veggies & Sauce

Toss in bell peppers and onions. Stir-fry for another 2 minutes, then pour in the sauce and mix well to coat everything evenly.

Step 6: Stir in Thai Basil

Turn off the heat and stir in the Thai basil leaves. Let them wilt from the residual heat. Serve hot over jasmine rice.

How to Serve and Store Thai Basil Chicken

Serving Tips:
Serve Thai Basil Chicken hot over a generous scoop of steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice. Garnish with extra basil leaves or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for visual appeal. Want it low-carb? Try it over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps.

Storing Tips:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through. You can also freeze it for up to a month, but fresh basil flavor is best enjoyed right away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground chicken instead of diced?

Absolutely. Ground chicken is actually commonly used in Thai kitchens for this dish and speeds up cooking.

What if I can’t find Thai basil?

You can substitute with Italian basil in a pinch, but the flavor will be less peppery and aromatic.

Is Thai Basil Chicken spicy?

Yes, but the heat level is adjustable. Reduce the amount of chilies or remove seeds for a milder version.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap chicken for tofu or mushrooms, and use vegetarian oyster and fish sauce alternatives.

Does it work as meal prep?

It’s excellent for meal prep. Portion it into containers with rice and refrigerate for a grab-and-go lunch.

What type of rice goes best?

Jasmine rice is the classic pairing. Its fragrance complements the sauce and herbs beautifully.

Want More Chicken Stir-Fry Ideas?

If you love this Thai Basil Chicken, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:

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