Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I took my first bite of Thai Basil Chicken, the warmth of exotic spices enveloped me, transporting me straight to the bustling streets of Bangkok. This delightful dish, bursting with vibrant colors and flavors, pairs tender chicken thighs with crisp veggies and fragrant basil, all wrapped in a savory-sweet sauce that sings with every bite. Best of all, this recipe is quick and beginner-friendly—perfect for those busy weeknight dinners when you crave something delicious yet simple. In just 30 minutes, you’ll impress your family or guests with this vibrant dinner option that feels restaurant-quality without the fuss. So, ready to dive into a world of flavor and freshness? Let’s whip up this delectable Thai Basil Chicken together! Why Is Thai Basil Chicken So Irresistible? Explosive flavors in every bite: This dish harmonizes juicy chicken, crisp vegetables, and fragrant basil, delivering an unforgettable taste that rivals your favorite takeout. Quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe simplifies weeknight cooking without compromising on flavor. Versatile options: Swap in veggies or proteins—like tofu or tempeh—for a unique twist that suits any dietary preference. Crowd-pleaser: Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, Thai Basil Chicken always leaves everyone craving more. Don’t forget to pair it with a tangy cucumber salad or serve it over jasmine rice for a complete meal that dazzles. Thai Basil Chicken Ingredients For the Chicken • Chicken Thighs – Provides juicy, tender meat; substitute with chicken breasts, but adjust cooking time to prevent dryness. • Vegetable Oil – High smoke point oil used for cooking; can replace with canola or peanut oil. For the Aromatics • Garlic – Adds pungent flavor and aroma; minced to release oils for depth. • Shallots – Offers a subtle sweetness and crunch, complementing the chicken flavors. For the Heat and Veggies • Red Chili – Delivers heat; adjust quantity for preferred spice level; use jalapeño as a milder alternative. • Bell Pepper – Adds crunch and sweetness; substitute with zucchini or snap peas for variation. For the Sauce • Fresh Basil – Key flavor profile; Thai basil is preferred for authenticity, though sweet basil can be an alternative. • Oyster Sauce – Adds umami depth; can substitute with a vegetarian stir-fry sauce for a vegan option. • Soy Sauce – Contributes saltiness and complements the dish’s flavors. • Fish Sauce – Enhances savory notes; omit for vegetarian/vegan options. • Sugar – Balances saltiness; can use brown sugar or honey. • Chicken Broth – Helps thin the sauce; can substitute with vegetable broth for vegetarian versions. Get ready to unleash a burst of flavors as you prepare your Thai Basil Chicken—it’s a culinary adventure you won’t want to miss! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Thai Basil Chicken Step 1: Heat the Oil Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to shimmer, indicating that it is hot enough for cooking. This will create a perfect environment for sautéing the aromatics and developing that delicious base for your Thai Basil Chicken. Step 2: Sauté Aromatics Once the oil is hot, add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 2 finely sliced shallots to the pan. Sauté these for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until they become fragrant and lightly golden. This step is crucial as it builds the foundational flavors that will enhance the entire dish. Step 3: Cook the Chicken Next, add 1 pound of sliced chicken thighs to the wok, spreading them out evenly. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for 5-7 minutes until browned on one side. Flip the pieces to ensure they are equally golden on the other. This browning adds depth and texture to the Thai Basil Chicken. Step 4: Add Veggies and Heat Stir in the chopped red chili and sliced bell pepper, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes. You’re looking for the peppers to become tender yet remain crisp. The vibrant colors will enhance the look of your dish and provide that satisfying crunch you crave. Step 5: Prepare the Sauce In a separate bowl, mix together 3 tablespoons of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of fish sauce, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Pour this sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the wok. The sauce will thicken slightly and coat everything beautifully, providing that signature taste of Thai Basil Chicken. Step 6: Simmer for Flavor Allow the dish to simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors. Keep an eye on the sauce; it should bubble gently without boiling too violently. This step ensures that every ingredient is well-integrated, making your meal deeply flavorful. Step 7: Add Fresh Basil Finally, toss in a generous handful of fresh basil leaves into the wok. Stir them in until just wilted, which should only take about 30 seconds. The aromatic basil adds an irresistible freshness that elevates your Thai Basil Chicken to new heights. Step 8: Serve and Enjoy Remove the wok from heat and serve your aromatic Thai Basil Chicken hot over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice. If desired, adjust the seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper. This vibrant dish is now ready to impress your family or guests with its bold flavors and delightful presentation. Expert Tips for Thai Basil Chicken Choose the Right Chicken: Select chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful dish. If using breasts, lower the cooking time to avoid dryness. Fresh Aromatics: Sauté garlic and shallots until golden for optimal flavor. Always mince garlic to release its natural oils, enhancing the dish’s depth. Perfectly Crispy Veggies: Cook bell peppers until tender but crisp to maintain texture. Overcooking can lead to sogginess, so stir-fry briefly. Sauce Balance: Adjust the sugar in the sauce to taste, especially if you prefer a sweeter or more savory version of Thai Basil Chicken. Fresh Basil Last: Add basil just before serving to preserve its fragrant aroma and vibrant color. This step is crucial for authenticity and flavor. Storage Tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat gently in a pan to keep that delicious texture intact. Storage Tips for Thai Basil Chicken Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure the dish is completely cooled before sealing to maintain freshness and prevent condensation. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the Thai Basil Chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Reheating: Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This will help retain the dish’s texture and flavors. Serving Tip: If using jasmine rice, consider reheating it separately to ensure it stays fluffy and delicious alongside your flavorful Thai Basil Chicken. Make Ahead Options These Thai Basil Chicken prep ideas are perfect for busy weeknights! You can marinate the sliced chicken thighs in the sauce (combine oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar) up to 24 hours in advance to infuse even more flavor. Additionally, chop your vegetables and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to cook, simply heat the oil, sauté the aromatics, add the marinated chicken and veggies, and proceed with the recipe. This makes your cooking experience seamless and ensures that your Thai Basil Chicken is just as delicious with minimal effort, giving you more time to relax and enjoy your meal! Thai Basil Chicken Variations Feel free to unleash your creativity and tailor this dish to your unique taste preferences and dietary needs! Vegetarian Option: Swap out chicken for tofu or tempeh, marinating them in the sauce for added flavor before cooking. This twist gives a hearty and satisfying texture without sacrificing taste. Additional Heat: For a spicier kick, increase the number of red chilies or add a dash of sriracha. Each spicy bite will tantalize your taste buds and awaken your palate. Vegetable Medley: Include other vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for a colorful and nutrient-packed dish that adds vibrancy to every serving. These additions also bring beautiful crunch and freshness! Energizing Grains: Ditch the jasmine rice and opt for brown rice or quinoa instead. These alternatives are not only healthier, but they also lend a nutty flavor that complements the savoriness of the chicken. Sweet Heat: Drizzle in some honey or maple syrup to amplify the sweet notes and balance the dish. This subtle swap adds a delightful complexity to the overall flavor. Fragrant Fusion: Experiment with adding fresh cilantro or mint alongside the basil for a refreshing twist. Their aromatic appeal will elevate the dish while introducing an irresistible freshness. Nutty Delight: Toss in some crushed peanuts or cashews just before serving for a satisfying crunch and rich flavor. They’re an excellent way to enhance both texture and taste. Citrus Spark: Squeeze some lime over the finished dish for a zesty brightness that enhances the savory-sweet elements beautifully. It’s the perfect finishing touch! To accompany your delicious Thai Basil Chicken, why not try making some butter chicken or a refreshing cucumber salad for a complete meal experience? Enjoy the journey of flavors! What to Serve with Thai Basil Chicken Elevate your dining experience by pairing this vibrant dish with satisfying sides that balance flavors and textures perfectly. Fluffy Jasmine Rice: The classic accompaniment, jasmine rice absorbs the savory sauce, creating a perfectly harmonious blend of flavors. Crispy Green Papaya Salad: This salad adds a zesty crunch, enhancing the freshness of Thai Basil Chicken while introducing a refreshing citrus note. Stir-Fried Vegetables: A mix of colorful veggies, such as broccoli and snap peas, brings added crunch and nutrition, complementing the tender chicken. Tangy Cucumber Salad: The cool, crisp cucumbers drizzled with a light vinegar dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the warm spices of the chicken dish. Thai Iced Tea: Indulge in a sweet, creamy Thai iced tea that beautifully balances the heat of the dish, making your meal a delightful experience. Mango Sticky Rice: For dessert, this sweet treat perfectly rounds off your meal with its luscious mango and creamy coconut-infused rice. Each pairing adds a unique touch, enhancing your enjoyment of the Thai Basil Chicken while promising a well-rounded dinner that satisfies and delights. Thai Basil Chicken Recipe FAQs What kind of chicken should I use for Thai Basil Chicken? I recommend using chicken thighs for their juicy, tender quality. However, if you prefer chicken breasts, you can definitely substitute them—just be mindful to adjust the cooking time to avoid dryness. Cook them only until they’re no longer pink in the center, about 6-8 minutes. How should I store leftovers of Thai Basil Chicken? Absolutely! Once your Thai Basil Chicken has cooled down, transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Can I freeze Thai Basil Chicken? Yes, you can! To freeze, allow the dish to cool completely and then place it in an airtight, freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the stovetop to maintain its texture and flavor. What should I do if my Thai Basil Chicken turns out soggy? Don’t worry! If you find your chicken is soggy, it might be due to overcooking the vegetables. To fix this, you can try reheating the dish in a skillet over medium heat to evaporate some of the excess moisture. Make sure to stir it frequently, and enjoy the revived crunchiness! Is Thai Basil Chicken suitable for a gluten-free diet? If you’re looking to make your Thai Basil Chicken gluten-free, opt for gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Also, ensure to use a gluten-free oyster sauce substitute to maintain that umami flavor while keeping it safe for those with gluten sensitivities. Can I use regular basil instead of Thai basil? Very! While Thai basil is preferred for its unique flavor, you can use regular sweet basil in a pinch. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly, but it will still yield a delicious Thai-inspired dish. Savor Thai Basil Chicken with Bold Flavors in 30 Minutes Thai Basil Chicken is a vibrant dish that combines tender chicken with fresh vegetables and fragrant basil, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 30 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: ThaiCalories: 450 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken1 lb chicken thighs substitute with chicken breasts, adjust cooking time2 tbsp vegetable oil can replace with canola or peanut oilFor the Aromatics4 cloves garlic minced2 shallots finely slicedFor the Heat and Veggies1 red chili adjust for spice level1 bell pepper substitute with zucchini or snap peasFor the Sauce1 cup fresh basil Thai basil preferred3 tbsp oyster sauce substitute with vegetarian stir-fry sauce for vegan1 tbsp soy sauce1 tsp fish sauce omit for vegetarian/vegan1 tsp sugar can use brown sugar or honey1 cup chicken broth substitute with vegetable broth for vegetarian Equipment wokLarge skillet Method Step-by-Step InstructionsBegin by heating 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.Once the oil is hot, add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 2 finely sliced shallots. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.Add 1 pound of sliced chicken thighs to the wok and cook undisturbed for 5-7 minutes until browned.Stir in the chopped red chili and sliced bell pepper, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.In a separate bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of fish sauce and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Pour over the chicken and vegetables.Allow the dish to simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.Toss in a generous handful of fresh basil leaves and stir until just wilted.Remove from heat and serve hot over jasmine rice. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 35gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 80mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg NotesStore leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for best texture. 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