Name: Thai Basil Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, sliced into thin strips; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 shallots, thinly sliced; 1 red chili, sliced (adjust to taste); 1 bell pepper, sliced; 1 cup fresh basil leaves; 2 tablespoons oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon fish sauce; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1/4 cup chicken broth

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever wanted to bring the bold, aromatic flavors of Thailand into your own kitchen, Thai Basil Chicken is the dish you absolutely must try. With tender, juicy chicken, plenty of garlic, a medley of colorful veggies, and that unmistakable, slightly spicy pop of fresh basil, this dish bursts with layers of flavor in every bite. The real beauty is how quickly it comes together—perfect for busy weeknights or impressing friends on short notice. Just a few staple ingredients, some sizzling action in the pan, and you’ll be savoring restaurant-quality Thai Basil Chicken at home in no time!

Thai Basil Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines because it’s all about simple, essential ingredients working in harmony. From tender chicken and sweet basil to aromatic garlic and a savory sauce, each plays a unique role in creating the authentic taste and signature color of Thai Basil Chicken.

Chicken Thighs: Choose boneless, skinless thighs for extra juiciness and flavor; slice them thin for quick, even cooking.
Vegetable Oil: The neutral flavor and high smoke point make it ideal for stir-frying all the tasty bits together.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the dish with its classic, aromatic punch.
Shallots: Brings a mild, sweet depth that mellows and enhances the other flavors as it cooks.
Red Chili: Adds a gentle, lingering heat—feel free to crank it up or down to match your spice tolerance.
Bell Pepper: Sliced bell pepper gives the dish crunch and a beautiful pop of color.
Fresh Basil Leaves: The hero of Thai Basil Chicken, these provide that peppery, slightly anise flavor and a dose of vibrant green.
Oyster Sauce: Deeply savory and sweet, it forms the savory backbone of the sauce.
Soy Sauce: Lends salty, umami depth and balances out the sweetness.
Fish Sauce: Just a touch goes a long way, adding authentic Thai character and a hint of briny flavor.
Sugar: Balances the spicy, salty, and savory notes with just a hint of sweetness.
Chicken Broth: Keeps things saucy and brings everything together with a bit of richness.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for fine-tuning the flavor at the end.

How to Make Thai Basil Chicken

Step 1: Heat Up the Pan

Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. You’ll want the oil nice and glistening hot—this gives you that wok-seared flavor that makes Thai Basil Chicken taste just like your favorite local spot.

Step 2: Build Aroma with Garlic and Shallots

Drop in the freshly minced garlic and thinly sliced shallots. Stir them around for about a minute. The kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma, a little preview of all the flavor that’s about to happen.

Step 3: Sauté the Chicken

Add your thinly sliced chicken thighs to the pan. Stir-fry until they’re just starting to brown on all sides, about 5 to 7 minutes. The goal is golden, juicy pieces—don’t rush this step!

Step 4: Toss in Chili and Peppers

Time for some color and gentle heat: Stir in the sliced red chili and bell pepper. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, just enough for the veggies to soften a bit while keeping their crunch.

Step 5: Make It Saucy!

In a small bowl, mix together the oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and chicken broth. Pour this over the chicken and veggies, stirring well so everyone gets coated in that gorgeous, flavorful sauce.

Step 6: Simmer and Sizzle

Let the whole mixture simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes. This gives the flavors time to mingle and the sauce a chance to thicken slightly, soaking into every bite.

Step 7: Finish with Thai Basil

At the very end, add your fresh basil leaves. Quickly and gently toss until the leaves are just wilted but still vibrant. The scent at this stage is absolutely incredible—classic Thai Basil Chicken magic!

Step 8: Season to Taste

Give your dish a taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Sometimes the sauces provide enough salt, so go slow and taste as you go.

Step 9: Serve Immediately

Remove the pan from heat and serve your Thai Basil Chicken piping hot, traditionally over steamed jasmine rice. Get ready for those flavors to pop!

How to Serve Thai Basil Chicken

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra fresh basil leaves on top truly elevates the dish, making it both prettier and more aromatic. Add sliced red chilies if you like it spicy, or a few toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch.

Side Dishes

Thai Basil Chicken loves a steamy bed of jasmine or sticky rice, which soaks up the sauce perfectly. For a feast, pair with quick cucumber salad, pickled veggies, or a fried egg on top for that classic Thai touch.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Thai Basil Chicken in lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held appetizer. Or pile it into a sticky rice bowl with extra vegetables, or even serve as a filling for wraps or sandwiches. It’s a dish that welcomes a bit of flair!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any extra Thai Basil Chicken into an airtight container and stash it in the fridge—it’ll keep well for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, often making leftovers taste even better the next day!

Freezing

You can freeze Thai Basil Chicken for longer storage. Cool it completely, transfer to freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to two months. Just know the basil may darken a bit, but the flavor will still shine through after reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. If it looks a little dry, splash in a tablespoon of water or chicken broth to bring back the sauciness without overcooking the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast is a great substitute, though it tends to cook a bit faster and can be less juicy than thighs. Keep an eye on the cook time to avoid drying out the meat, and slice it thin for the best texture.

What kind of basil should I use for Thai Basil Chicken?

If possible, seek out Thai holy basil (bai horapha) at Asian grocery stores for the most authentic flavor. Regular Italian basil will work in a pinch, but the peppery, anise notes from Thai basil really make this dish special.

How spicy is this dish?

The spice level depends on how much chili you add! If you prefer things on the milder side, use just a small slice or swap it for a mild chili. If you love heat, add more red chili or toss in some extra chili flakes for a fiery kick.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely—swap the chicken for firm tofu or a medley of vegetables like mushrooms and eggplant. Choose vegetarian oyster sauce and omit the fish sauce, or replace it with a touch of soy sauce and a dash of lime for brightness.

What other protein can I use?

Try ground pork or thinly sliced beef for a tasty twist. Even shrimp works beautifully, just adjust the cook time so they stay tender. The flavorful sauce and basil work their magic on just about any protein you like!

Final Thoughts

You truly don’t have to travel far to enjoy the sizzling excitement of Thai Basil Chicken—one pan and a few fresh ingredients will take you there. I hope you’ll give this vibrant, ultra-satisfying recipe a try and make it part of your own kitchen favorites. Let the fragrance of basil and garlic fill your home, and dig in!