If you love bold flavors and quick home-cooked meals, this Thai Basil Chicken Recipe will become your new go-to dinner. It perfectly balances spicy, savory, and fresh notes with tender ground chicken and aromatic Thai basil that delivers a burst of authentic Southeast Asian flair in every bite. Whether you’re new to Thai cuisine or a longtime fan, this dish is incredibly simple to make and irresistibly delicious, bringing restaurant-quality vibes right to your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Thai Basil Chicken Recipe relies on a handful of straightforward ingredients that create a harmony of flavors and textures. Each element, from the fiery chilies to the fragrant basil, is essential to capturing the true essence of this beloved dish.
- 1 pound ground chicken: The lean protein base that soaks up all the sauces and spices beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: For stir-frying and giving the dish its perfect sear without overpowering flavors.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a pungent, savory depth that wakes up the palate instantly.
- 2 Thai chilies, finely chopped: Deliver authentic heat; adjust quantity based on your spice preference.
- 1 small onion, sliced: Offers a subtle sweetness and a bit of crunch to contrast the tender meat.
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Brightens the dish with color and a mild, crisp bite.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce: Brings salty umami richness, balancing all the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Adds depth and a slightly sweet caramelized note.
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce: Infuses characteristic Thai savory complexity.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Balances the salty and spicy elements with a touch of sweetness.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water: Creates a little sauce to coat the ingredients perfectly.
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves: The star herb that imbues the dish with its signature sweet and slightly licorice aroma.
- Cooked jasmine rice for serving: The soft, fragrant rice is the perfect base to savor every flavorful bite.
How to Make Thai Basil Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Heat and Aromatize
Begin by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and finely chopped Thai chilies, then stir-fry for about 30 seconds until you can smell their wonderful aroma filling the kitchen. This quick step releases the essential flavors that set the tone for the entire dish.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Next, add the ground chicken to the skillet. Break it up with your spatula as you cook, stirring frequently. In about 5 to 7 minutes, the chicken should brown nicely and be fully cooked through. This process infuses the meat with the fragrant garlic and chili base.
Step 3: Add Vegetables
Now it’s time for some texture and color. Toss in the sliced onions and red bell pepper, stirring them around for 2 to 3 minutes until they soften but still keep a slight crunch. This step keeps the dish vibrant and fresh.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and chicken broth or water. Pour this savory, tangy sauce mixture into the skillet, combining it well with the chicken and veggies. Let everything simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors can marry beautifully.
Step 5: Add the Basil
Once the simmering is done, turn off the heat and stir in the fresh Thai basil leaves until they just wilt. This final addition imparts that unmistakable herbal sweetness that makes this Thai Basil Chicken Recipe so special. Serve it immediately over a generous scoop of steamed jasmine rice for a truly satisfying meal.
How to Serve Thai Basil Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your serving experience, sprinkle some freshly chopped scallions or a few extra Thai basil leaves on top. For an extra punch of heat, add a wedge of fresh lime or a dusting of red chili flakes. These garnishes bring brightness, contrast, and a lovely pop of color to your plate.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderful on its own with jasmine rice, but pairing it with light, refreshing sides can round out your meal beautifully. Consider a crisp cucumber salad, a simple papaya salad, or steamed vegetables like bok choy or broccoli for balance and extra nutrients.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your family or guests by serving the Thai Basil Chicken Recipe in a hollowed-out bell pepper or atop a bed of crunchy lettuce leaves for a hands-on feast. You can also serve it over noodles instead of rice for a fun twist that still captures the delicious flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Thai Basil Chicken holds up nicely in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it completely before storing to maintain freshness and flavor for your next meal.
Freezing
If you want to keep this Thai Basil Chicken Recipe longer, freezing is a great option. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Remember that fresh basil flavor may diminish slightly after freezing, so you might want to add fresh basil during reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if needed to rehydrate the sauce. Toss in a handful of fresh basil leaves at the end of reheating to revive that signature aroma.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or beef instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or beef can be substituted in this Thai Basil Chicken Recipe. Turkey offers a similar lightness, while beef will give a richer, heartier flavor. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
What if I can’t find fresh Thai basil?
If Thai basil isn’t available, Italian basil is a decent substitute. Keep in mind the flavor will shift slightly because Thai basil has a unique sweet, licorice-like note that Italian basil lacks.
Can I make this recipe less spicy?
Definitely. Simply reduce the amount of Thai chilies or omit them entirely and replace with milder chili flakes or sweet bell peppers. You can always add more spice later if desired.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Traditional soy sauce contains gluten, so to make this Thai Basil Chicken Recipe gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
From start to finish, it takes about 25 minutes including prep and cooking time, making it a fantastic choice for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to try this Thai Basil Chicken Recipe as I am to share it with you! It’s a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s surprisingly simple yet packed with authentic Thai character. Perfect for any night when you want something delicious, fresh, and made with love. Give it a go and watch it become a favorite in your kitchen too.
Print
Thai Basil Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Thai
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
A flavorful and spicy Thai Basil Chicken stir-fry featuring ground chicken cooked with garlic, chilies, onions, and bell peppers, seasoned with a savory blend of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce, finished with fresh Thai basil leaves. Perfectly balanced with a hint of sweetness and served over fragrant jasmine rice.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Thai chilies, finely chopped (or to taste)
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
Finishing
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
- Cooked jasmine rice for serving
Instructions
- Heat the oil and aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and finely chopped Thai chilies, stir-frying for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
- Cook the ground chicken: Add the ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Continue to cook for 5–7 minutes until the chicken is browned and fully cooked through.
- Add vegetables: Stir in the sliced onion and thinly sliced red bell pepper. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly but retain some crunch.
- Prepare and add the sauce: In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and chicken broth or water. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer to meld flavors: Let the sauce simmer with the chicken and vegetables for 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Finish with basil: Turn off the heat and stir in the fresh Thai basil leaves until they are wilted but still vibrant.
- Serve: Serve the spicy Thai basil chicken immediately over cooked jasmine rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Thai basil has a unique sweet flavor with hints of licorice; if unavailable, substitute with Italian basil, but flavor will differ.
- Adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing the number of Thai chilies or substitute with red chili flakes for convenience.
- This dish is naturally dairy-free and can be enjoyed as part of a gluten-free diet if gluten-free soy sauce is used.
- For an extra protein boost, you can add a fried egg on top when serving.
