Thai Basil Chicken Recipe

Craving bold, savory flavors that come together in minutes? This Thai Basil Chicken delivers just that. Juicy chicken stir-fried with garlic, chilies, and fragrant basil in a glossy sauce—it’s the perfect mix of spicy, sweet, and savory. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for guests, this recipe captures authentic Thai street-food vibes right in your kitchen.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes with simple cooking steps.
• Authentic Flavors: Balanced with heat, sweetness, and aromatic basil for true Thai taste.
• Versatile: Perfect with rice, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps.
• Comforting & Satisfying: A dish that feels both light and deeply flavorful.
• Restaurant-Worthy: Impress friends and family with a homemade version that rivals takeout.

Unlike many versions, this recipe highlights Thai basil’s peppery punch, keeping the sauce glossy without being overly heavy. It’s fast, fuss-free, and absolutely irresistible.

Ingredients Needed

For the Stir-Fry

• 225g (7 oz) chicken thighs, skinless & boneless, cut into bite-sized chunks
• 1 green onion, sliced into 4 cm / 2-inch strips (separate white and green parts)
• 1 cup Thai basil leaves (loosely packed; holy basil if available)
• 2 garlic cloves, large, finely chopped
• 1 bird’s eye or Thai chili, deseeded and finely minced (adjust heat to taste)
• 1 ½ tbsp neutral oil (peanut, canola, or vegetable oil)

For the Sauce

• 2 tsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp light soy sauce
• 1 tsp dark soy sauce (or all-purpose soy sauce)
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 tbsp water

How to Make Thai Basil Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together oyster sauce, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and water until well blended. Set aside.

Step 2: Heat the Pan

Place a wok or large skillet over high heat and let it get very hot. Add oil and swirl to coat.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Add garlic and chili, stirring quickly for about 10 seconds. Be cautious—the chili aroma is strong! This step releases the key fragrance that defines the dish.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Toss in the chicken pieces and the white parts of the green onion. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly golden.

Step 5: Add the Sauce

Pour in the prepared sauce and stir continuously for about 1 minute, or until the liquid reduces into a glossy coating that clings to the chicken.

Step 6: Finish with Basil

Add the green onion tops and Thai basil leaves. Stir quickly until just wilted, keeping the basil fresh and aromatic. Remove from heat immediately.

Step 7: Serve

Serve hot over a bed of steamed jasmine rice, or alongside rice noodles for a heartier meal.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: Pair with fluffy jasmine rice, sticky rice, or noodles. For a lighter option, spoon over lettuce cups.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet with a splash of water to revive the sauce’s glossy texture.

Helpful Notes

• Basil Variety: If you can’t find Thai basil, Italian basil works, though the flavor will be milder.
• Spice Level: Adjust the number of chilies to match your heat tolerance.
• Protein Swap: Works well with ground chicken, pork, or even shrimp.
• Make Ahead: Prep sauce and chop veggies in advance to cut down cooking time.

Conclusion

This Thai Basil Chicken is the ultimate blend of speed, flavor, and comfort. With minimal prep and maximum taste, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or whenever you need a quick fix of bold Thai flavors.

Tried this recipe? Leave a star rating and a comment below—I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Don’t forget to share it with your friends on Pinterest or Facebook.
👉 What twist will you try—extra chilies, shrimp instead of chicken, or a vegetarian take? Let us know in the comments!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breast works too, but thighs stay juicier and more flavorful during high-heat cooking.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce substitutes.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely—swap chicken with tofu or mushrooms for a hearty plant-based version.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Reheat in a pan to maintain flavor and texture.

How spicy should it be?

Traditionally, it’s fairly spicy, but you can adjust by reducing or omitting the chilies. The basil and sauces will still carry the flavor beautifully.