If you are craving a vibrant, savory dish that bursts with aromatic flavors, this Thai Basil Chicken Recipe is going to be your new favorite weeknight go-to. Combining tender chicken thighs with the freshest Thai basil, a hint of heat from chili peppers, and an irresistible balance of sweet and salty in the sauce, this recipe offers an authentic taste of Thailand with straightforward ingredients anyone can find. It’s quick to prepare, delightfully fragrant, and utterly satisfying—a perfect dish to share with family or friends anytime you want a splash of exotic flair on your dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Thai Basil Chicken Recipe plays an essential role in delivering the authentic, mouthwatering flavors you love. From the fragrant Thai basil to the crisp bell peppers and robust garlic, each element brings its own texture, aroma, and color, making the dish a feast for all your senses.
- Avocado oil: A neutral oil with a high smoke point, perfect for stir-frying the chicken and vegetables without burning.
- White onion: Adds natural sweetness and a slight crunch once cooked, balancing the spice from the chilies.
- Red jalapeño peppers or Thai chiles: Provide that signature heat and a pop of red color to brighten the dish.
- Garlic cloves: Infuse the dish with their unmistakable aromatic depth and pungency.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Tender and juicy, they remain moist during cooking and soak up the flavors beautifully.
- Salt and black pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the chicken and vegetables.
- Red bell pepper: Adds crunch and sweetness, along with vibrant red color.
- Soy sauce or Tamari: Essential for umami and salty elements that tie the dish together.
- Brown sugar: Brings subtle sweetness that balances the spicy and salty flavors.
- Warm water: Helps dissolve the cornstarch, ensuring the sauce thickens perfectly without lumps.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce so it clings beautifully to the chicken and vegetables.
- Fish sauce: Adds a complex, savory depth that’s indispensable in authentic Thai cooking.
- Thai basil leaves: The star herb with a unique sweet, peppery, and slightly licorice-like flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Cooked jasmine or long-grain white rice: Serves as the perfect base to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional): Add a nutty crunch and an appealing finishing touch.
How to Make Thai Basil Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the aromatics
Start by heating one tablespoon of avocado oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced white onion and finely diced red jalapeño peppers or Thai chiles. Cooking for about two minutes, you’ll notice the onions soften and become translucent, releasing their natural sweetness. Next, add the minced garlic, cooking just 30 seconds until fragrant to awaken the senses and set a flavorful foundation for the dish.
Step 2: Brown the chicken
Push the sautéed vegetables to one side of the pan to make room, then add the remaining tablespoon of avocado oil. Season the chicken thigh pieces with salt and black pepper before adding them to the hot oil. Cook the chicken while stirring often until each piece is beautifully browned, around 7 to 8 minutes. This step locks in juices and develops a flavorful crust that carries through the dish.
Step 3: Add the bell peppers
Now toss in the thinly sliced red bell peppers. Sauté for another 2 to 3 minutes over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. The bell peppers should soften slightly but still retain a pleasant crunch, adding a wonderful contrast to the tender chicken.
Step 4: Make and add the sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce or tamari, packed brown sugar, warm water, cornstarch, and fish sauce until smooth. Lower the heat to medium-low, then pour this savory-sweet sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Toss everything to coat evenly. Cook the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens, turning the ingredients into a glossy, flavorful coating.
Step 5: Stir in the Thai basil
Finally, add the torn Thai basil leaves. Stir them in gently and cook just 30 seconds more. The heat will release their vibrant aroma and flavor without wilting them completely, preserving that fresh herbaceous note that defines this dish.
Step 6: Serve immediately
Remove the skillet from heat and prepare to enjoy your creation. Serve the Thai Basil Chicken over a bed of fragrant jasmine or long-grain rice. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and extra fresh basil leaves for a stunning and delicious presentation that’s sure to impress.
How to Serve Thai Basil Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten your plate with additional fresh Thai basil leaves to enhance that signature flavor and add vibrant green color. Toasted sesame seeds bring delightful nuttiness and a gentle crunch that make each bite even more satisfying. For a little extra zing, a wedge of lime on the side can add a fresh, tangy brightness that complements the savory notes beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Thai Basil Chicken Recipe pairs amazingly well with simple steamed jasmine rice, which soaks up every bit of the delicious sauce. For a vegetable side, consider steamed broccoli or snap peas for crunch and color. A light cucumber salad with a tangy dressing can also provide a refreshing palate cleanser alongside the bold flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For an exciting twist, serve the Thai Basil Chicken in lettuce cups for a fresh, handheld meal. You can also pile it atop glass noodles or rice noodles for a noodle bowl experience. Adding crushed roasted peanuts on top introduces an unexpected texture and taste, making this dish ideal for casual dinners or even special gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, transfer any leftover Thai Basil Chicken to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a great option for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This dish freezes well. Portion the Thai Basil Chicken into freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 2 months. To maintain the best texture, avoid freezing the rice with it—cook fresh rice when ready to eat.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to keep the chicken juicy and the sauce flavorful. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave individual portions, covering the dish to retain moisture, heating in short bursts until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs stay juicier and have more flavor, boneless skinless chicken breasts will work too. Just be careful not to overcook them to keep the chicken tender.
What can I substitute for Thai basil if I can’t find it?
If Thai basil is unavailable, you can use sweet basil as a substitute, though the flavor will be milder and less spicy. Adding a bit of fresh mint can help mimic some of that unique brightness.
Is fish sauce necessary in this recipe?
Fish sauce adds an essential umami depth and authentic Thai flavor. You can omit it if needed, but expect a slight difference in taste. A splash of soy sauce can help fill the gap, though not perfectly.
How spicy is this dish?
The level of heat depends on your choice of peppers. Jalapeños provide mild spice, while Thai chiles are much hotter. Adjust the quantity to suit your heat tolerance, or remove seeds to reduce spiciness.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap chicken for firm tofu or mushrooms for an equally delicious vegetarian version. Use vegetarian fish sauce alternatives or extra soy sauce to keep the flavor rich and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
This Thai Basil Chicken Recipe is one of those rare dishes that feels both indulgent and wholesome, simple yet packed with unforgettable flavor. It’s a joy to whip up after a busy day, and equally delightful to serve to friends and family who will be asking for seconds. I can’t recommend enough that you give this recipe a try soon—you might just find it becomes a staple in your kitchen too!
Print
Thai Basil Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Description
This vibrant Thai Basil Chicken recipe offers a perfect blend of aromatic Thai basil, tender chicken thighs, and a savory-sweet sauce that comes together quickly in a skillet. It’s a flavorful, one-pan dish that’s easy to prepare and ideal for serving over jasmine rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ½ medium white onion, thinly sliced
- 1–2 red jalapeño peppers or 2–3 Thai chiles, finely diced
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
Oils and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil (divided)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons warm water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons fish sauce
Herbs and Garnishes
- 1 ounce Thai basil leaves, cut into 1-inch pieces, plus more for serving
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Serving
- Cooked jasmine or long-grain white rice
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion and diced jalapeño or Thai chile peppers. Cook for about 2 minutes until the onion turns translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook Chicken: Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and add the remaining 1 tablespoon avocado oil. Season the chicken pieces with ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook, stirring often, until browned on all sides—this should take about 7 to 8 minutes.
- Add Bell Peppers: Stir in the thinly sliced red bell peppers and continue cooking over medium-high heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peppers begin to soften.
- Make and Add Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, warm water, cornstarch, and fish sauce. Reduce the skillet heat to medium-low and pour the sauce into the pan. Toss everything together to coat the chicken completely, then cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.
- Finish with Basil: Stir in the Thai basil leaves and cook for 30 seconds to release their aroma. Remove the skillet from heat immediately to preserve the fresh flavor of the basil.
- Serve: Serve the Thai basil chicken hot over cooked jasmine or long-grain white rice. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and additional fresh basil leaves if desired.
Notes
- Use boneless skinless chicken thighs for tenderness and flavor.
- Adjust the number of chiles based on heat preference; Thai chiles are spicier than jalapeños.
- For gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Do not overcook the basil to keep its fresh aroma intact.
- Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
