This Easy Thai Basil Chicken is a quick and tasty dish that wins hearts! Juicy chicken is stir-fried with fresh basil and a savory sauce that makes your taste buds dance.
When I whip up this dish, it smells amazing and comes together in no time. Serve it over rice, and I bet you’ll have a dinner everyone will love! 🍚🌿
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Chicken thighs are my go-to for this dish because they stay juicy. However, chicken breasts can work too if you prefer leaner meat. If you’re avoiding poultry, try using tofu or tempeh for a plant-based option.
Thai Bird’s Eye Chilies: These little chilies pack a punch! If you can’t find them, fresh jalapeños or red pepper flakes can be good alternatives, though they might not be as spicy. Adjust based on your heat preference!
Fresh Thai Basil: The star of this dish! If you can’t find Thai basil, sweet basil works in a pinch. I sometimes mix in a bit of mint for an added twist. Just use what you have on hand!
Sauces: For those avoiding fish sauce, soy sauce can replace it, but the flavor will slightly change. Coconut aminos could also be a great gluten-free alternative without losing much taste.
How Do You Get the Best Flavors When Stir-Frying?
Stir-frying is all about high heat and fast cooking. To achieve maximum flavor, make sure your pan or wok is very hot before adding the oil. Remember to have all your ingredients ready because stir-frying goes quickly!
- Heat your pan over medium-high for a few minutes before adding oil.
- Cook the garlic and chilies until fragrant but not browned, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
- Add the chicken and stir frequently to ensure even cooking. Smaller pieces cook faster!
- When adding vegetables, remember that they’re best cooked tender-crisp to preserve color and nutrients.
- Finish with fresh basil off the heat; it keeps its bright flavor and aroma.
Enjoy your cooking experience and the wonderful smells filling your kitchen!
Easy Thai Basil Chicken Recipe
Ingredients:
- For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- For the Vegetables:
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 3 cloves garlic, sliced
- 2-3 Thai bird’s eye chilies, sliced (adjust to taste)
- For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- For Serving:
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves (or sweet basil if unavailable)
- Cooked jasmine rice, for serving
Estimated Time:
This dish takes about 10 minutes of preparation and 15 minutes of cooking time, making it a total of around 25 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and easy meal for any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. This step is important to ensure that everything cooks quickly and evenly.
2. Stir-Fry the Aromatics:
Add the sliced garlic and bird’s eye chilies to the hot oil. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until you can smell the delicious aroma wafting through your kitchen. Be careful not to let the garlic burn!
3. Cook the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces to the pan. Stir-fry around 5 minutes until the chicken is mostly cooked through. Make sure to stir often to cook all sides evenly.
4. Add the Vegetables:
Once the chicken is nearly cooked, toss in the green beans and red bell pepper chunks. Continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp and vibrant in color.
5. Mix in the Sauce:
Pour in the oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sprinkle in the sugar. Stir everything together to make sure the chicken and veggies are coated in the flavorful sauce. Cook for an additional minute.
6. Stir in the Basil:
Remove the pan from the heat and gently stir in the fresh basil leaves. They will wilt beautifully from the heat of the dish, adding a fresh flavor.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Easy Thai Basil Chicken immediately over a bed of steamed jasmine rice. If you’d like, you can garnish with a few extra basil leaves on top for a lovely touch!
Enjoy the vibrant flavors and fresh basil aroma of this classic Thai dish!
FAQ for Easy Thai Basil Chicken
Can I Use Different Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers of any color, broccoli, or snap peas. Just make sure to adjust cooking times slightly if using heartier veggies, like carrots, as they may require a bit longer to become tender.
What Can I Substitute for Oyster Sauce?
If you’re looking for a vegan option or can’t find oyster sauce, you can use hoisin sauce or a mushroom-based stir-fry sauce. Just keep in mind the flavor will change a bit, but it’ll still be tasty!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if necessary.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you love heat, you can definitely amp up the spice! Add more Thai bird’s eye chilies or even a dash of chili paste or sriracha when you mix in the sauces. Just start with a little and taste as you go to suit your preference!
