Thai Basil Chicken

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Thai Basil Chicken is one of those dishes that feels like a quick escape to Bangkok right from your kitchen. It’s bold, full of umami, with the heat of chilies balanced by the aromatic sweetness of basil. If you’re craving something savory, slightly spicy, and delightfully fragrant, this dish is your go-to.

What makes this meal so satisfying is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and under 30 minutes, you get a flavorful, protein-packed meal that’s as good as what you’d find at a Thai street food stall. Whether you serve it over jasmine rice or tuck it into lettuce wraps, the versatility makes it a staple.

Why You’ll Love This Thai Basil Chicken

This dish is incredibly quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights. It brings that signature Thai flavor combo of salty, spicy, and slightly sweet, all in one pan. Plus, you can adjust the heat level to your liking without sacrificing the depth of flavor. It’s also naturally gluten-free when you use tamari or coconut aminos.

What Kind of Basil Should I Use for Thai Basil Chicken?

Authentic Thai Basil Chicken uses Thai holy basil (bai krapow), which has a peppery, clove-like flavor that’s unmistakably bold. If you can’t find holy basil, Thai sweet basil works well too with its more licorice-like taste. Avoid substituting with regular Italian basil—it’s too mild and doesn’t deliver that same aromatic punch.

Ingredients for the Thai Basil Chicken

The key to an unforgettable Thai Basil Chicken is choosing fresh, quality ingredients that elevate the flavors and textures. Each component plays a distinct role in building that perfect balance of spicy, savory, and aromatic.

• Ground chicken: Lean and easy to cook, it soaks up all the sauce beautifully.
• Garlic: Adds a rich depth and foundational flavor that enhances the sauce.
• Thai chilies: Bring the heat; you can adjust the number based on your spice preference.
• Shallots: Milder than onions, they add a subtle sweetness.
• Fish sauce: Delivers salty umami; it’s the backbone of the flavor.
• Soy sauce: Balances the fish sauce with a touch of savory depth.
• Oyster sauce: Adds a touch of sweetness and silkiness to the mix.
• Sugar: Just a bit to round out the flavors.
• Thai basil leaves: The star herb, adding freshness and that classic peppery aroma.
• Oil: For stir-frying; a neutral oil like vegetable or canola works best.

How To Make the Thai Basil Chicken

Step 1: Prep Your Aromatics

Finely mince the garlic and shallots. Slice the Thai chilies thinly and set them aside. This step helps keep your stir-fry quick and seamless.

Step 2: Sauté the Base Flavors

Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic, shallots, and chilies. Stir-fry until aromatic and lightly golden.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Add ground chicken to the pan. Use a spatula to break it into small pieces and stir-fry until it’s no longer pink.

Step 4: Add Sauces and Seasoning

Pour in the fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a small pinch of sugar. Stir well to combine, making sure the chicken is evenly coated.

Step 5: Stir in the Basil

Turn off the heat and toss in the Thai basil leaves. Stir until the leaves are just wilted from the residual heat.

Step 6: Serve

Spoon the Thai Basil Chicken over warm jasmine rice or spoon it into crisp lettuce cups for a low-carb option.

How to Serve and Store Thai Basil Chicken

This dish is best served fresh and hot, right off the stove. It makes about 4 servings, perfect for a quick family dinner or a meal prep favorite. Serve it over jasmine rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a lighter option. If you’re feeling creative, spoon it over noodles or stuff it into wraps.

To store leftovers, allow the Thai Basil Chicken to cool completely. Transfer it into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before serving. The basil flavor may mellow slightly but still tastes fantastic.

What to Serve With Thai Basil Chicken?

Jasmine Rice

The classic pairing. It soaks up all the savory sauce and complements the spice beautifully.

Stir-Fried Vegetables

Add color and nutrition with a mix of bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas.

Cucumber Salad

A crisp and cooling contrast to the heat of the chicken.

Fried Egg

Top each serving with a crispy fried egg for a traditional Thai touch.

Lettuce Wraps

For a low-carb option, serve the chicken inside butter or romaine lettuce leaves.

Thai Iced Tea

The sweet, creamy drink balances the spicy bite perfectly.

Pickled Vegetables

Tart and tangy pickles add texture and zing to each bite.

Mango Sticky Rice

If you’re ending on a sweet note, this classic Thai dessert is an excellent finisher.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If Thai Basil Chicken has you hooked, you might want to explore other flavorful chicken dishes that are just as easy and delicious:

• Try our creamy, comforting Creamy Chicken and Broccoli for a family favorite.
• Spice things up with Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken, a slow cooker wonder.
• Enjoy a fusion twist with Chicken Shawarma in a Loaf Pan.
• Craving something cozy? This Cajun Potato Soup is deeply satisfying.
• Add a touch of indulgence with Butter Pecan Cheesecake for dessert.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you keep it spicy or tone it down? Did you go with jasmine rice or lettuce wraps?

I love seeing your twists on my recipes. Ask away if you have questions—let’s cook smarter together.

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Conclusion

Thai Basil Chicken is the perfect weeknight solution: quick, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. With just the right balance of spice, sweet, and savory, it delivers everything you love about Thai cuisine in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re meal-prepping or feeding a hungry family, this dish brings everyone to the table.

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