The Sizzling Thai Basil Chicken Recipe Everyone Loves

Crafting an authentic thai basil chicken that bursts with vibrant flavors requires more than just ingredients.

Passionate home cooks understand the magic of fresh herbs and bold spices.

Regional cuisines from thailand offer incredible depth and complexity in every bite.

Crisp vegetables and tender chicken create a perfect harmony of textures and tastes.

My kitchen experiments have taught me that balance is everything in this delightful dish.

Simple techniques can elevate humble ingredients into something extraordinary.

Ingredients Inside Thai Basil Chicken Bowl

• Chicken: A tender and lean meat that serves as the main protein in this Thai-inspired dish.

• Garlic, Thai Chilies: Provide a punch of flavor and spiciness that defines the characteristic taste of the recipe.

• Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce, Fish Sauce, Sugar: Create a balanced and savory sauce that coats the chicken with a complex, umami-rich flavor.

• Thai Basil Leaves: Add a distinctive, slightly spicy and aromatic herbal note that is essential to the dish's authentic Thai profile.

• Vegetable Oil: Helps to evenly cook and prevent sticking in the skillet or wok.

Cooking Instructions for Thai Basil Chicken Dish

Step 1: Prepare the Sizzling Pan

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil and let it warm up until it’s shimmering and ready for action.

Step 2: Dance the Chicken

Slide the sliced chicken into the hot pan. Stir-fry with confident movements, cooking until the chicken turns golden and completely cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Awaken the Aromatics

• Minced garlic
• Sliced chilies

Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes until the kitchen fills with an irresistible fragrance.

Step 4: Create the Flavor Symphony

• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Fish sauce
• Sugar

Pour the sauce over the dancing chicken, stirring to coat every piece with flavor.

Step 5: Embrace the Basil Magic

Remove the pan from heat. Gently fold in fresh Thai basil leaves, watching them wilt and release their incredible aroma.

The leaves will turn slightly dark and infuse the dish with their signature flavor.

Step 6: Serve and Celebrate

Transfer the sizzling Thai basil chicken to a serving plate.

Pair with steamed jasmine rice for a complete meal that bursts with authentic Thai street food excitement.

Tips for Cooking Flavorful Thai Basil Chicken

• Select vibrant, deep green Thai basil leaves with no wilting or browning for the most authentic flavor and aroma.
• Adjust the number of chilies to match your heat tolerance, removing seeds for milder results or adding more for extra kick.
• Cook chicken in small batches to prevent overcrowding and ensure each piece gets perfectly caramelized and crispy.
• Taste and adjust sauce proportions to achieve the ideal sweet, salty, and umami balance characteristic of Thai cuisine.
• Enjoy the dish right after cooking to preserve the basil's fresh flavor and the chicken's optimal texture.

Thai Chicken With Bold Styles You Can Try

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, cubed and pan-fried until golden brown for a plant-based protein option.
• Seafood Sensation: Swap chicken with shrimp or scallops, adjusting cooking time to prevent overcooking while maintaining the signature Thai basil flavor profile.
• Spicy Mountain: Increase chili quantity or use hotter pepper varieties like bird's eye chilies for an intense heat level that challenges spice lovers.
• Green Herb Remix: Substitute Thai basil with holy basil or mix multiple herb varieties to create a more complex aromatic experience.

Rice or Sides to Serve With Thai Chicken

• Spice Up Your Senses: Perfect Pairings for Thai Basil Chicken
• Refresh with Crisp Rice Wine: A chilled glass of light, slightly sweet Thai rice wine perfectly balances the dish's spicy and savory notes, cleansing your palate between bites.
• Cool Down with Cucumber Salad: Prepare a simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar, sugar, and chopped cilantro to provide a refreshing contrast to the chicken's bold, hot flavors.
• Complement with Jasmine Rice: Serve the Thai basil chicken over soft, fragrant jasmine rice to soak up the delicious sauce and create a complete, satisfying meal.
• Enhance with Pickled Vegetables: Quick-pickled carrots and daikon radish add a tangy crunch that cuts through the richness of the chicken, bringing bright, zesty dimensions to each bite.

Store Thai Chicken for Later Enjoyment

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the chicken is completely cooled before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled Thai basil chicken to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• What type of basil should I use for this recipe?

Thai basil is essential for authentic flavor, with its distinct anise-like taste. Regular sweet basil can be used as a substitute, but it won’t provide the same traditional Thai taste.

• Is this dish spicy?

The spice level depends on the number of chilies you add. For a mild version, remove the seeds from chilies or use fewer. For heat lovers, keep the seeds and add more chilies to increase the spiciness.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, replace chicken with tofu or tempeh. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture before stir-frying to help it absorb the sauce and develop a crispy texture.

Thai Basil Chicken With Mouthwatering Flavor

• Unleash Flavor Explosion: This Thai Basil Chicken delivers a mouth-watering blend of spicy, savory, and aromatic flavors that dance on your taste buds.
• Master Quick Cooking: The recipe requires minimal prep and cooks in just minutes, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customize Your Spice Level: Easily adjust the heat by controlling the number of chilies, allowing everyone from spice lovers to mild-preference eaters to enjoy this dish.
• Versatile Meal Champion: Serve over rice, in lettuce wraps, or alongside noodles, making it an adaptable recipe that suits multiple dining styles and preferences.

Thai Basil Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor the zesty Thai Basil Chicken, a spicy symphony of flavors dancing on your plate. Fragrant herbs and tender chicken create a quick, mouthwatering meal that transports you straight to the bustling streets of Bangkok.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, thinly sliced

Sauces and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar

Aromatics and Herbs:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2–3 Thai birds eye chilies, sliced (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves

Serving:

• Cooked jasmine rice

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Instructions

1. Warm the skillet or wok over medium-high heat, allowing the vegetable oil to become hot and slightly shimmering.
2. Introduce sliced chicken to the heated pan, vigorously stirring for 5-7 minutes until the meat transforms from pink to fully cooked with golden edges.
3. Incorporate minced garlic and sliced chilies, sautéing for an additional 1-2 minutes to release their aromatic essence.
4. Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar in a separate container, creating a harmonious flavor blend.
5. Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the sizzling chicken, ensuring each piece becomes thoroughly coated and glistening.
6. Immediately remove the pan from heat source and gently fold fresh Thai basil leaves into the chicken, allowing them to delicately wilt but retain their vibrant green color.
7. Let the dish rest for a moment to allow flavors to meld, then transfer to a serving plate, presenting a fragrant and colorful Thai-inspired meal.

Notes

• Use high heat to get a quick sear on chicken, ensuring crispy exterior and juicy interior.
• Slice chicken uniformly to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Select fresh Thai basil for authentic flavor; regular sweet basil works as a substitute if needed.
• Adjust chili quantity based on personal spice tolerance, allowing customizable heat levels for different preferences.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 290 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 920 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg