If you are craving an incredibly flavorful, quick, and satisfying meal, this Savory Thai Basil Chicken for a Quick & Easy Dinner Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with fragrant Thai basil, bold garlic, and just the right kick of chili, this stir-fry brings authentic Thai street food vibes straight to your kitchen table without any fuss. The blend of savory, sweet, and salty sauces marries beautifully with tender chicken and crisp bell peppers, creating a dish that feels both homey and exciting. Whether you’re new to Thai cooking or a longtime fan, this recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a fast and fresh dinner that hits all the right notes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple with fresh and accessible ingredients that each play a vital role. From the aromatic Thai basil to the colorful bell peppers, every component adds balance—texture, flavor, or color—to make your Savory Thai Basil Chicken for a Quick & Easy Dinner Recipe shine.
- 1 pound chicken thighs or breasts: Opt for thighs for juicier meat, cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- 1 cup Thai basil leaves (fresh): The star of the dish, aromatic and a must-have for authentic flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Adds pungent depth and warmth to the stir-fry.
- 2 pieces red chilies (sliced): Provide the perfect dash of heat and vibrant color.
- 1 cup bell peppers (sliced red and yellow): Sweet and crunchy, balancing the spice and texture.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (light soy sauce preferred): Offers salty umami without overpowering the dish.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Use carefully; it adds a savory richness and layers of flavor.
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce: Gives essential Thai saltiness and depth.
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar: Balances savory and spicy with a subtle sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Ideal for stir-frying and achieving that beautiful sear on the chicken.
- 4 cups cooked jasmine rice: The perfect fragrant base to soak up all the delicious sauce.
How to Make Savory Thai Basil Chicken for a Quick & Easy Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Begin by mincing the garlic and slicing the red chilies thinly. Having these ready upfront makes the cooking process smooth and quick, ensuring the garlic and chili flavor infuses evenly during the stir-fry.
Step 2: Heat the Pan and Cook the Chicken
Heat your vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and stir-fry for 4 to 5 minutes, letting them turn a beautiful golden brown. This step locks in the juices and creates a flavorful base.
Step 3: Add Aromatics and Chilies
Next, toss in the minced garlic and sliced chilies. Stir-fry these for about 30 seconds until their fragrance fills the kitchen, but be careful not to burn the garlic—it should be fragrant and lightly golden.
Step 4: Mix in the Sauces and Sugar
Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sprinkle the brown sugar over the chicken. Toss everything together so the sauces coat each piece nicely, creating that signature savory and slightly sweet Thai flavor profile.
Step 5: Cook the Bell Peppers
Add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers to the pan. Stir-fry for another 2 to 3 minutes to keep them crisp-tender, adding vibrant color and a subtle sweetness that contrasts perfectly with the savory chicken.
Step 6: Finish with Thai Basil Leaves
Turn off the heat and gently fold in the fresh Thai basil leaves. The residual heat wilts the basil just enough to release its aromatic oils without losing that fresh, herbaceous pop that defines this dish.
How to Serve Savory Thai Basil Chicken for a Quick & Easy Dinner Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few fresh Thai basil leaves on top for an extra fragrant burst to complement every bite. For more heat, add some extra sliced red chili or crushed peanuts for crunch and texture variety.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple jasmine rice, which absorbs the rich sauce beautifully. For a more vibrant meal, steamed or lightly sautéed Asian greens like bok choy or snap peas make tasty, healthy companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Thai Basil Chicken in a crispy lettuce cup for a fun, finger-friendly option perfect for casual meals or entertaining. Alternatively, plate it with a wedge of lime to encourage a fresh citrus squeeze right before eating, elevating the flavors even more.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Savory Thai Basil Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making it a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, this dish freezes well. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to maintain the chicken’s tenderness and avoid drying out. Adding a splash of water or broth while reheating will help keep everything moist and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast works perfectly fine if you prefer leaner meat. Just be sure to not overcook it to keep it tender and juicy.
What can I substitute if I don’t have Thai basil?
While Thai basil is unique, you can try using a mix of sweet basil and a hint of mint or holy basil if available. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Is this recipe spicy?
The dish has a mild to moderate heat level depending on how many red chilies you add. You can always adjust the amount of chili to suit your heat preference.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute chicken with tofu or mushrooms and swap fish sauce for soy sauce or a vegetarian seasoning alternative to keep the umami flavors intact.
How long does it take to make this dish?
From prep to plating, this Savory Thai Basil Chicken for a Quick & Easy Dinner Recipe takes about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Final Thoughts
This Savory Thai Basil Chicken for a Quick & Easy Dinner Recipe is a true gem for anyone who loves big flavors without the hassle of complicated cooking. It’s fast, fresh, and incredibly satisfying—exactly what weeknight dinners should be! I encourage you to try it soon and enjoy the burst of Thai flavors that make mealtime something to look forward to every day.
Print
Savory Thai Basil Chicken for a Quick & Easy Dinner Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Thai
Description
This Savory Thai Basil Chicken is a quick and easy stir-fry dish bursting with authentic Thai flavors. Featuring tender chicken pieces, fragrant garlic, fiery red chilies, colorful bell peppers, and fresh Thai basil, this meal is perfectly balanced with a savory sauce made from soy, oyster, and fish sauces. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an ideal weeknight dinner served over fluffy jasmine rice.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 pieces red chilies, sliced
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced (red and yellow)
Sauces & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (light soy sauce preferred)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (use sparingly)
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
Oils & Servings
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
- 4 cups cooked jasmine rice (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare Aromatics: Begin by mincing the garlic and slicing the red chilies. Set them aside to have all ingredients ready for a quick stir-fry.
- Heat Oil: In a wok or large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it is shimmering hot and ready for cooking.
- Cook Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the hot oil. Stir-fry for 4 to 5 minutes until the chicken turns golden brown and is nearly cooked through.
- Add Garlic and Chilies: Toss in the minced garlic and sliced chilies. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds to release their flavors without burning.
- Incorporate Sauces and Sugar: Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and brown sugar to the pan. Toss everything to evenly coat the chicken with the savory and slightly sweet sauce.
- Add Bell Peppers: Stir in the sliced red and yellow bell peppers. Continue stir-frying for another 2 to 3 minutes until the peppers soften slightly but remain crisp.
- Finish with Thai Basil: Turn off the heat and immediately stir in the fresh Thai basil leaves, allowing their aroma to infuse the hot dish without overcooking.
- Serve: Serve your flavorful Thai Basil Chicken hot over a bed of jasmine rice for an authentic Thai meal.
Notes
- Use fresh Thai basil for the best flavor; holy basil can be substituted but has a different taste.
- Adjust the number of red chilies to control the spice level according to your preference.
- Light soy sauce is preferred to keep the sauce balanced and not overly salty.
- Oyster sauce adds umami but should be used sparingly to prevent overpowering the dish.
- Serve immediately after adding basil to preserve its fresh flavor and vibrant color.
- Chicken thighs provide more juiciness, but chicken breasts work well as a leaner option.
