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
Scale
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.
