Discover the Irresistible Flavors of Thai Basil Chicken
Learn how to make delicious Thai Basil Chicken. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 shallots or small red onions, thinly sliced
- 2 Thai bird’s eye chilies, sliced (adjust based on spice preference)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or vegetarian mushroom sauce)
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce (optional, for authentic flavor)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (preferably palm sugar or brown sugar)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or peanut oil
Optional substitutions: If you can’t find Thai basil, sweet basil works in a pinch, but the authentic flavor really shines with Thai basil’s distinct aroma. For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh and use soy sauce and mushroom-based sauces instead.
Instructions
- Prepare all your ingredients beforehand. Slice the chicken thinly for quick cooking. Mince the garlic, slice the shallots, and chilies. Wash the Thai basil leaves gently and set aside.
- Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sliced shallots. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the sliced chicken to the wok. Cook, stirring frequently, until the chicken is almost cooked through and starts to brown, about 4-5 minutes. I find that slicing the chicken thin helps it cook quickly and evenly, a tip I picked up from my grandma’s quick stir-fries.
- Stir in the sliced chilies, soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce (if using), and sugar. Mix well, ensuring the chicken is coated evenly with the sauce mixture. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the flavors meld and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Finally, toss in the Thai basil leaves. Stir just until they wilt and release their fragrant aroma, about 30 seconds. I always add the basil last to preserve its vibrant flavor and aroma. Remember, basil is delicate—overcooking it dulls the flavor.
- Serve hot over steamed jasmine rice or your favorite grains. Garnish with extra basil or sliced chilies if you love it spicy. This dish comes together in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a last-minute craving.
Find it online: https://artofeasycooking.com/thai-basil-chicken/