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- 500g boneless chicken thighs, thinly sliced - 2-3 Thai red chilies, finely minced - 2 cups fresh Thai basil leaves, rinsed and patted dry - 3 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional for added depth) - 1 tablespoon fish sauce - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 medium onion, sliced - 1 bell pepper, sliced - 1 tablespoon sugar - Cooked jasmine rice for serving In this recipe, the main ingredients shine. The chicken thighs give a tender bite. Thai red chilies add heat. Fresh basil brings a unique aroma. For the sauce, soy sauce provides saltiness. Oyster sauce adds a rich flavor. Fish sauce gives depth and umami. You also need vegetable oil for cooking. Garlic and onion offer a great base flavor. Bell pepper adds color and sweetness. Sugar balances the spice. Serve it all over fluffy jasmine rice, and you have a delightful meal! {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Start by slicing 500g of boneless chicken thighs into thin strips. This helps the chicken cook evenly. 2. Next, slice one bell pepper and one medium onion. Choose a red or green bell pepper for color. 3. Finely mince four cloves of garlic and 2-3 Thai red chilies. Adjust the chilies to match your spice level. 1. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. 2. Once hot, add the minced garlic and chilies. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. 3. Raise the heat to high and add the sliced chicken. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until the chicken is browned. 4. Add the sliced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they soften. 5. In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. 6. Pour this sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly. 1. Gently fold in 2 cups of fresh Thai basil leaves. Toss until the basil wilts, about 1 minute. 2. Serve the spicy Thai basil chicken hot over fluffy jasmine rice. This dish is best enjoyed fresh. For a beautiful presentation, serve in a large bowl with extra basil leaves and sliced chilies on top. A wedge of lime adds a nice touch too! How to make it spicier: You can add more Thai red chilies. Chop them finely and stir them in with garlic. You can also use chili paste for more heat. Making it milder for sensitivity: To reduce spice, use fewer chilies. Try removing the seeds from the chilies. You can also add more sugar or serve with extra jasmine rice to balance flavors. Ensuring chicken is juicy: Use boneless chicken thighs for more flavor and moisture. Cook them for just enough time until they turn golden brown. Avoid overcooking, as it makes the meat dry. Perfect stir-frying techniques: Make sure your oil is hot before adding ingredients. Stir constantly to avoid burning. This keeps the veggies crisp and the chicken tender. Serving styles: Serve the spicy Thai basil chicken in a large bowl. Place it over a fluffy bed of jasmine rice. This makes the dish look inviting and colorful. Garnishing for visual appeal: Add fresh basil leaves on top for a pop of green. You can also add a few sliced chilies for color. A wedge of lime on the side adds freshness and zest. Pro Tips Adjust Spice Level: You can control the heat of this dish by modifying the amount of Thai red chilies used. Start with one and increase according to your preference. Use Fresh Basil: For the best flavor, use fresh Thai basil. If unavailable, you can substitute with sweet basil, but the flavor will differ slightly. Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Make sure your chicken thighs are sliced evenly for consistent cooking. This helps in achieving a tender and juicy texture. Serving Suggestion: Serve with lime wedges on the side. The acidity complements the dish beautifully and enhances the overall flavor profile. {{image_4}} You can switch the chicken for tofu to make a vegetarian dish. Tofu soaks up flavors well. It gives a nice texture and taste. For meat lovers, try shrimp or pork. Both add a unique twist to the dish. Shrimp cooks fast and has a sweet flavor. Pork can add richness and pairs well with the spices. Feel free to add other veggies to your dish. Broccoli, snap peas, or carrots work great. They bring color and crunch to the meal. Seasonal veggies can also make it fresh. In summer, add zucchini or bell peppers. In winter, try bok choy or kale for a hearty touch. To make a gluten-free version, swap soy sauce for tamari. This keeps the flavor but makes it safe for gluten-free diets. You can also adjust the sauce flavors. Try adding hoisin sauce for sweetness. Or use sriracha for extra heat. Each change can give a new taste to this classic dish. To keep your spicy Thai basil chicken fresh, follow these steps: - Place leftovers in an airtight container. - Store in the fridge for up to three days. - For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container. - Label the container with the date for easy tracking. When you freeze, the dish can last up to three months. Just be sure to let it cool before freezing. Reheating your spicy Thai basil chicken can be easy and tasty. Here’s how: - Use a microwave for quick reheating. Place it in a bowl and cover loosely. - Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between. - For stovetop reheating, use a skillet on low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. - Stir often to restore flavor and moisture. To keep the texture nice, avoid high heat. Your spicy Thai basil chicken stays fresh for a limited time. Here’s what to expect: - In the fridge, it lasts about three days. - If frozen, it can stay good for three months. - Look for signs of spoilage like off-smells or discoloration. If you see any signs, it's best to toss it. Enjoy your delicious meals safely! Spicy Thai basil chicken is a famous Thai dish. It combines chicken, Thai basil, and spicy chilies. This dish hails from Thailand, where bold flavors reign. It is popular for its aromatic herbs and rich sauces. The mix of sweet, salty, and spicy makes it a winner. You can find it in many Thai restaurants worldwide. The dish often features fresh ingredients, adding to its appeal. Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Prepare the chicken and veggies, then store them in the fridge. You can cook it up to two days in advance. For best results, keep the sauce separate until you are ready to cook. This way, the chicken stays tender and juicy. When ready to eat, just heat it in a skillet until hot. Serve with fresh jasmine rice for a quick meal. Absolutely! Spicy Thai basil chicken is great for meal prep. You can pack it with rice or veggies for a balanced meal. It stores well in the fridge for up to four days. To include it in a weekly meal plan, make a large batch. Divide it into containers for easy lunches or dinners. Reheat portions as needed for a tasty and quick meal. This dish combines simple, fresh ingredients like chicken and basil for a tasty meal. You learned how to prepare the ingredients, cook them, and even adjust heat levels. Use my tips to make it yours. Don't forget the sauce; it ties everything together! Whether opting for chicken, tofu, or mixed veggies, this recipe offers great flexibility. Enjoy your homemade spicy Thai basil chicken!

Spicy Thai Basil Chicken

A flavorful and spicy dish featuring chicken, fresh Thai basil, and vibrant vegetables, served over jasmine rice.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Thai
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 500 g boneless chicken thighs, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 2-3 pieces Thai red chilies, finely minced
  • 1 piece bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 2 cups fresh Thai basil leaves, rinsed and patted dry
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 serving cooked jasmine rice, for serving

Instructions
 

  • Begin by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  • Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and Thai red chilies. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds, allowing the mixture to become aromatic.
  • Raise the heat to high and introduce the sliced chicken thighs to the skillet. Sauté for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken is thoroughly browned and cooked through.
  • Incorporate the sliced onion and bell pepper into the skillet, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes or until they start to soften and become translucent.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar until well combined. Pour this savory sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet; stir thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated in the sauce.
  • Gently fold in the fresh Thai basil leaves, tossing all the ingredients together just until the basil wilts, about 1 minute.
  • Remove the skillet from heat and serve the spicy Thai basil chicken immediately over a generous portion of fluffy jasmine rice.

Notes

Serve in a large bowl over jasmine rice, garnished with fresh basil and sliced chilies. A wedge of lime adds freshness.
Keyword chicken, spicy, stir-fry, Thai basil