Discover the bold flavors of Spicy Thai Basil Chicken with this quick and easy recipe! Perfectly cooked chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and aromatic Thai basil come together in just 20 minutes for a satisfying meal. Whether you’re a spice lover or just looking to try something new, this dish is sure to impress. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner tonight!
1 lb (450g) boneless chicken thighs or breasts, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
2-3 Thai bird's eye chilies, thinly sliced (adjust based on your spice preference)
1 red bell pepper, cut into julienne strips
1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, packed
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Cooked jasmine rice, for serving
![- Chicken: thighs or breasts - Aromatics: garlic, Thai bird's eye chilies - Vegetables: red bell pepper, fresh Thai basil - Sauces: soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce - Seasonings: sugar, black pepper I love the fresh and bold flavors in this dish. The chicken gives you protein, while the Thai basil adds a nice touch. When you use Thai bird's eye chilies, you get that real kick. Fresh garlic boosts the aroma and taste. The red bell pepper not only tastes good but also adds color. You can use either chicken thighs or breasts. Thighs are juicier, but breasts are leaner. I often choose thighs for a rich flavor. The key sauces here are soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce. They blend well to create a savory base. Sugar balances the heat, and black pepper adds depth. - Jasmine rice - Lime slices I always serve this dish with jasmine rice. The rice soaks up the sauce and cools the spice. A squeeze of lime adds a zesty twist. You can also add lime slices on the side for extra flavor. This makes each bite brighter and more refreshing. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. - Prepare your ingredients: Slice chicken and vegetables. - Measure sauces and seasonings. Start by slicing the chicken into thin strips. This helps it cook quickly. Next, cut your red bell pepper into julienne strips. You want them to be long and thin. Now, take the garlic and finely mince it. If you like spice, slice the Thai bird's eye chilies, too. Once your ingredients are ready, measure out the sauces. You will need soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce. Don’t forget the sugar and black pepper! This will help balance the flavors. - Heat oil and sauté aromatics. - Cook chicken and add vegetables. - Mix sauces and combine with chicken. - Incorporate Thai basil and serve. First, grab a large skillet or wok. Heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the minced garlic and sliced chilies. Sauté them for about 30 seconds. You want them fragrant but not burnt. Now, turn the heat to high and add the sliced chicken. Stir-fry it for 5 to 7 minutes. You want the chicken to be fully cooked and golden brown. Next, toss in the julienned red bell pepper. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes. The pepper should be tender but still crisp. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and black pepper. Pour this sauce over the chicken and veggies. Gently toss everything together. Cook for another 2 minutes to let the flavors mix well. Finally, add the fresh Thai basil leaves. Stir gently until they wilt. This will release their lovely aroma. Serve the spicy basil chicken right away over jasmine rice. Enjoy the vibrant colors and rich flavors of your dish! For detailed cooking steps, check the Full Recipe. High heat is key for stir-frying. It cooks the chicken fast and keeps it juicy. Use a wok or a large skillet. Heat the oil until it shimmers. This shows it's hot enough. To finely mince garlic, use a sharp knife. Press the garlic clove with the flat side of the knife. Then, chop it into small pieces. For chilies, slice them thinly. Remove seeds if you want less heat. You can adjust spice levels easily. Just add more or fewer chilies based on your taste. If you want more heat, add an extra chili. For less heat, skip the seeds or cut back on the amount. A splash of lime juice can brighten the dish. Add it just before serving. The lime juice brings a fresh flavor that pairs well with the spicy chicken. Enjoy this dish with jasmine rice for a perfect meal. Check out the Full Recipe for more details. {{image_4}} If you want to switch things up, try using tofu or shrimp instead of chicken. Tofu gives a nice texture and soaks up flavors well. Just make sure to press it to remove extra water. For shrimp, use large, peeled shrimp. Cook them for a shorter time, about 3-4 minutes, until they turn pink. This keeps your dish quick and tasty. You can also add more vegetables to your Spicy Thai Basil Chicken. Green beans add a nice crunch and color. Slice them thin and toss them in with the chicken. Carrots are another great choice. Cut them into thin matchsticks. They add sweetness and look lovely in the dish. Feel free to get creative and use whatever you have on hand! If you need a gluten-free version, there are easy swaps. Instead of soy sauce, use tamari. It has a similar taste and works well. For oyster sauce, look for gluten-free brands or make your own. Combine soy sauce, sugar, and a bit of mushroom for a great taste. These swaps keep your dish flavorful and safe for those avoiding gluten. For the full recipe, refer to the [Full Recipe]. Store leftover Spicy Thai Basil Chicken in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down first. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to three days. This way, you keep the flavors intact without losing taste. To freeze, let the chicken cool completely. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, just thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, use a pan on medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir until heated through. You can also use a microwave. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out. Enjoy your meal just like the first time! For the full recipe, check back at the beginning of this article. Thai basil has a unique taste. It is sweet and spicy with a hint of anise. Regular basil is milder and more peppery. You can use Thai basil in many dishes. It adds depth, especially in stir-fries and soups. The leaves are thicker than regular basil, making them great in hot dishes. Yes, you can find Spicy Thai Basil Chicken in many Thai restaurants. It is a popular dish loved by many. Most Thai places have it on their menu. You can order it spicy or mild, based on your taste. Look for it in local takeout options or dine-in menus. To reduce the heat, use fewer Thai bird's eye chilies. You can also remove the seeds from the chilies. Another tip is to add more bell peppers or sugar. This will balance the spice while keeping the flavor. Serve it with jasmine rice to help cool down the dish. Spicy Thai Basil Chicken is healthy and full of flavor. The chicken provides protein for muscle growth. Thai basil is rich in vitamins A and K, which help your eyes and bones. Garlic can boost your immune system. Overall, this dish is a tasty way to enjoy nutrients. Spicy Thai Basil Chicken is a tasty dish. You learned about the key ingredients, like chicken and fresh basil. I shared easy steps for cooking it perfectly. Tips for adjusting spice and using other proteins make it fun. You can store leftovers well and even reheat them nicely. This dish brings a burst of flavor to your table. You can customize it to fit your taste. Now, it's time to try making it for yourself! Enjoy the process and the delicious results.](https://dailydishcraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/18d3fde3-2155-49b5-8903-90e4db8b0429-250x250.webp)