Name: Thai Basil Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 teaspoons dark soy sauce; 1 1/2 tablespoons oyster sauce; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 2 teaspoons fish sauce; 2 tablespoons hot water; 3 tablespoons neutral oil; 1 large shallot, thinly sliced; 3 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced; 3-4 Thai birds-eye chilies, chopped; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 1/2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken thighs, diced into small pieces; 5 scallions, cut into 1" pieces (light green/white and dark green pieces kept separate); 8 oz button mushrooms, quartered; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 2 cups fresh green beans, cut into 1" pieces; 1 1/2 cups Thai basil leaves

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 5 reviews

If you’re craving a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that’s quick to whip up any night of the week, this Thai Basil Chicken Recipe is absolutely for you. It perfectly balances spicy, savory, and slightly sweet notes, brought alive by the fresh burst of aromatic Thai basil. Every bite delivers tender chicken mingled with crisp veggies and that unmistakable punch of heat and freshness that makes Thai cuisine unforgettable. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become a favourite go-to in your dinner rotation.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows an overhead view of many small bowls and plates of cooking ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. In the center is a large white plate filled with halved brown mushrooms showing their white flesh. Surrounding it are smaller white bowls holding chopped red bell peppers, sliced shallots, chopped green beans, and thick-cut green onions. A beige plate in the middle contains red chili peppers and thin circular slices of garlic. There is a large grey bowl filled with raw pink chicken pieces. Other small vessels hold dark soy sauce, a lighter sauce, thick black sauce, olive oil, and two palm sugar lumps in a small green bowl. Fresh green and purple basil leaves are on the lower right side. The colors of the ingredients are warm reds, bright greens, pale mushrooms, and pink chicken, all neatly prepared. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these simple, fresh ingredients is the first step to unlocking authentic Thai flavors. Each plays a special role—from the bright heat of chilies to the umami depth of oyster sauce—that makes this Thai Basil Chicken Recipe so irresistible.

Soy sauce: Adds a salty, savory base to the sauce that ties the dish together perfectly.
Dark soy sauce: Deepens the color and introduces a subtle sweetness for complexity.
Oyster sauce: Brings rich umami flavor that enhances the chicken and veggies beautifully.
Brown sugar: Balances the salty and spicy elements with a gentle sweetness.
Fish sauce: Imparts that signature tangy, fermented aroma essential in Thai cooking.
Hot water: Helps to mellow and blend the strong flavors of the sauce ingredients.
Neutral oil: Ideal for stir-frying without overpowering aromas.
Shallot: Thinly sliced to provide mild onion flavor and a touch of sweetness.
Garlic: Thin slices release aromatic oils that infuse the dish with warmth.
Thai bird’s eye chilies: Chopped finely to bring authentic heat—the heart of the recipe’s spice.
Cornstarch: Coats the chicken for a tender texture and helps the sauce cling.
Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Juicy and flavorful, diced into bite-sized pieces.
Scallions: Separated by white/light green and dark green parts to add layers of texture and freshness.
Button mushrooms: Quartered for bite and earthy flavor that enhances the overall dish.
Red bell pepper: Adds vibrant color and a mild sweet crunch.
Green beans: Cut into one-inch pieces for crispness and a fresh vegetable punch.
Thai basil leaves: The star herb, fresh leaves stirred in at the end for that unmistakable aromatic finish.

How to Make Thai Basil Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Make the sauce

Start by whisking together soy sauces, oyster sauce, brown sugar, fish sauce, and hot water in a small bowl until the sugar dissolves. This simple sauce is where all the magic happens, providing a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami flavors that will coat every ingredient beautifully.

Step 2: Sauté the aromatics

Heat the neutral oil in your wok or a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, toss in thinly sliced shallots, garlic, and chopped Thai bird’s eye chilies. Stir them often for 1 to 2 minutes to release their fragrant oils without letting the garlic burn. This step builds a deeply fragrant foundation for the rest of the dish.

Step 3: Prep the chicken

While your aromatics cook, toss the diced chicken thighs with cornstarch, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Rubbing the cornstarch into the chicken helps create a velvety texture and locks in juices during cooking—pro tip: this little step makes all the difference in tenderness!

Step 4: Cook the chicken and veggies

Add the chicken to the wok and stir-fry for 3 to 5 minutes until it starts to brown. Next, add mushrooms and the white/light green parts of the scallions, cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes until the mushrooms soften. Then, toss in the red bell pepper, green beans, and pour in the prepared sauce. Stir frequently as everything cooks together until the green beans become tender yet crisp and the sauce reduces slightly, coating the ingredients with glossy flavor.

Step 5: Add the Thai basil

Finally, fold in fresh Thai basil leaves and the dark green scallion pieces. Cook 2 to 3 minutes until the basil wilts and releases its signature, heady aroma. Taste and season with a pinch of salt if needed—now it’s ready to serve, ideally over a bed of steaming jasmine rice to soak up that luscious sauce.

How to Serve Thai Basil Chicken Recipe

A white round bowl contains two main layers: the bottom layer is a bed of white rice with soft, separate grains, and the top layer is a colorful stir-fry mix with pieces of light brown cooked chicken, green asparagus, red bell pepper chunks, and whole cashew nuts, garnished with fresh green basil leaves and sliced green onions scattered on top. A fork with a shiny silver head and a red handle rests on the left side inside the bowl. In the background, there is a smaller white bowl filled with cashew nuts and another smaller white bowl with fresh green herbs. All bowls are placed on a white marbled surface with a light-striped white cloth lying partially under the main bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate presentation and flavor, sprinkle extra chopped Thai chilies or fresh basil leaves on top. A squeeze of lime juice before eating adds a fresh, zesty lift that brightens this hearty dish wonderfully.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with simple jasmine rice or sticky rice, allowing the rich sauce and bold flavors to shine. For balance, try serving alongside a crisp cucumber salad or lightly pickled vegetables that provide a refreshing counterpoint.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Thai basil chicken in lettuce cups for a low-carb option that doubles as finger food. Or, turn the recipe into a vibrant noodle stir-fry by tossing it with cooked rice noodles and extra fresh herbs for an easy weeknight meal with flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep your leftover Thai basil chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Just reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, pairing it again with rice for a quick and satisfying meal.

Freezing

Freezing this dish is not recommended because the fresh vegetables tend to become mushy and lose their appealing texture once thawed. The delicate Thai basil flavor can also fade, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Reheating

The best way to reheat your Thai basil chicken is to warm it gently over medium heat in a skillet, adding a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce’s moisture. Avoid overheating to preserve the tender chicken and fresh flavors.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While chicken thighs offer more juiciness and flavor, chicken breast works fine too—just be careful not to overcook since breast meat can dry out more quickly.

Is Thai basil essential for this recipe?

Yes, fresh Thai basil is crucial for its distinct aroma and peppery flavor that defines the dish. If unavailable, holy basil or even fresh sweet basil can be substitutes but the taste will be slightly different.

How spicy is this Thai Basil Chicken Recipe?

The heat level mostly comes from the bird’s eye chilies, which are quite potent. You can adjust the amount used to suit your tolerance or remove seeds to soften the spice.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh and replace fish sauce with soy sauce or a vegetarian stir-fry sauce. Don’t skip the Thai basil; it provides essential flavor.

What’s the best rice to serve with this dish?

Jasmine rice is the traditional choice—it’s fragrant and slightly sticky, pairing perfectly with the bold, saucy flavors of the Thai Basil Chicken Recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Thai Basil Chicken Recipe is truly a gem—bringing authentic, vibrant Thai flavors into your kitchen in less than 30 minutes. It’s versatile, easy to prepare, and guaranteed to impress family or friends with its irresistible aroma and irresistible taste. Give it a go and enjoy a little taste of Thailand from the comfort of your home!

Thai Basil Chicken Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need