If you love bold, vibrant flavors that pack a punch and come together in minutes, this Thai Chilli Basil Chicken Recipe is going to become one of your absolute favorites. Juicy chicken thigh pieces, fragrant Thai basil, fiery bird’s eye chilli, and a glossy, savory sauce make every bite a mouthwatering experience. Whether you’re after a quick weeknight dinner or craving a taste of authentic Thai street food at home, this dish delivers incredible flavor and satisfaction with surprisingly simple ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Thai Chilli Basil Chicken Recipe lies in its straightforward but essential ingredients. Each item plays a crucial role in layering flavor, providing texture, and adding vibrant color, creating a dish that’s much more than the sum of its parts.
- 225g chicken thigh fillets: Skinless, boneless, and cut into bite-size pieces for juicy, tender meat that absorbs the sauce beautifully.
- 1 green onion: Adds freshness and crunch, with the white part used for cooking and the green part tossed in at the end for brightness.
- 1 cup Thai basil leaves: Loosely packed, this herb brings a unique sweet and peppery aroma that makes the dish unmistakably Thai (Holy Basil is ideal if you can find it).
- 2 garlic cloves: Finely chopped to infuse the oil with savory depth and fragrance right at the start.
- 1 bird’s eye or Thai chilli: Deseeded and finely chopped for controlled heat that awakens the senses without overpowering.
- 1 1/2 tbsp oil: Peanut, vegetable, or canola oil works well to carry the flavors while maintaining a neutral base.
- 2 tsp oyster sauce: Adds rich, umami-packed saltiness and complexity.
- 1 tsp light soy sauce: Gives a subtle saltiness and enhances the overall depth of the sauce.
- 1 tsp dark soy sauce: Or all-purpose soy sauce, for color and a hint of sweetness.
- 1 tsp sugar: Balances the savory and spicy elements with a touch of sweetness.
- 2 tbsp water: Helps create the perfect sauce texture, thickening up to a glossy finish.
- Steamed jasmine rice: The ideal fluffy companion to soak up every bit of the luscious sauce.
How to Make Thai Chilli Basil Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by combining the oyster sauce, light and dark soy sauce, sugar, and water in a small bowl. This mixture is your flavorful glue, melding salty, sweet, and savory tastes into the glossy sauce that will coat the chicken moorish-ly.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
Place a wok or a large pan over high heat and add the oil. It needs to be hot enough to immediately sizzle the aromatics, creating a flavor-packed base for your dish.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Chilli
Add the finely chopped garlic and bird’s eye chilli to the hot oil. Cook for about 10 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to inhale deeply here because the spicy chilli fumes are potent and can make you cough—but it’s a sign you’re in for an exciting meal!
Step 4: Cook Chicken and White Onion
Next, toss in the chicken pieces and the white parts of the green onion. Stir-fry quickly over high heat for around 2 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and perfectly seared on the outside, locking in juices.
Step 5: Add the Sauce and Reduce
Pour your pre-mixed sauce into the wok and stir well to coat all the chicken. Cook for about 1 minute so the water reduces and the sauce thickens into a glossy coating that clings beautifully to every bite.
Step 6: Finish with Basil and Green Onion
Finally, toss in the green parts of the green onion and the Thai basil leaves. Stir just until the basil wilts slightly—this keeps it fresh and aromatic. Serve immediately with steaming hot jasmine rice for the full experience.
How to Serve Thai Chilli Basil Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
While the Thai chilli basil chicken is stunning on its own, a sprinkle of freshly chopped spring onions or a few extra Thai basil leaves on top can add a lovely fresh crunch and vibrant green color. For an extra zing, try adding a wedge of lime on the side to squeeze over before eating.
Side Dishes
Steamed jasmine rice is absolutely ideal with this dish as it soaks up the sauce perfectly. For some crunch and balance, a simple cucumber salad or lightly pickled vegetables with garlic and chili can cut through the richness and keep your palate refreshed.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy rice in a rustic bowl or on a banana leaf for an authentic touch. For dinner guests, consider placing the stir-fry on a large platter and letting everyone help themselves – the vibrant colors and enticing aromas make it a feast for both eyes and taste buds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers of this Thai Chilli Basil Chicken Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 2 days and still taste delicious when reheated.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen without losing much of its flavor or texture. Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 1 month. Basil may darken in the freezer, so consider adding fresh leaves after thawing and reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. To revive the basil’s fresh flavor, toss in some fresh leaves right before serving again.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thigh?
Yes, you can use chicken breast, but thighs have more fat and stay moist and tender during the stir-fry, which really complements the intense flavors of the Thai Chilli Basil Chicken Recipe.
What if I can’t find Thai basil?
Thai basil has a unique flavor, but if it’s not available, you can use sweet basil or even a mix of regular basil and mint for a slightly different but still tasty result.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat mainly comes from the bird’s eye chilli. You can adjust the spice level by using fewer chillies or removing the seeds completely for milder flavor.
Is oyster sauce vegetarian?
Traditional oyster sauce contains oyster extracts, so it’s not vegetarian. For a plant-based alternative, use mushroom sauce or a vegan stir-fry sauce to make the dish vegetarian-friendly.
Can I prepare this recipe for more people?
Absolutely! Simply multiply the ingredients accordingly. The Thai Chilli Basil Chicken Recipe scales wonderfully, making it perfect for family meals or dinner parties.
Final Thoughts
This Thai Chilli Basil Chicken Recipe is one of those truly comforting dishes that brings a burst of bold, fresh, and spicy flavors to your table in no time. It’s a perfect weeknight winner yet impressive enough to share with friends and family. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back again and again for that addictive balance of heat, sweetness, and fragrant basil notes. Give it a go—you won’t regret it!
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Thai Chilli Basil Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Description
A quick and flavorful Thai Chilli Basil Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken thigh pieces stir-fried with aromatic garlic, fiery bird’s eye chili, and fresh Thai basil leaves. This dish is perfect for a fast and satisfying weeknight meal, served hot with steamed jasmine rice for an authentic Thai experience.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 225g / 7oz chicken thigh fillets, skinless boneless, cut into bite size pieces
- 1 green onion, cut into 4cm / 2″ lengths (separating white and green parts)
- 1 cup Thai basil leaves, loosely packed (Holy Basil if available)
- 2 garlic cloves, large, finely chopped
- 1 bird’s eye or Thai chili, deseeded and finely chopped
Sauce
- 2 tsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp light soy sauce
- 1 tsp dark soy sauce (or all purpose soy sauce)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 tbsp water
Other
- 1 1/2 tbsp oil (peanut, vegetable or canola oil)
- Steamed jasmine rice, to serve
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, combine oyster sauce, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and water. Stir well to mix all the sauce ingredients thoroughly.
- Heat the oil: Place a wok or a wide pan over high heat and add the oil. Allow it to get hot enough for stir-frying.
- Cook garlic and chili: Add the finely chopped garlic and bird’s eye chili to the hot oil. Stir-fry quickly for about 10 seconds, releasing their aromatic flavors. Be careful not to inhale directly as the chili can cause coughing.
- Cook chicken and green onion whites: Add the white part of the green onion and the chicken pieces to the pan. Stir-fry until the chicken is cooked through, approximately 2 minutes, ensuring the chicken is no longer pink inside.
- Add the sauce: Pour in the prepared sauce mixture. Continue to cook and stir for about 1 minute until the water content reduces and the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency coating the chicken well.
- Finish with herbs: Toss in the green part of the green onions and the Thai basil leaves. Stir gently just until the basil wilts, preserving its bright flavor and vibrant color.
- Serve: Immediately serve the fragrant chilli basil chicken hot with steamed jasmine rice for a complete and authentic Thai meal.
Notes
- Note 1: If Thai holy basil is unavailable, regular Thai basil can be used as a substitute without compromising flavor too much.
- Note 2: Adjust the amount of chili used based on your heat preference but be cautious as bird’s eye chilies are very spicy.
- Note 3: Light soy sauce adds saltiness while dark soy sauce adds color and a touch of sweetness; both balance the flavor profile perfectly.
