Are you ready to spice up your weeknight dinners? This Thai Basil Chicken recipe is about to become your new favorite! With its vibrant flavors, quick cooking time, and delightful aroma, you’ll find yourself craving this dish again and again.

It’s easy to make, and it comes together in just one skillet, making clean-up a breeze.

Plus, the star of the show, Thai basil, adds a unique sweetness and a hint of peppery flavor that truly captivates.

Whether you serve it over rice or enjoy it on its own, this dish is sure to impress.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

Thai Basil Chicken is a staple in many Thai households and for good reason.

It’s a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and spicy that brings comfort and excitement to your dinner table.

This recipe is not only quick to prepare, but it also uses simple ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store.

Plus, it’s a versatile dish that can be adjusted to suit your flavor preferences.

Once you taste this dish, it’s hard not to fall in love!

Ingredients

2 tablespoons (30 ml) vegetable oil or other neutral-tasting oil, such as avocado
2 shallots, thinly sliced
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
1-2 Thai chili peppers, deseeded and minced (adjust to spice preference)
1 ½ pounds (675 g) boneless skinless chicken thighs, diced into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon (15 ml) soy sauce
2 teaspoons (30 ml) fish sauce
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
¾ cup (15 g) Thai basil leaves, loosely packed

How To Make Thai Basil Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients.

Thinly slice the shallots, mince the garlic, and chop the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.

If you like it spicy, deseed and mince the Thai chili peppers.

Having everything ready will make cooking a breeze!

Step 2: Heat the Oil

In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.

Allow the oil to get hot but not smoking, which will help achieve a lovely sear on the chicken.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Add the sliced shallots to the skillet and cook them for about 2-3 minutes until they’re fragrant and translucent.

Then add the minced garlic and Thai chili peppers, stirring for another minute until everything is aromatic.

Your kitchen should start smelling amazing by now!

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Next, add the diced chicken thighs to the skillet.

Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and starts to brown.

You’ll want to make sure there are no pink bits left.

Step 5: Add Sauces and Seasoning

Once the chicken is cooked, pour in the soy sauce, fish sauce, and granulated sugar.

Stir everything together to coat the chicken evenly with the delicious sauce.

Let it simmer for a couple of minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 6: Finish with Thai Basil

Finally, add the Thai basil leaves to the skillet.

Give it a good stir and allow the heat to wilt the basil slightly.

This will take about a minute.

The fresh basil enhances the dish, adding a burst of flavor that you just cannot resist!

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Once everything is well combined, your Thai Basil Chicken is ready to serve! Dish it out over a bed of jasmine rice or enjoy it by itself for a low-carb option.

Either way, you’re going to love it!

Expert Tips

Use fresh Thai basil if possible; it makes a huge difference in flavor compared to dried herbs.
For a kick of heat, don’t be shy with the Thai chilies! You can control the heat by adjusting the amount you use.
If you can’t find fish sauce, you can substitute it with a little bit of oyster sauce for similar umami flavors.
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can reheat it in a skillet over medium heat if you have leftovers.

Variations and Customizations

Add more vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for extra nutrition and color.
Use ground chicken or turkey in place of thighs for a leaner option.
For a vegetarian twist, substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh.
Experiment with different herbs like cilantro or mint if you can’t find Thai basil.

How to Store Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (which is likely since this dish is so tasty), simply let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.

You can store the Thai Basil Chicken in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat it in a skillet on medium heat until warmed through, or pop it in the microwave for a quick dinner fix.

FAQ

Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts.

Just keep in mind that chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful, but chicken breasts will work fine too!

What if I can’t find Thai basil?

If Thai basil isn’t available, you can use regular basil, though the flavor will differ.

You could also consider using a mix of fresh cilantro and mint for a unique twist.

Can I make this dish in advance?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and store them separately.

Then, when you’re ready to eat, simply heat them up and add the basil at the end.

What do I serve with Thai Basil Chicken?

Thai Basil Chicken pairs beautifully with jasmine rice, coconut rice, or even noodles.

You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad to brighten up the meal.

Conclusion

There you have it! A simple yet delicious recipe for Thai Basil Chicken that will transform your weeknight dinners into something special.

With its aromatic flavors and tender chicken, this dish is perfect for any night of the week.

Plus, it’s quick to make and requires just one pan, making clean-up a breeze.

So why wait? Gather your ingredients and bring the taste of Thailand to your kitchen tonight! Happy cooking!