This Thai basil chicken recipe delivers bold, savory flavor in under 30 minutes. It’s the kind of weeknight dinner that feels special but comes together quickly.
Juicy chicken, garlic, chilies, and fresh basil cook in a savory sauce that clings to every bite. Serve it over rice, and dinner is done.
If you love takeout but want something fresher and more balanced, this basil chicken recipe is your answer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients
- Big flavor with minimal prep
- Customizable heat level
- Perfect for meal prep
- Naturally dairy-free
- Better than takeout at home
What Is Thai Basil Chicken?
Thai Basil Chicken, also known as Pad Krapow Gai, is a classic Thai stir-fry made with chicken, garlic, chilies, a savory sauce, and fresh basil. The sauce is bold and salty with a slight sweetness. Fresh basil is stirred in at the end so it wilts just enough to perfume the dish.
Traditionally served over jasmine rice, this Thai basil chicken recipe keeps the spirit of the original while making it practical for home cooks.
Ingredients (& What They Do)
** You can find the full recipe ingredients and instructions on the printable recipe card below.
Chicken – Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. Thighs stay juicier and add more flavor.
Neutral oil – Helps the aromatics cook evenly without overpowering the dish.
Garlic – Essential for depth and bold flavor.
Fresh chilies – Provide authentic heat. Adjust to taste.
Soy sauce – Adds salt and umami.
Oyster sauce – Gives body and richness to the sauce.
Fish sauce – Adds savory depth and authentic flavor.
Sugar – Balances saltiness and heat.
Fresh basil – The star ingredient. Adds brightness and aroma at the end.
Jasmine rice – The classic base for serving.
How to Make Thai Basil Chicken Recipe
** You can find the full recipe ingredients and instructions on the printable recipe card below.
- Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add garlic and chilies. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add chopped chicken. Cook, breaking it apart, until browned and cooked through.
- Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Toss to coat evenly. The sauce should bubble and slightly thicken.
- Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil. The residual heat will wilt the leaves.
- Serve immediately over warm jasmine rice.
Recipe Tips
- Use high heat for a proper stir-fry texture.
- Prep all ingredients before cooking. This dish moves quickly.
- Don’t overcook the basil. Stir it in at the very end.
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap chicken thighs for ground chicken.
- Use serrano peppers if Thai chilies are unavailable.
- Replace fish sauce with extra soy sauce if needed, though flavor will change slightly.
- Add bell peppers or green beans for extra vegetables.
What Can Go Wrong (& how to fix it)
Chicken turns dry – Use thighs or avoid overcooking. Remove from heat as soon as done.
Sauce tastes too salty – Add a splash of water or a pinch more sugar to balance.
Basil turns black – It was added too early or cooked too long. Stir it in off the heat.
Lacks depth – Don’t skip the fish sauce. It adds essential savory complexity.
What to Serve With Thai Basil Chicken Recipe
Serve this Thai basil chicken recipe with:
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Brown rice
- Fried rice
- Stir-fried vegetables
- A simple cucumber salad
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short intervals until warmed through.
Add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
Time-Saving Tips
- Use pre-minced garlic.
- Buy pre-chopped chicken.
- Prep sauce ingredients in advance.
- Cook rice ahead of time.
How to Repurpose Leftovers
- Spoon into lettuce wraps for a lighter meal.
- Add to scrambled eggs for a savory breakfast.
- Use as a filling for rice bowls.
- Stuff into a wrap with crunchy vegetables.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Is Thai basil the same as regular basil?
Thai basil has a slightly spicy, licorice-like flavor. Regular sweet basil works in this Thai basil chicken recipe, but the flavor will be milder.
Can I make Thai basil chicken less spicy?
Yes. Reduce or omit the chilies. The dish will still have a bold flavor from garlic and sauces.
Can I use ground chicken?
Yes. Ground chicken works very well and cooks quickly in a stir-fry.
Is Thai basil chicken healthy?
It’s high in protein and relatively light when served with rice and vegetables. Control sodium by adjusting sauces.
Can I freeze Thai basil chicken?
Yes. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Thai basil chicken recipe proves that bold flavor doesn’t require complicated steps. With simple ingredients and high heat, you can create a balanced, satisfying dinner in minutes. It’s a reliable weeknight recipe that delivers every time.
Easy Thai Basil Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs , diced into bite-size pieces
- 1 tablespoon oil , vegetable or canola oil
- 4 cloves garlic , finely chopped
- 2 or 3 Thai red chilies , thinly sliced (adjust to taste) (omit for kids)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves , loosely packed. holly, Thai or sweet basil all work. Holly basil is preferred.
Optional for Servig
- Steamed jasmine rice , for serving
- Crisp-fried egg
- Cucumber slices
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add chopped garlic and sliced chilies. Stir constantly for 20–30 seconds until fragrant, but do not brown.
- Add diced chicken. Cook, stirring frequently, until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
- Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Toss to coat evenly and allow the sauce to simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Remove skillet from heat. Stir in fresh basil leaves and toss until just wilted.
- Serve immediately over warm jasmine rice.
Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the juiciest results
- Cook over medium-high heat for proper stir fry texture
- Prep all ingredients before starting; this recipe moves quickly
- Stir garlic and chilies constantly to prevent burning
- Add basil off heat to keep it bright and fresh
- Taste sauce before serving and adjust salt or sweetness as needed
- Serve immediately over hot jasmine rice for best texture
Nutrition
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