If you crave a lightning-fast meal packed with bold flavors, Thai Basil Chicken is your answer. This dish combines aromatic garlic, fiery chilies, and fragrant basil with tender ground chicken, transforming simple ingredients into an irresistibly savory stir fry. You’ll love how the sweet, salty, and spicy notes blend together, making every bite over fluffy jasmine rice pure comfort food. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing lunch, Thai Basil Chicken brings the excitement of Thai street food right to your table in less than 30 minutes.

Thai Basil Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Thai Basil Chicken is how each ingredient brings something essential to the plate: a bit of crunch, a splash of color, a punch of heat, or a lush, herby aroma. With just a handful of basics, you can achieve restaurant-quality magic at home. Don’t skip the sauces — they’re the secret to that addictive, glossy finish!

Ground chicken: Quick-cooking and juicy, ground chicken soaks up all the delicious flavors.
Vegetable oil: Gives you a neutral base to stir-fry everything to golden perfection.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic creates that signature aromatic foundation.
Thai chilies: Add irresistible heat — adjust the amount to match your spice threshold!
Onion: Sliced onion brings mild sweetness and satisfying crunch to the mix.
Red bell pepper: Gives a pop of color and subtle sweetness, balancing the heat.
Soy sauce: Deepens the savory backbone with a hit of umami richness.
Fish sauce: Classic for Thai flavor, this adds salty depth and irresistible complexity.
Oyster sauce: Rounds out the seasoning with sweet and savory notes.
Sugar: Just a teaspoon smooths out the heat and sharp edges of the sauces.
Fresh Thai basil leaves: Essential for its peppery, anise-like fragrance — the soul of the dish!
Cooked jasmine rice: Fluffy, fragrant rice is the perfect base for soaking up every morsel.

How to Make Thai Basil Chicken

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Toss in the minced garlic and chopped Thai chilies, and get ready for the incredible aroma that will fill your kitchen. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until they’re fragrant – don’t let the garlic brown, or it can turn bitter.

Step 2: Add Onions and Bell Pepper

Next up, add the sliced onion and red bell pepper. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes. The goal here is to soften them slightly while still keeping a little crunch and bright color intact. This simple step boosts both texture and visual appeal in your Thai Basil Chicken.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Chicken

Slide the ground chicken into the pan. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks, letting the bits brown and pick up all those punchy aromatics. About 5 to 6 minutes later, your chicken should be fully cooked, juicy, and starting to soak up incredible flavors.

Step 4: Season & Sauce

Time to amp things up! Pour in the soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Stir everything together so the sauce coats every bite of chicken and veggies. Let it bubble for another 1 to 2 minutes — this thickens the sauce and fuses the flavors for that classic Thai Basil Chicken taste.

Step 5: Add Thai Basil Leaves

Turn off the heat and toss in those gorgeous Thai basil leaves. Stir until they’re just wilted, and the fragrance is unmistakable. This step is what sets Thai Basil Chicken apart and guarantees that unforgettable finish.

Step 6: Serve

Serve your sizzling Thai Basil Chicken right away over a mound of hot jasmine rice. Every bite is a perfect blend of savory, aromatic, and spicy goodness.

How to Serve Thai Basil Chicken

Garnishes

Fragrant extras make this dish truly pop. I love adding a few extra basil leaves, thinly sliced chilies for color and heat, or even a crispy fried egg on top for added richness. A wedge of lime on the side can brighten things even further!

Side Dishes

While Thai Basil Chicken is fantastic on its own, a few simple sides can turn it into a full-blown feast. Think crunchy cucumber slices, a tangy Thai papaya salad, or lightly sautéed greens. These balance out the dish’s robust flavors with freshness and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving Thai Basil Chicken in lettuce cups as a light appetizer, pack it into a lunchbox rice bowl, or pile it onto steamed buns for a playful, fusion-inspired snack. This dish loves to adapt — let your imagination (and appetite) run wild!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Thai Basil Chicken is a weeknight lifesaver! Let it cool completely, then pop it in an airtight container. It’ll stay delicious in the refrigerator for up to three days while keeping its bold flavors intact.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Thai Basil Chicken! Spoon cooled portions into freezer-safe bags, squeeze out excess air, and freeze for up to two months. For the best results, freeze the chicken and sauce without the basil, then add fresh basil when reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm Thai Basil Chicken in a skillet over medium heat until hot, adding a splash of water if it looks dry. For single servings, a quick spin in the microwave works great too. Add a few fresh basil leaves just before serving to revive that signature aroma.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of ground chicken?

Absolutely! Chop chicken breast or thigh meat into small pieces if you prefer chunks over ground. The texture will be a bit different but still delicious, and it’s a great way to use what you have on hand.

What if I can’t find Thai basil?

No worries — while the flavor is unique, you can use Italian basil or holy basil as alternatives. Each version brings its own charm, but nothing beats the authentic kick of fresh Thai basil if you can find it!

How spicy is Thai Basil Chicken?

It can be as mild or fiery as you like! Use fewer chilies for a gentle heat, or add an extra chili (or two) if you love things hot. The flavor will be fantastic either way; just tailor it to your taste.

Is Thai Basil Chicken gluten-free?

As written, Thai Basil Chicken is not strictly gluten-free due to the soy and oyster sauces. However, you can use gluten-free versions of both sauces to enjoy this stir fry safely.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Easily! Swap in crumbled tofu or a plant-based ground for the chicken, and use soy or hoisin in place of fish and oyster sauces. The results are just as satisfying and packed with that irresistible Thai basil flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Thai Basil Chicken is such a beloved favorite: it’s quick, flavorful, and guaranteed to please. Whether you’re a Thai food enthusiast or just looking for an exciting new recipe, this dish deserves a spot in your regular dinner rotation. Give it a try — your tastebuds will thank you!

Thai Basil Chicken Recipe