Name: Thai Basil Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 7 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken (approx. 3 cups, diced boneless dark meat or ground chicken); 1/2 cup yardlong beans (or green beans), cut into bite-sized pieces; 3 cloves garlic (approx. 1 tablespoon), minced; 1-2 shallots (approx. 1/4 cup), diced; 2 birds eye chilies, finely minced; 1 cup Thai basil leaves (approx. 1 cup), leaves only, stems discarded; 1 ½ tablespoons fish sauce; 1 ½ teaspoons dark soy sauce; 1 ½ tablespoons oyster sauce; 2 teaspoons sugar; 1 ½ tablespoons water; 2-3 tablespoons cooking oil (for stir-frying)

If you have ever wanted a quick, vibrant, and irresistibly flavorful dish that truly bursts with the essence of Thailand, this Thai Basil Chicken Recipe is your new best friend. Featuring tender chicken mingled with aromatic garlic, fiery birds eye chilies, crisp yardlong beans, and the unmistakably fragrant Thai basil, this dish delivers a harmony of savory, sweet, and spicy notes all in one pan. It’s a perfect weeknight wonder that’s easy to make, endlessly satisfying, and bound to become a staple in your cooking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows fresh ingredients arranged on a wooden surface backdrop with a white marbled texture. On the right side, there is a white bowl filled with three raw chicken thighs with pale skin and pinkish tones. Below the bowl, there is a large pile of long green beans curved and layered. Next to the green beans, there are two bright red chili peppers placed on fresh green basil leaves with dark purple stems. On the lower left corner, there is a garlic bulb with a few loose cloves scattered around it, and above it, two shallots with shiny pinkish-red skin. Several small white and green plates hold dark soy sauce and light sesame oil. In the middle, a small wooden bowl is filled with white sugar granules. The composition captures a rustic and natural style with distinct textures and colors. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

What makes this Thai Basil Chicken Recipe so special is its simplicity and freshness. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether it’s the punchy garlic bringing depth, the chilies adding a vibrant heat, or the Thai basil lending that signature herbal warmth and color to the dish. Let’s break down these essentials so you can gather everything easily.

Chicken (1 lb): Diced boneless dark meat or ground chicken works best for juicy tenderness.
Yardlong beans (1/2 cup): Offers a crisp texture and fresh green color, but green beans are a good substitute.
Garlic (3 cloves): Provides savory aromatics that are essential for authentic flavor.
Shallots (1-2): Adds subtle sweetness and complexity to balance the spice.
Birds eye chili (2): Packs the perfect fiery kick that wakes up your palate.
Thai basil (1 cup leaves): The hero of this dish, its intense fragrance and slight peppery notes bring everything together.
Fish sauce (1 ½ tbsp): Imparts umami depth and a salty tang unique to Southeast Asian cooking.
Dark soy sauce (1 ½ tsp): Adds subtle sweetness and rich color.
Oyster sauce (1 ½ tbsp): Provides a luscious, savory body and mild sweetness.
Sugar (2 tsp): Balances the savory and spicy elements with a touch of sweetness.
Water (1 ½ tbsp): Helps to bring the sauce together and keep the chicken perfectly moist.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Thai Basil Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

Start by mixing the fish sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and water in a small bowl. This tasty concoction will become the backbone of your Thai Basil Chicken Recipe, infusing the chicken and vegetables with layers of flavor as you cook.

Step 2: Prep Your Aromatics and Vegetables

Finely mince the garlic and birds eye chilies so their bold flavors spread evenly through the dish. Dice the shallots and slice the yardlong beans into small bite-sized pieces for a perfect balance of crunch. Don’t forget to tear off the Thai basil leaves, since the stems can be tough and woody – only those fragrant leaves will bring that authentic hit of herbaceous aroma.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Using a hot pan or wok, heat a few tablespoons of oil over high heat. Toss in the shallots and chicken pieces, cooking until fully done and slightly browned. If there’s any moisture released by the chicken, just keep cooking on high heat so all excess water evaporates. This step is crucial to getting that lovely sear and rich flavor in your Thai Basil Chicken Recipe.

Step 4: Add Vegetables and Sauce

Now stir in the minced garlic, yardlong beans, birds eye chilies, and your prepared sauce. Cook everything together for about three minutes to allow the beans to soften slightly while still maintaining a delightful crunch.

Step 5: Finish With Thai Basil Leaves

Turn off the heat and fold in the Thai basil leaves. Mix constantly until the leaves wilt and release their fragrant oils, rounding out this fantastic Thai Basil Chicken Recipe with bursts of fresh herbaceous notes.

How to Serve Thai Basil Chicken Recipe

A black frying pan with a shiny surface is filled with cooked small pieces of brown chicken mixed with bright green long beans and dark green basil leaves. The chicken pieces are glossy and coated in a brown sauce, spread evenly across the pan. The green beans are cut into short segments and scattered throughout, with vibrant green basil leaves adding texture on top. The pan is placed on a wooden table with a rustic brown color. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your creation with a perfectly fried egg on top—the crispy edges and runny yolk add luscious richness to every bite. A sprinkle of extra fresh Thai basil leaves or sliced red chilies also makes a beautiful and tasty addition.

Side Dishes

Traditionally, this dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice that soaks up the sauce perfectly. For a veggie boost, try a simple cucumber salad on the side to add cooling crunch and balance the spicy heat.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this Thai Basil Chicken Recipe family-style in a large bowl straight from the wok for that authentic feel. Alternatively, plate it alongside fragrant coconut rice or lettuce cups for a fresh, handheld twist that is perfect for entertaining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Thai Basil Chicken Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers taste even better.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving to keep the chicken tender and the herbs fresh.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of dark meat for this Thai Basil Chicken Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breast if you prefer leaner meat, but dark meat tends to stay juicier and more flavorful in this quick stir-fry.

What can I substitute if I can’t find Thai basil?

Holy basil is an excellent alternative. If neither are available, fresh sweet basil can work, though it will change the flavor slightly.

Is Thai Basil Chicken Recipe very spicy?

The level of spice depends on how many birds eye chilies you use. You can reduce or omit them to suit your heat preference without compromising the overall flavor.

Can I prepare this recipe vegan or vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with tofu or mushrooms, and replace fish and oyster sauce with soy sauce or tamari for a vegan version.

What is the best way to serve this dish?

Serve it hot over steamed jasmine rice with a fried egg on top, which helps mellow the heat and adds wonderful texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with heartwarming flavors, quick to whip up, and utterly satisfying, this Thai Basil Chicken Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a wonderful way to elevate your dinner routine with the bold, bright tastes of Thai cuisine right in your own kitchen. Give it a go and watch it quickly become one of your favorite meals to revisit again and again.