Thai basil chicken is a quick chicken stir fry made with tender chicken, onion, red bell pepper, and a sweet, savory, spicy sauce finished with fresh Thai basil. It is a simple dinner that brings in the bold flavor people expect from Thai basil chicken while still using a short ingredient list and an easy cooking method.
A Quick Look at the Recipe
✅ Recipe Name: Thai Basil Chicken
🕒 Ready In: ~25 minutes
👪 Serves: 4 servings
🍽 Calories: ~280 per serving (estimated)
🥣 Main Ingredients: Chicken breast, onion, red bell pepper, garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, red chili flakes, Thai basil
📖 Dietary Info: Dairy-free, gluten-free option
👌 Difficulty: Easy - sauté, simmer, stir in basil, serve
SUMMARIZE & SAVE THIS CONTENT ON
This recipe is great for busy nights because it cooks quickly and pairs perfectly with rice for an easy meal. The chicken stays tender, the sauce adds plenty of flavor, and the fresh basil at the end gives the whole dish that classic Thai basil chicken finish.
If you want more easy dinner ideas with big flavor, try our Honey Mustard Salmon, Chicken Feta Burgers, or Garlic Herb Roast Beef.
Jump to:
Why You'll Love this Thai Basil Chicken:
Big flavor with simple ingredients: The sauce is sweet, savory, spicy, and full of the bold flavor people want from Thai basil chicken.
Quick weeknight dinner: This recipe cooks fast and comes together in one pan, which makes it great for busy nights.
Easy to serve with rice: Thai basil chicken pairs perfectly with rice for a simple, satisfying meal.
Fresh finish from the basil: Stirring in the Thai basil at the end adds the classic flavor that makes this dish stand out.
Key Ingredients:
- chicken breast. Cubed chicken breast cooks quickly and keeps this recipe easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
- Thai basil. This is what gives Thai basil chicken its signature flavor, so it is one of the most important ingredients in the whole dish.
- soy sauce. Adds salty, savory flavor and helps build the sauce.
- garlic. Gives the dish a strong savory base and works well with the basil and sauce.
- red chili flakes. Add heat and help give the chicken that spicy kick people expect from Thai basil chicken.
Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this page for exact quantities.
Easy Substitutions & Variations:
- Use ground chicken instead: Ground chicken works well if you want a version that feels closer to a classic Thai basil chicken skillet.
- Swap the protein: Ground turkey or diced chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breast.
- Make it gluten-free: Use tamari in place of soy sauce to keep the recipe gluten-free.
- Adjust the heat: Use more or less red chili flakes depending on how spicy you want the dish.
- Use regular basil if needed: Thai basil gives the most classic flavor, but regular basil can work if that is what you have.
How to Make Thai Basil Chicken:
- Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook until it is mostly cooked through and lightly browned.
- Step 2: Add the onion, red bell pepper, and garlic and cook until the vegetables start to soften.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, stir together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and red chili flakes. Pour the sauce into the skillet and stir to coat the chicken and vegetables.
- Step 4: Let everything cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, until the sauce is heated through and the chicken is fully cooked. Remove from the heat and stir in the Thai basil.
Save this Recipe
Enter your email address and we'll send it straight to your inbox.
Recipe Notes & Tips:
- Cook the chicken first: Let the chicken get mostly cooked through before adding the vegetables so it stays tender and gets a little color.
- Do not overcook the basil: Stir the Thai basil in at the end so it keeps its fresh flavor and does not lose too much of its aroma.
- Adjust the spice level: Use less red chili flakes for a milder version or add more if you want the dish spicier.
- Cut the chicken evenly: Keeping the chicken pieces close in size helps everything cook at the same rate.
- Serve it right away: Thai basil chicken is best served hot, especially with rice to soak up the sauce.
How to Store:
Refrigerator: Store leftover Thai basil chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Add a small splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.
Freezer: Freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Thai Basil Chicken FAQs:
Thai basil chicken is usually mildly to moderately spicy, depending on how many chili flakes or chilies are used. You can easily make it milder or spicier based on your preference.
Yes, you can make Thai basil chicken with regular basil if needed, but the flavor will be a little different. Thai basil has a more distinct flavor that gives the dish its classic taste, while regular basil is milder.
Yes, chicken thighs work really well in Thai basil chicken. They stay juicy and bring a little more richness to the dish than chicken breast.
Grab your free copy
Get a FREE Healthy Meal Planning Ebook
Tips, Tricks, and Recipes for Stress Free Meal Planning
Thai Basil Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
- ¼ cup fresh thai basil
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the cubed chicken and cook until it is mostly cooked through and lightly browned.
- Add the onion, red bell pepper, and garlic and cook until the vegetables start to soften.
- In a small bowl, stir together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and red chili flakes.
- Pour the sauce into the skillet and stir to coat the chicken and vegetables.
- Let everything cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, until the sauce is heated through and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the Thai basil. Serve warm with rice if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
- Cook the chicken first: Let the chicken get mostly cooked through before adding the vegetables so it stays tender and gets a little color.
- Do not overcook the basil: Stir the Thai basil in at the end so it keeps its fresh flavor and does not lose too much of its aroma.
- Adjust the spice level: Use less red chili flakes for a milder version or add more if you want the dish spicier.
- Cut the chicken evenly: Keeping the chicken pieces close in size helps everything cook at the same rate.
- Serve it right away: Thai basil chicken is best served hot, especially with rice to soak up the sauce.
Leave a Reply