Flavorful Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe Easy Perfect Dinner Idea
A quick and easy Thai basil chicken stir-fry packed with bold flavors of garlic, chilies, and fresh basil, served over fluffy jasmine rice. Perfect for busy weeknights and casual dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2–3 Thai bird’s eye chilies, chopped (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (canola or sunflower oil)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
Instructions
- Rinse 1 cup jasmine rice under cold water until water runs clear. Cook according to package instructions (usually 1 cup rice to 1.25 cups water, simmer 15 minutes, then covered off heat for 10 minutes). Fluff before serving.
- Cut chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces. Mince garlic and slice chilies finely. Pick Thai basil leaves from stems and set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and brown sugar until sugar dissolves.
- Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and chilies; stir-fry for 20-30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add chicken pieces, spread out and sear for 2 minutes without stirring, then stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until cooked through and slightly caramelized.
- Pour sauce over chicken, stir quickly to coat evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and glazes the chicken.
- Turn off heat, add basil leaves, and toss gently until wilted but still vibrant green.
- Serve the chicken stir-fry over warm jasmine rice. Garnish with extra basil or sliced chilies if desired.
Notes
Use high heat for a good sear and juicy chicken. Add basil off the heat to keep its bright flavor and color. Adjust chili quantity to control spice level. If sauce is too salty, add a splash of water or lime juice. Chicken breast can be used but watch cooking time to avoid dryness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 850
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 35
Keywords: Thai basil chicken, stir-fry, quick dinner, easy recipe, chicken thighs, jasmine rice, spicy chicken, weeknight meal