Description
Experience the vibrant and authentic flavors of Thailand with this quick and easy Thai Basil Chicken recipe. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish features juicy chicken thighs stir-fried with fragrant garlic, shallots, spicy red chili, and sweet bell peppers, all brought together with savory oyster and fish sauces and a generous handful of fresh Thai basil for a perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and umami.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (juicy and tender meat that absorbs flavors well)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium shallots, sliced
- 1 medium red chili, sliced (adjust based on spice tolerance)
- 1 cup bell pepper, sliced (any color)
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
Sauces and Seasonings
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (neutral oil with a high smoke point)
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce (for umami richness)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 tbsp fish sauce (omit for vegetarian option)
- 1 tbsp sugar (brown sugar recommended)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the minced garlic and sliced shallots to the hot oil, sautéing until fragrant and golden brown, about 1 minute.
- Cook the chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a single layer in the pan and cook until nicely browned on both sides, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Add vegetables: Stir in the sliced red chili and bell pepper, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Combine sauces: In a separate bowl, mix the oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and chicken broth.
- Simmer with sauce: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to coat everything evenly. Allow it to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Add basil: Toss in the fresh Thai basil leaves and stir until the basil wilts slightly, releasing its aromatic flavor.
- Season and serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot over steamed jasmine rice for an authentic Thai meal.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and fish sauce, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Adjust the amount of red chili according to your spice preference.
- Brown sugar can be used instead of white sugar for a richer flavor profile.
- Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
- Fresh Thai basil is essential for authentic flavor; substitute with sweet basil only if necessary.
