Description
Experience the vibrant flavors of Thailand with this quick and easy Thai Basil Chicken recipe. Juicy chicken thighs are stir-fried with garlic, shallots, chili, and bell peppers in a savory sauce made from oyster, soy, and fish sauces, finished with fresh aromatic Thai basil. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner served over jasmine rice.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein & Vegetables
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium shallots, sliced
- 1 medium red chili, sliced (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 cup bell pepper, sliced (any color)
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
Sauces & Seasonings
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar (brown sugar recommended)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil: Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat to prepare the cooking surface.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the minced garlic and sliced shallots to the hot oil, stirring frequently. Cook until they are fragrant and golden brown, about 1 minute, to release their flavors.
- Cook chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs in a single layer in the pan. Allow them to cook undisturbed until nicely browned on one side, about 5 to 7 minutes. Then stir or flip to brown the other side.
- Add vegetables: Stir in the sliced red chili and bell peppers. Continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until the peppers have softened but remain slightly crisp.
- Prepare sauce: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon fish sauce, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1/4 cup chicken broth. Mix well.
- Simmer with sauce: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the pan. Stir thoroughly to coat everything evenly. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to meld flavors.
- Add basil: Toss in the fresh Thai basil leaves. Stir just until the basil wilts lightly, releasing its distinctive aroma without losing its vibrant green color.
- Season and serve: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve the Thai Basil Chicken hot over steamed jasmine rice for an authentic meal experience.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of chili to control the spiciness according to your preference.
- For a vegetarian version, omit chicken and fish sauce; substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and use mushrooms or tofu instead.
- Brown sugar can enhance the flavor while making it slightly healthier than white sugar.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce and oyster sauce to reduce salt content if needed.
- Fresh Thai basil is key to authentic flavor; if unavailable, substitute with sweet basil but the taste will be different.
