Spicy Thai Basil Chicken Flavorful Easy Dinner Recipe

November 24, 2025March 16, 2025 by Julie

Looking for an exciting dinner idea? Spicy Thai Basil Chicken is your answer! This dish is packed with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for any weeknight. With just a few simple ingredients and quick steps, you can impress your family and friends. Want to learn how to make this mouthwatering meal? Join me as we dive into this flavorful, easy dinner recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why I Love This Recipe

Bold Flavors: This dish perfectly balances spicy, savory, and aromatic flavors, making each bite an explosion of taste.
Quick to Prepare: With a total time of only 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights while still being delicious.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from chicken and fresh vegetables, it’s a nutritious option that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Customizable Heat: You can easily adjust the number of chilies to suit your spice tolerance, making it suitable for everyone.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 500g boneless chicken thighs

– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

– 4 cloves minced garlic

– 2-3 Thai red chilies

– 1 bell pepper

– 1 medium onion

– 2 cups fresh Thai basil leaves

Sauces and Seasonings

– 3 tablespoons soy sauce

– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

– 1 tablespoon fish sauce

– 1 tablespoon sugar

Serving Suggestions

– Cooked jasmine rice

– Optional garnishes (lime juice, extra basil, chilies)

Spicy Thai basil chicken is a tasty dish that brings heat and flavor. The main ingredients include tender chicken thighs, fragrant garlic, and fresh basil. The Thai red chilies add spice, while the bell pepper and onion give crunch.

You start with the chicken. I like boneless thighs for their juicy taste. The vegetable oil helps everything cook well. Minced garlic and chilies give the dish its bold flavor. Adjust the chilies to fit your spice level.

For sauces, I use soy sauce, fish sauce, and oyster sauce. These add a rich, umami taste. The sugar balances the saltiness and creates a nice glaze.

I like serving this dish over jasmine rice. It soaks up all the flavors. You can garnish with lime juice, extra basil, or sliced chilies for a pop of color. Enjoy your meal!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Ingredients

1. Start by slicing 500g of boneless chicken thighs into thin strips. This helps the chicken cook quickly and evenly.

2. Next, mince 4 cloves of garlic and 2-3 Thai red chilies. You can adjust the chilies based on how spicy you want the dish.

3. Slice one bell pepper and one medium onion. Use red or green bell pepper for a nice color.

Cooking Process

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. This oil will help cook the chicken and add flavor.

2. Add the minced garlic and chilies to the hot oil. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds. Be careful! You don’t want to burn the garlic.

3. Now, increase the heat to high and add the sliced chicken thighs. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring often. Make sure the chicken is browned and cooked through.

4. Next, toss in the sliced onion and bell pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. This adds more flavor and texture.

5. In a small bowl, mix together 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce (if using), and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Pour this sauce over the chicken and veggies. Stir well to coat everything evenly.

Final Touch

1. Add 2 cups of fresh Thai basil leaves last. Toss the mixture together just until the basil wilts. This will keep the basil fresh and bright.

2. Remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the spicy Thai basil chicken over cooked jasmine rice. Garnish with extra basil leaves and sliced chilies for a nice pop of color. You can also add a lime wedge for extra flavor. Enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

Adjusting Spice Levels

To control the heat in your spicy Thai basil chicken, you can use fewer chilies. Start with one chili and taste it. You can always add more if you like it hotter. Another option is to substitute with milder peppers. Bell peppers or poblano peppers give flavor without too much heat.

Perfecting the Flavor

Fresh basil is key to this dish. It adds a bright and fragrant taste. Always use fresh Thai basil leaves if you can find them. If you can’t, regular basil will do. Balancing sweetness is also important. The sugar helps to cut through the heat and saltiness. Adjust the sugar based on your taste.

Cooking Techniques

Using a wok can give your dish a different flavor. Woks heat up quickly and cook food evenly. If you don’t have a wok, a skillet works just fine. Make sure the chicken is cooked thoroughly. You want it to reach an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures your meal is safe and delicious.

Pro Tips

Adjusting Heat Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the number of Thai red chilies or remove the seeds before mincing them.
Quality of Ingredients: Use fresh Thai basil for the best flavor; it’s essential for achieving the authentic taste of this dish.
Marinating Chicken: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in soy sauce and garlic for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
Serving Suggestions: Pair with lime wedges and pickled vegetables to enhance the dish and add a refreshing touch.

Variations

Protein Alternatives

You can switch up the protein in Spicy Thai Basil Chicken. Try using shrimp or tofu for a twist. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice sweetness. Tofu soaks up the flavors well, making it a great vegan option. If you want red meat, substitute chicken with beef. Beef adds a hearty taste and pairs nicely with the spices.

Vegetarian/Vegan Options

To make this dish vegetarian or vegan, omit the fish sauce and oyster sauce. You can replace these with soy sauce or tamari for depth. Consider adding more vegetables. Broccoli, carrots, or snap peas can give color and crunch. This way, you keep the dish vibrant and full of flavor.

Regional Variations

You can adapt this recipe for different Asian cuisines. For example, add local spices like cumin or coriander for a unique twist. You can also use different herbs, like mint or cilantro. These changes can give your dish a new flavor profile, making it fun to experiment. Each variation brings a new taste that can surprise your guests!

Storage Info

Refrigeration Guidelines

After you enjoy your spicy Thai basil chicken, store any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh and prevents spills. You can safely eat it within three days. Always check for any off smells before reheating.

Freezing Instructions

If you want to save it for later, freezing works well. Place the chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container. Try to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat in a skillet over low heat to keep the chicken tender and juicy.

Meal Prep Ideas

You can batch cook this dish for easy meals during the week. Just double the recipe and store it in portions. It reheats well in the microwave or on the stove. Serve it over fresh jasmine rice for a quick lunch or dinner. This makes your meal prep simple and tasty!

FAQs

What is Spicy Thai Basil Chicken?

Spicy Thai Basil Chicken is a popular Thai dish. It features chicken, fresh basil, and chili. This meal comes from Thailand, where basil adds a unique flavor. The dish is quick to cook and full of taste. It combines sweet, salty, and spicy notes, making it delightful. You can enjoy it over jasmine rice, which absorbs the sauce well.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, you can make Spicy Thai Basil Chicken gluten-free. Use gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce. You can also skip the oyster sauce since it often contains gluten. Always check labels to ensure your sauces are gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy this dish without worry.

How to serve Spicy Thai Basil Chicken?

Serve Spicy Thai Basil Chicken in a large bowl. Place it over a bed of jasmine rice. This helps balance the flavors. You can garnish with extra basil leaves for color. Add a couple of sliced chilies to make it look pretty. A wedge of lime on the side adds freshness, too.

What can I serve with Spicy Thai Basil Chicken?

Many dishes pair well with Spicy Thai Basil Chicken. Here are some great options:

– Steamed broccoli for a healthy crunch.

– A simple cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.

– Fried rice for a filling side.

– Spring rolls as a tasty appetizer.

These sides will complete your meal and enhance the flavors.

This recipe for Spicy Thai Basil Chicken brings bold flavors and easy steps together. You learned about key ingredients, tips for perfecting the taste, and fun variations. With options for protein and spice levels, the dish can fit anyone’s taste. Remember, fresh basil is key to a great outcome, and serving it over jasmine rice enhances the meal. Enjoy exploring this delicious recipe and make it your own. Simple to prepare, it will surely impress at any tabl

$- 500g boneless chicken thighs - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - 4 cloves minced garlic - 2-3 Thai red chilies - 1 bell pepper - 1 medium onion - 2 cups fresh Thai basil leaves - 3 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon oyster sauce - 1 tablespoon fish sauce - 1 tablespoon sugar - Cooked jasmine rice - Optional garnishes (lime juice, extra basil, chilies) Spicy Thai basil chicken is a tasty dish that brings heat and flavor. The main ingredients include tender chicken thighs, fragrant garlic, and fresh basil. The Thai red chilies add spice, while the bell pepper and onion give crunch. You start with the chicken. I like boneless thighs for their juicy taste. The vegetable oil helps everything cook well. Minced garlic and chilies give the dish its bold flavor. Adjust the chilies to fit your spice level. For sauces, I use soy sauce, fish sauce, and oyster sauce. These add a rich, umami taste. The sugar balances the saltiness and creates a nice glaze. I like serving this dish over jasmine rice. It soaks up all the flavors. You can garnish with lime juice, extra basil, or sliced chilies for a pop of color. Enjoy your meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Start by slicing 500g of boneless chicken thighs into thin strips. This helps the chicken cook quickly and evenly. 2. Next, mince 4 cloves of garlic and 2-3 Thai red chilies. You can adjust the chilies based on how spicy you want the dish. 3. Slice one bell pepper and one medium onion. Use red or green bell pepper for a nice color. 1. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. This oil will help cook the chicken and add flavor. 2. Add the minced garlic and chilies to the hot oil. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds. Be careful! You don’t want to burn the garlic. 3. Now, increase the heat to high and add the sliced chicken thighs. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring often. Make sure the chicken is browned and cooked through. 4. Next, toss in the sliced onion and bell pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. This adds more flavor and texture. 5. In a small bowl, mix together 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce (if using), and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Pour this sauce over the chicken and veggies. Stir well to coat everything evenly. 1. Add 2 cups of fresh Thai basil leaves last. Toss the mixture together just until the basil wilts. This will keep the basil fresh and bright. 2. Remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the spicy Thai basil chicken over cooked jasmine rice. Garnish with extra basil leaves and sliced chilies for a nice pop of color. You can also add a lime wedge for extra flavor. Enjoy! To control the heat in your spicy Thai basil chicken, you can use fewer chilies. Start with one chili and taste it. You can always add more if you like it hotter. Another option is to substitute with milder peppers. Bell peppers or poblano peppers give flavor without too much heat. Fresh basil is key to this dish. It adds a bright and fragrant taste. Always use fresh Thai basil leaves if you can find them. If you can’t, regular basil will do. Balancing sweetness is also important. The sugar helps to cut through the heat and saltiness. Adjust the sugar based on your taste. Using a wok can give your dish a different flavor. Woks heat up quickly and cook food evenly. If you don’t have a wok, a skillet works just fine. Make sure the chicken is cooked thoroughly. You want it to reach an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures your meal is safe and delicious. Pro Tips Adjusting Heat Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the number of Thai red chilies or remove the seeds before mincing them. Quality of Ingredients: Use fresh Thai basil for the best flavor; it’s essential for achieving the authentic taste of this dish. Marinating Chicken: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in soy sauce and garlic for 15-30 minutes before cooking. Serving Suggestions: Pair with lime wedges and pickled vegetables to enhance the dish and add a refreshing touch. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in Spicy Thai Basil Chicken. Try using shrimp or tofu for a twist. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice sweetness. Tofu soaks up the flavors well, making it a great vegan option. If you want red meat, substitute chicken with beef. Beef adds a hearty taste and pairs nicely with the spices. To make this dish vegetarian or vegan, omit the fish sauce and oyster sauce. You can replace these with soy sauce or tamari for depth. Consider adding more vegetables. Broccoli, carrots, or snap peas can give color and crunch. This way, you keep the dish vibrant and full of flavor. You can adapt this recipe for different Asian cuisines. For example, add local spices like cumin or coriander for a unique twist. You can also use different herbs, like mint or cilantro. These changes can give your dish a new flavor profile, making it fun to experiment. Each variation brings a new taste that can surprise your guests! After you enjoy your spicy Thai basil chicken, store any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh and prevents spills. You can safely eat it within three days. Always check for any off smells before reheating. If you want to save it for later, freezing works well. Place the chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container. Try to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat in a skillet over low heat to keep the chicken tender and juicy. You can batch cook this dish for easy meals during the week. Just double the recipe and store it in portions. It reheats well in the microwave or on the stove. Serve it over fresh jasmine rice for a quick lunch or dinner. This makes your meal prep simple and tasty! Spicy Thai Basil Chicken is a popular Thai dish. It features chicken, fresh basil, and chili. This meal comes from Thailand, where basil adds a unique flavor. The dish is quick to cook and full of taste. It combines sweet, salty, and spicy notes, making it delightful. You can enjoy it over jasmine rice, which absorbs the sauce well. Yes, you can make Spicy Thai Basil Chicken gluten-free. Use gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce. You can also skip the oyster sauce since it often contains gluten. Always check labels to ensure your sauces are gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy this dish without worry. Serve Spicy Thai Basil Chicken in a large bowl. Place it over a bed of jasmine rice. This helps balance the flavors. You can garnish with extra basil leaves for color. Add a couple of sliced chilies to make it look pretty. A wedge of lime on the side adds freshness, too. Many dishes pair well with Spicy Thai Basil Chicken. Here are some great options: - Steamed broccoli for a healthy crunch. - A simple cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast. - Fried rice for a filling side. - Spring rolls as a tasty appetizer. These sides will complete your meal and enhance the flavors. This recipe for Spicy Thai Basil Chicken brings bold flavors and easy steps together. You learned about key ingredients, tips for perfecting the taste, and fun variations. With options for protein and spice levels, the dish can fit anyone's taste. Remember, fresh basil is key to a great outcome, and serving it over jasmine rice enhances the meal. Enjoy exploring this delicious recipe and make it your own. Simple to prepare, it will surely impress at any table.$