Looking for a quick and tasty dinner? Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fry brings bold flavors to your plate in just 30 minutes! With vibrant veggies and tender chicken, this meal is healthy and satisfying. Plus, you can easily customize it to suit your tastes. Join me as we dive into this flavorful dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends! Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fry:
– 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced
– 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 cup sugar snap peas
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
– 1 tablespoon fish sauce
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 1-2 Thai bird chilies, sliced (adjust to taste)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– Cooked jasmine rice (for serving)
These ingredients pack a punch of flavor. The fresh Thai basil adds a unique taste that is hard to beat. Sugar snap peas provide a nice crunch, and the chicken keeps it hearty. You can adjust the chilies to make it mild or spicy, based on your preference.
Using quality ingredients is key. Fresh herbs and vegetables always make a difference. I recommend using jasmine rice as a base. It pairs well with the stir-fry and soaks up the sauce. For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions on how to bring these ingredients together for a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking Preparation
1. Heating the wok or frying pan
Start by heating your wok or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Wait until the oil gets hot.
2. Preparing the ingredients
While the oil heats, slice 1 lb of chicken breast into thin pieces. Mince 4 cloves of garlic and slice 1-2 Thai bird chilies. Next, slice 1 red bell pepper and wash 1 cup of sugar snap peas. Lastly, get 1 cup of fresh Thai basil leaves ready.
Cooking Steps
1. Stir-frying the garlic and chilies
Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sliced chilies to the pan. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until you smell the garlic.
2. Cooking the chicken
Add the sliced chicken breast to the pan. Cook it for 4-5 minutes until the chicken turns white and starts to brown.
3. Adding vegetables and sauces
Toss in the red bell pepper and sugar snap peas. Stir-fry these for 2-3 minutes until they are tender but still crisp. In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
4. Final additions for flavor
Stir everything well for 2 minutes. Make sure all the chicken and vegetables are coated in the sauce. Finally, add the fresh Thai basil leaves and mix gently until they wilt, about 1 minute.
Serve your delicious Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fry over cooked jasmine rice. For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions provided above.
Tips & Tricks
Authentic Flavor Enhancers
Using high-quality soy sauce and fish sauce is key. These sauces give your dish depth. I recommend a dark soy sauce for richness. A good fish sauce adds umami and saltiness. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance.
Adjust the spice levels to suit your taste. If you love heat, add more Thai bird chilies. For a milder flavor, use fewer chilies or remove the seeds. Remember, you can always add more spice, but you can’t take it away!
Presentation Tips
Serve your Thai basil chicken stir-fry in a large bowl over jasmine rice. This adds a nice touch. The white rice contrasts well with the vibrant colors of the dish.
For garnishing, sprinkle extra Thai basil leaves on top. This not only looks pretty, but it also boosts the aroma. Drizzling a bit of extra sauce over the stir-fry enhances the flavor and makes it look more inviting.
Variations
Protein Alternatives
You can switch up the protein in this dish easily. Shrimp works great if you want a seafood twist. Simply stir-fry the shrimp until they turn pink and tender. Tofu is another excellent choice for a vegetarian dish. Use firm tofu and press it first to remove extra moisture. Then, cut it into cubes and stir-fry until golden. Both options offer delicious flavors and textures that pair well with Thai basil.
Vegetable Substitutes
Feel free to play around with the veggies! Broccoli adds a nice crunch and a healthy boost. Cut it into small florets and toss it in with the chicken. Bell peppers come in many colors and add sweetness. Try yellow or green for a fun mix. You can also use seasonal veggies like zucchini or snap peas. They keep the dish fresh and vibrant. Using what’s in season not only tastes better but also supports local farms.
Storage Info
Reheating Instructions
To keep the flavor of your Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fry, I suggest using the stove. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or oil to prevent sticking. Stir gently until warmed through, about 5 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Place the stir-fry in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a lid or damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. This helps to keep the chicken juicy.
For storing leftovers, let the stir-fry cool down first. Place it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This way, you can enjoy a quick meal later.
Freezing Recommendations
Freezing your Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fry is super easy. Make sure to cool it completely first. Transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. You can freeze the stir-fry for up to 3 months. This makes a great meal prep option.
When you are ready to eat, take it out of the freezer. Place it in the fridge overnight to thaw. If you need it fast, you can use the microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring often, until hot. Enjoy your delicious meal whenever you want!
For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe].
FAQs
What makes Thai Basil different from regular basil?
Thai basil has a unique taste that sets it apart from regular basil. It has a spicier and more peppery flavor. It also has a hint of anise, which gives it a distinct aroma. Regular basil, like sweet basil, is milder and sweeter. The leaves of Thai basil are darker and have a more pointed shape. This difference in flavor makes Thai basil perfect for dishes like Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fry.
Can I use dried Thai basil?
You can use dried Thai basil, but it won’t taste the same. Dried herbs lose some flavor and aroma. If using dried basil, use less than fresh. Start with half the amount, then adjust for taste. Dried basil works best in longer-cooked dishes, where flavors can meld. However, it won’t give you that fresh bite that Thai basil adds to the stir-fry.
What can I serve with Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fry?
You can serve this dish with a variety of sides. Jasmine rice is a classic choice. It absorbs the sauce well and adds a nice balance. You can also pair it with a fresh cucumber salad or steamed broccoli. These sides add crunch and freshness. For a kick, serve with chili sauce on the side. This enhances the overall meal experience.
Full Recipe for Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fry
For the complete recipe details and cooking instructions, check out the [Full Recipe](#).
This blog post has covered the essential steps to make a tasty Thai basil chicken stir-fry. You learned the best ingredients, cooking methods, and ways to enhance flavor. Remember to adjust spice levels to fit your taste. Use fresh ingredients for the best result. Try different proteins and vegetables for variety. Store extras properly to enjoy later. Now, you are ready to cook a delicious meal that impresses friends or family. Cooking can be fun and satisfying, and this recipe is a great place to start. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
![Here’s what you need to make Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fry: - 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced - 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 cup sugar snap peas - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon oyster sauce - 1 tablespoon fish sauce - 1 teaspoon sugar - 1-2 Thai bird chilies, sliced (adjust to taste) - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - Cooked jasmine rice (for serving) These ingredients pack a punch of flavor. The fresh Thai basil adds a unique taste that is hard to beat. Sugar snap peas provide a nice crunch, and the chicken keeps it hearty. You can adjust the chilies to make it mild or spicy, based on your preference. Using quality ingredients is key. Fresh herbs and vegetables always make a difference. I recommend using jasmine rice as a base. It pairs well with the stir-fry and soaks up the sauce. For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions on how to bring these ingredients together for a delicious meal! 1. Heating the wok or frying pan Start by heating your wok or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Wait until the oil gets hot. 2. Preparing the ingredients While the oil heats, slice 1 lb of chicken breast into thin pieces. Mince 4 cloves of garlic and slice 1-2 Thai bird chilies. Next, slice 1 red bell pepper and wash 1 cup of sugar snap peas. Lastly, get 1 cup of fresh Thai basil leaves ready. 1. Stir-frying the garlic and chilies Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sliced chilies to the pan. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until you smell the garlic. 2. Cooking the chicken Add the sliced chicken breast to the pan. Cook it for 4-5 minutes until the chicken turns white and starts to brown. 3. Adding vegetables and sauces Toss in the red bell pepper and sugar snap peas. Stir-fry these for 2-3 minutes until they are tender but still crisp. In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables. 4. Final additions for flavor Stir everything well for 2 minutes. Make sure all the chicken and vegetables are coated in the sauce. Finally, add the fresh Thai basil leaves and mix gently until they wilt, about 1 minute. Serve your delicious Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fry over cooked jasmine rice. For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions provided above. Using high-quality soy sauce and fish sauce is key. These sauces give your dish depth. I recommend a dark soy sauce for richness. A good fish sauce adds umami and saltiness. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance. Adjust the spice levels to suit your taste. If you love heat, add more Thai bird chilies. For a milder flavor, use fewer chilies or remove the seeds. Remember, you can always add more spice, but you can't take it away! Serve your Thai basil chicken stir-fry in a large bowl over jasmine rice. This adds a nice touch. The white rice contrasts well with the vibrant colors of the dish. For garnishing, sprinkle extra Thai basil leaves on top. This not only looks pretty, but it also boosts the aroma. Drizzling a bit of extra sauce over the stir-fry enhances the flavor and makes it look more inviting. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in this dish easily. Shrimp works great if you want a seafood twist. Simply stir-fry the shrimp until they turn pink and tender. Tofu is another excellent choice for a vegetarian dish. Use firm tofu and press it first to remove extra moisture. Then, cut it into cubes and stir-fry until golden. Both options offer delicious flavors and textures that pair well with Thai basil. Feel free to play around with the veggies! Broccoli adds a nice crunch and a healthy boost. Cut it into small florets and toss it in with the chicken. Bell peppers come in many colors and add sweetness. Try yellow or green for a fun mix. You can also use seasonal veggies like zucchini or snap peas. They keep the dish fresh and vibrant. Using what’s in season not only tastes better but also supports local farms. To keep the flavor of your Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fry, I suggest using the stove. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or oil to prevent sticking. Stir gently until warmed through, about 5 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Place the stir-fry in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a lid or damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. This helps to keep the chicken juicy. For storing leftovers, let the stir-fry cool down first. Place it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This way, you can enjoy a quick meal later. Freezing your Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fry is super easy. Make sure to cool it completely first. Transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. You can freeze the stir-fry for up to 3 months. This makes a great meal prep option. When you are ready to eat, take it out of the freezer. Place it in the fridge overnight to thaw. If you need it fast, you can use the microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring often, until hot. Enjoy your delicious meal whenever you want! For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. Thai basil has a unique taste that sets it apart from regular basil. It has a spicier and more peppery flavor. It also has a hint of anise, which gives it a distinct aroma. Regular basil, like sweet basil, is milder and sweeter. The leaves of Thai basil are darker and have a more pointed shape. This difference in flavor makes Thai basil perfect for dishes like Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fry. You can use dried Thai basil, but it won’t taste the same. Dried herbs lose some flavor and aroma. If using dried basil, use less than fresh. Start with half the amount, then adjust for taste. Dried basil works best in longer-cooked dishes, where flavors can meld. However, it won't give you that fresh bite that Thai basil adds to the stir-fry. You can serve this dish with a variety of sides. Jasmine rice is a classic choice. It absorbs the sauce well and adds a nice balance. You can also pair it with a fresh cucumber salad or steamed broccoli. These sides add crunch and freshness. For a kick, serve with chili sauce on the side. This enhances the overall meal experience. For the complete recipe details and cooking instructions, check out the [Full Recipe](#). This blog post has covered the essential steps to make a tasty Thai basil chicken stir-fry. You learned the best ingredients, cooking methods, and ways to enhance flavor. Remember to adjust spice levels to fit your taste. Use fresh ingredients for the best result. Try different proteins and vegetables for variety. Store extras properly to enjoy later. Now, you are ready to cook a delicious meal that impresses friends or family. Cooking can be fun and satisfying, and this recipe is a great place to start. Enjoy your cooking adventure!](https://juliesdish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/78aa4ea9-21c2-4786-a34c-fef503580160-250x250.webp)