Name: Thai Basil Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 ½ lbs chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 yellow bell pepper, diced; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 Thai red chilies, chopped (adjust to taste); 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon fish sauce; 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar; 2 tablespoons neutral oil (vegetable or canola); 2 green onions, chopped (optional for garnish); 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional for garnish)

If you’re craving a dinner that explodes with bold, aromatic flavors and comes together in under 30 minutes, Thai Basil Chicken is the answer. This vibrant dish, also known as Pad Krapow Gai, features tender chicken stir-fried with colorful bell peppers, garlic, chilies, and the distinct taste of Thai holy basil. It’s spicy, savory, and irresistibly fragrant.

Whether you’re new to Thai cooking or a seasoned home chef, this dish is both simple and satisfying. It makes a perfect weeknight meal served over jasmine rice or tucked into lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. The balance of heat, sweetness, and umami in the sauce makes it a crowd-pleaser every time.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you begin, having the right tools on hand will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable:

Wok or Large Skillet: A heavy-bottomed wok is ideal for high-heat cooking, allowing the ingredients to sear quickly without steaming. If you don’t have a wok, a large skillet will do the job just fine.
Sharp Chef’s Knife: Precise cutting is key to even cooking, especially when working with chicken and vegetables.
Cutting Board: Use separate boards for meat and vegetables to prevent cross-contamination.

Tongs or Spatula: Stir-frying requires constant motion to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Small Mixing Bowls: Handy for prepping sauces and organizing ingredients before cooking.

These essential tools are all you need to transform fresh ingredients into a flavorful Thai masterpiece.

Ingredients for the Thai Basil Chicken

Every ingredient in Thai Basil Chicken plays a critical role in building depth of flavor and texture:

Chicken Breast or Thighs: Boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces. Thighs offer more juiciness, but breasts work great for a leaner option.
Fresh Thai Basil (or Holy Basil): The signature herb that gives this dish its unique peppery and slightly sweet aroma.

Bell Peppers (Red and Yellow): Adds color, crunch, and natural sweetness that balances the heat.
Garlic Cloves: Essential for the base flavor. Use plenty for the best aroma.
Thai Chilies or Red Chilies: Delivers the characteristic spicy punch. Adjust to taste.

Soy Sauce: Adds a deep umami element to the stir-fry sauce.
Oyster Sauce: Boosts the savory and slightly sweet profile.
Fish Sauce: A touch of funky saltiness that defines Thai cuisine.

Dark Brown Sugar: Helps balance the heat with just a hint of caramel-like sweetness.
Neutral Oil (like vegetable or canola): Ideal for high-heat stir-frying without overpowering flavors.
Green Onions and Sesame Seeds (optional): Used for garnish to add freshness and a hint of nutty crunch.

How To Make the Thai Basil Chicken

Step 1: Prep and Slice Everything First

Before you turn on the stove, prep all your ingredients. Slice the chicken, mince the garlic, chop the chilies, and dice the bell peppers. This dish moves fast once cooking starts, so it’s best to have everything ready.

Step 2: Create the Stir-Fry Sauce

In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and dark brown sugar. Stir well and set aside. This flavor-packed sauce is the backbone of the dish.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until lightly golden and nearly cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Aromatics

In the same pan, add a touch more oil if needed, then stir in the garlic and chilies. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5: Add Bell Peppers and Chicken

Toss in the diced bell peppers and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp. Return the chicken to the pan and pour in the sauce. Mix well and cook another 2 minutes until everything is coated and sizzling.

Step 6: Finish with Thai Basil

Turn off the heat and immediately stir in the fresh Thai basil. Let it wilt naturally from the residual heat. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if using.

How to Serve and Store Thai Basil Chicken

Thai Basil Chicken is best served hot, right out of the pan. The classic pairing is jasmine rice, which soaks up all that savory sauce perfectly. For a lighter twist, serve it in crisp lettuce cups or over cauliflower rice. It also pairs well with a side of quick pickled cucumbers or a Thai-inspired slaw for extra crunch.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through. Just be sure not to overcook it when reheating so the chicken stays tender and the basil doesn’t become too wilted.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between Thai basil and regular basil?

Thai basil has a spicier, more peppery flavor with a hint of anise, while regular sweet basil is milder and more commonly used in Italian dishes. For authentic flavor, Thai basil is preferred.

Can I use ground chicken instead of diced?

Yes, ground chicken is often used in Thai Basil Chicken recipes. It cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well. Just make sure to break it up finely during cooking for the best texture.

Is this recipe spicy?

It can be! The spiciness comes from the Thai chilies. You can easily control the heat by adjusting the number of chilies used or removing the seeds before adding.

Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely. Swap the chicken for tofu or a plant-based meat alternative. Use soy sauce and a vegetarian oyster sauce, and skip the fish sauce or use a vegan version.

What’s the best rice to serve with this?

Jasmine rice is the classic and most aromatic option. Basmati or brown rice also work, or try sticky rice for a more traditional Thai feel.

Can I freeze Thai Basil Chicken?

While you can freeze it, fresh basil tends to lose its texture and flavor after thawing. If freezing, add fresh basil after reheating for the best taste.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this flavorful Thai Basil Chicken, here are a few more hearty and exciting chicken dishes you’ll want to try from Life With Olivia:

Longhorn Parmesan Chicken for a crispy, cheesy comfort classic.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole when you need a creamy, oven-baked dinner.
Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet with rich flavor and easy cleanup.

Garlic Chicken Lo Mein if you’re craving noodles and bold Asian flavors.
Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe for a soul-warming southern favorite.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time: Life With Olivia on Pinterest.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you go extra spicy? Try Thai basil for the first time? Swap out peppers for another veggie?

I love hearing how others put their own twist on these recipes. Feel free to ask questions too—we’re all here to learn from each other.

Thai Basil Chicken

Author: Olivia McKenney

Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

A quick and bold Thai stir-fry made with tender chicken, sweet bell peppers, spicy chilies, and fresh Thai basil in a rich, savory sauce. Perfect over jasmine rice or in lettuce wraps for a weeknight dinner packed with flavor.