Craving bold, fresh, and savory flavors? This Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fry is a vibrant, quick-cooking dish that packs a punch of flavor with minimal ingredients. The combination of tender chicken, fragrant basil, and a salty-sweet stir-fry sauce is irresistible. It’s the perfect weeknight meal that’s ready in just 20 minutes. Serve it over rice or enjoy on its own for a simple yet delicious dinner.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
1 lb (450g) chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1-2 Thai bird’s eye chilies (or 1 jalapeño), finely chopped (optional for spice)
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
3 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp fish sauce
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1/4 cup water or chicken broth
Steamed jasmine rice, for serving
Instructions
Cook the Chicken
: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add sliced chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics
: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the onion, garlic, and chilies (if using), and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the onions begin to soften.
Add the Veggies
: Toss in the bell pepper and stir-fry for another 2 minutes, allowing the peppers to soften slightly but still retain some crunch.
Make the Sauce
: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and water or broth.
Combine and Stir-Fry
: Return the chicken to the skillet. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables, tossing everything to coat. Cook for 1-2 more minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
Finish with Basil
: Stir in the fresh basil leaves and cook for another 30 seconds until wilted and aromatic.
Serve
: Serve the stir-fry over steamed jasmine rice and garnish with extra basil or chili slices if desired.
Tips for Success
Meat Alternatives: Swap the chicken for shrimp, beef, or tofu for a different variation.
Make It Hotter: Add extra chilies or a dash of chili paste for more spice.
Sweet & Savory Balance: Adjust the sugar or fish sauce to find your perfect balance of salty and sweet.
Meal Prep Tip: This stir-fry stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheats beautifully.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fry is bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to Thailand. The combination of savory chicken, crisp veggies, and aromatic basil creates a perfect balance of flavors, and the quick cooking time makes it a go-to for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s easy to make and packed with delicious ingredients that you’ll want to make again and again.