Get ready to fire up your taste buds! Spicy Thai Basil Chicken is a quick, tasty meal that hits all the right notes. With just a handful of key ingredients like chicken thighs, fresh basil, and fiery chilies, you can create an amazing dinner in no time. Whether you’re a pro cook or a kitchen newbie, I’ll guide you step by step to make this flavorful dish a new favorite. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 2 Thai bird’s eye chilies
– 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
Sauces and Seasonings
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon fish sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
– 1 teaspoon sugar
Additional Ingredients
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 4 cloves garlic
– 1 red bell pepper
– Cooked jasmine rice for serving
Gather these ingredients before you start. The chicken thighs offer great flavor and tenderness. The bird’s eye chilies add heat, while the Thai basil brings a fresh, aromatic note. The sauces and seasonings create a rich, savory base. Each ingredient plays a key role in building the dish’s overall profile.
Feel free to adjust the amount of chilies based on your spice comfort level. If you love heat, add more! Use fresh basil, as it enhances the dish far more than dried herbs. For a full recipe, check out the detailed steps in the [Full Recipe]. This combination of flavors makes your meal not just tasty, but also fun to prepare!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
– Step 1: Heat the oil in skillet
Start by adding one tablespoon of vegetable oil to your skillet. Set the heat to medium-high. Wait until the oil shimmers, which means it’s hot enough.
– Step 2: Sauté garlic and chilies
Once the oil is ready, add four minced garlic cloves and two sliced Thai bird’s eye chilies. Stir-fry them for about 30 seconds. You want to smell the garlic but avoid burning it.
Cooking the Chicken
– Step 3: Add chicken and stir-fry
Now, it’s time to add one pound of sliced boneless chicken thighs to the skillet. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. Keep stirring until the chicken turns golden brown and is cooked through.
– Step 4: Introduce red bell pepper
Next, add in one julienned red bell pepper. Stir-fry this mix for another 2 to 3 minutes. It should be tender but still crisp.
Final Touches
– Step 5: Prepare sauce and toss
In a small bowl, mix two tablespoons of soy sauce, one tablespoon of fish sauce, one tablespoon of oyster sauce, and one teaspoon of sugar. Pour this sauce over the chicken and bell pepper. Toss everything well to coat.
– Step 6: Incorporate fresh basil and serve
Take the skillet off the heat and fold in one cup of fresh Thai basil leaves. The heat will wilt the basil nicely. Serve your spicy Thai basil chicken over jasmine rice for a complete meal.
Check out the full recipe for any additional tips and notes!
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
– Use high heat for quick stir-frying. This helps the chicken cook fast while staying juicy.
– Adjust chilies to control spiciness. If you want less heat, use fewer chilies.
Presentation Tips
– Garnish with fresh basil and sliced chili. This adds color and vibrancy to your dish.
– Serve over colorful jasmine rice. The white rice contrasts well with the vibrant chicken.
Cooking Equipment
– Recommended skillet or wok. A large skillet or wok works best for even cooking.
– Essential kitchen tools. Have a sharp knife and a spatula ready for easy cooking.
Variations
Protein Alternatives
You can change the protein in this dish easily. Substitute chicken with tofu for a tasty vegetarian option. Tofu absorbs flavors well, making it a great choice. For seafood lovers, use shrimp. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice sweetness. If you prefer beef, it works too. Just slice it thinly and stir-fry until tender.
Vegetable Options
Feel free to mix in your favorite veggies. You can add broccoli for a crunchy bite. Snap peas also bring sweetness and color. Different bell peppers add variety too. Yellow and green peppers brighten up the dish. You could even toss in some carrots for extra crunch. The more colors, the more fun your meal will be!
Sauce Modifications
Want a gluten-free dish? Use tamari instead of soy sauce. It tastes just as good. If you like it sweeter, add more sugar. For less sweetness, cut back on the sugar. You can also add lime juice for a zesty kick. Adjust the sauce to fit your taste buds. Your meal, your rules!
For the complete guide, check the Full Recipe.
Storage Info
Refrigeration
Store your spicy Thai basil chicken in the fridge right away. Use an airtight container for the best results. This keeps the flavors fresh and safe. Let the dish cool before sealing it. You can store it for up to three days.
Freezing
To keep your dish longer, freezing is a great option. Place the chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove over medium heat until hot, stirring often.
Shelf Life
Spicy Thai basil chicken lasts about three days in the fridge. If you notice any off smells or changes in color, it’s best to discard it. Always trust your senses. If it doesn’t look or smell right, don’t eat it.
FAQs
How spicy is Spicy Thai Basil Chicken?
Spicy Thai Basil Chicken can be quite spicy. The heat comes from the bird’s eye chilies. You can adjust the spice level to fit your taste. If you prefer less heat, use fewer chilies or remove the seeds. For a spicier kick, add more chilies. The flavor is still strong, even with less heat. Enjoy finding the perfect balance for your palate!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. It’s great for meal prep. Cook the chicken and veggies, then store them in the fridge. Keep the jasmine rice separate. This way, it stays fluffy. When ready to eat, just reheat the chicken and rice together. You can also add fresh basil right before serving. This keeps the flavor bright and fresh.
What can I serve with Spicy Thai Basil Chicken?
Spicy Thai Basil Chicken pairs well with several side dishes. Here are some ideas:
– Jasmine rice: It soaks up the sauce perfectly.
– Stir-fried vegetables: Broccoli or snap peas add more color.
– Cucumber salad: A refreshing side that cools the spice.
– Spring rolls: They add a nice crunch to your meal.
Mix and match these sides to create your ideal dinner! For the full recipe, check out the details provided earlier.
In this blog post, I shared a simple recipe for Spicy Thai Basil Chicken. We covered the main ingredients, sauces, and steps to cook this dish. I also offered tips for cooking, presentation, and variations to make it your own. Remember, you can adjust the spice and try different proteins or veggies. It’s all about making it fit your taste. Enjoy the bright flavors and the joy of cooking. Try this dish soon, and savor the results!
![- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 2 Thai bird's eye chilies - 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon fish sauce - 1 tablespoon oyster sauce - 1 teaspoon sugar - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil - 4 cloves garlic - 1 red bell pepper - Cooked jasmine rice for serving Gather these ingredients before you start. The chicken thighs offer great flavor and tenderness. The bird's eye chilies add heat, while the Thai basil brings a fresh, aromatic note. The sauces and seasonings create a rich, savory base. Each ingredient plays a key role in building the dish's overall profile. Feel free to adjust the amount of chilies based on your spice comfort level. If you love heat, add more! Use fresh basil, as it enhances the dish far more than dried herbs. For a full recipe, check out the detailed steps in the [Full Recipe]. This combination of flavors makes your meal not just tasty, but also fun to prepare! - Step 1: Heat the oil in skillet Start by adding one tablespoon of vegetable oil to your skillet. Set the heat to medium-high. Wait until the oil shimmers, which means it’s hot enough. - Step 2: Sauté garlic and chilies Once the oil is ready, add four minced garlic cloves and two sliced Thai bird's eye chilies. Stir-fry them for about 30 seconds. You want to smell the garlic but avoid burning it. - Step 3: Add chicken and stir-fry Now, it’s time to add one pound of sliced boneless chicken thighs to the skillet. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. Keep stirring until the chicken turns golden brown and is cooked through. - Step 4: Introduce red bell pepper Next, add in one julienned red bell pepper. Stir-fry this mix for another 2 to 3 minutes. It should be tender but still crisp. - Step 5: Prepare sauce and toss In a small bowl, mix two tablespoons of soy sauce, one tablespoon of fish sauce, one tablespoon of oyster sauce, and one teaspoon of sugar. Pour this sauce over the chicken and bell pepper. Toss everything well to coat. - Step 6: Incorporate fresh basil and serve Take the skillet off the heat and fold in one cup of fresh Thai basil leaves. The heat will wilt the basil nicely. Serve your spicy Thai basil chicken over jasmine rice for a complete meal. Check out the full recipe for any additional tips and notes! - Use high heat for quick stir-frying. This helps the chicken cook fast while staying juicy. - Adjust chilies to control spiciness. If you want less heat, use fewer chilies. - Garnish with fresh basil and sliced chili. This adds color and vibrancy to your dish. - Serve over colorful jasmine rice. The white rice contrasts well with the vibrant chicken. - Recommended skillet or wok. A large skillet or wok works best for even cooking. - Essential kitchen tools. Have a sharp knife and a spatula ready for easy cooking. {{image_4}} You can change the protein in this dish easily. Substitute chicken with tofu for a tasty vegetarian option. Tofu absorbs flavors well, making it a great choice. For seafood lovers, use shrimp. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice sweetness. If you prefer beef, it works too. Just slice it thinly and stir-fry until tender. Feel free to mix in your favorite veggies. You can add broccoli for a crunchy bite. Snap peas also bring sweetness and color. Different bell peppers add variety too. Yellow and green peppers brighten up the dish. You could even toss in some carrots for extra crunch. The more colors, the more fun your meal will be! Want a gluten-free dish? Use tamari instead of soy sauce. It tastes just as good. If you like it sweeter, add more sugar. For less sweetness, cut back on the sugar. You can also add lime juice for a zesty kick. Adjust the sauce to fit your taste buds. Your meal, your rules! For the complete guide, check the Full Recipe. Store your spicy Thai basil chicken in the fridge right away. Use an airtight container for the best results. This keeps the flavors fresh and safe. Let the dish cool before sealing it. You can store it for up to three days. To keep your dish longer, freezing is a great option. Place the chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove over medium heat until hot, stirring often. Spicy Thai basil chicken lasts about three days in the fridge. If you notice any off smells or changes in color, it’s best to discard it. Always trust your senses. If it doesn’t look or smell right, don't eat it. Spicy Thai Basil Chicken can be quite spicy. The heat comes from the bird's eye chilies. You can adjust the spice level to fit your taste. If you prefer less heat, use fewer chilies or remove the seeds. For a spicier kick, add more chilies. The flavor is still strong, even with less heat. Enjoy finding the perfect balance for your palate! Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. It’s great for meal prep. Cook the chicken and veggies, then store them in the fridge. Keep the jasmine rice separate. This way, it stays fluffy. When ready to eat, just reheat the chicken and rice together. You can also add fresh basil right before serving. This keeps the flavor bright and fresh. Spicy Thai Basil Chicken pairs well with several side dishes. Here are some ideas: - Jasmine rice: It soaks up the sauce perfectly. - Stir-fried vegetables: Broccoli or snap peas add more color. - Cucumber salad: A refreshing side that cools the spice. - Spring rolls: They add a nice crunch to your meal. Mix and match these sides to create your ideal dinner! For the full recipe, check out the details provided earlier. In this blog post, I shared a simple recipe for Spicy Thai Basil Chicken. We covered the main ingredients, sauces, and steps to cook this dish. I also offered tips for cooking, presentation, and variations to make it your own. Remember, you can adjust the spice and try different proteins or veggies. It’s all about making it fit your taste. Enjoy the bright flavors and the joy of cooking. Try this dish soon, and savor the results!](https://spoonfulsavory.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/45ab4185-2a17-42ca-98a6-64854aa00db9-250x250.webp)