![- Chicken: 1 pound boneless chicken thighs, thinly sliced - Aromatics: 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 Thai bird’s eye chilies, minced - Sauces: 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon fish sauce; 1 tablespoon brown sugar - Vegetables: 1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips; 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, packed - Rice: 1 cup jasmine rice; 2 cups water Thai Basil Chicken is a simple dish. I love its bright flavors and quick prep time. Each bite is a mix of savory chicken, fresh herbs, and zesty sauce. The chicken thighs have great flavor and stay juicy. You can use other cuts, but thighs work best. The garlic and chilies add a fragrant kick. Adjust the chilies if you prefer less heat. The sauces are key to this dish. Soy sauce gives umami, while oyster sauce adds depth. Fish sauce brings a salty flavor that complements the sweetness of brown sugar. For vegetables, I use red bell pepper for crunch and color. Fresh Thai basil is the star. It has a sweet, peppery taste that brightens the whole meal. Lastly, the jasmine rice serves as a perfect base. Its fluffy texture balances the dish. Follow the [Full Recipe] to bring all these ingredients together for a delightful meal. First, rinse the jasmine rice. Use cold water until it runs clear. This removes excess starch. If you have a rice cooker, add 1 cup of rice and 2 cups of water. If using a pot, bring the water to a boil. Then, lower the heat and cover. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes. After cooking, rest the rice for 5 more minutes. Finally, fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. Next, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 2 minced Thai chilies. Sauté them for about 30 seconds. You want them fragrant, not burnt. Now, add the sliced chicken thighs to the skillet. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir frequently until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. This step adds flavor and texture. Once the chicken is ready, toss in 1 sliced red bell pepper. Then, add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. Stir well and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. Taste your stir-fry and adjust with salt and pepper if needed. Turn off the heat. Fold in 1 cup of fresh Thai basil leaves. The residual heat will wilt the basil gently. This step enhances the dish with a fresh flavor. To serve, place the jasmine rice in bowls. Top it with the basil chicken stir-fry. For a nice touch, garnish with fresh cucumber slices on the side. You can also add extra chilies for those who like heat. Enjoy your delicious meal! For the full recipe, check out the details above. - Ensuring chicken tenderness: To keep your chicken juicy, avoid overcooking. Stir-fry it just until it turns light brown. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Thin slices of chicken cook faster and stay tender. - Adjusting spice levels: Want more heat? Add more bird’s eye chilies. For a milder dish, use less or remove the seeds. Taste as you go. You can always add more spice, but it’s hard to take it away! - Alternatives for sauces: You can swap oyster sauce with hoisin sauce for a different taste. If you want to skip fish sauce, use soy sauce instead. It will change the dish slightly but still be tasty. - Options for rice types: Jasmine rice is great, but you can use basmati or brown rice too. Just remember to adjust the water and cooking time. Brown rice takes longer to cook. - Adding more vegetables: Want to make it healthier? Toss in some broccoli, snap peas, or carrots. They add color and crunch. Just add them in with the bell pepper. - Suggestions for serving sides: Serve your Thai basil chicken with a light salad or spring rolls. They pair well and balance the flavors. Consider offering lime wedges for a fresh kick! For the full recipe, check the complete details and cooking steps to make this delightful dish come alive! {{image_4}} You can switch things up by using shrimp or tofu. If you choose shrimp, use about one pound of peeled shrimp. Cook them for just 2-3 minutes until they turn pink. Tofu is a great option too! Use firm tofu and cut it into cubes. Sauté it until golden brown, which takes about 5-7 minutes. This keeps the dish hearty and fun while catering to different tastes. Do you like it spicy? You can scale the heat up or down easily. Start by adding fewer chilies. You can use just one Thai bird’s eye chili or even swap it for a milder pepper if you prefer. For a fiery punch, try adding more chilies or a dash of chili paste. Experiment with different chilies to find your favorite flavor! Get creative with how you serve this dish! You can make wraps using lettuce cups. Just spoon the chicken mix into the leaves and roll them up. It’s a fun way to eat and adds a crunchy texture. If you want something lighter, try deconstructing it as a salad. Serve the basil chicken over greens, and top with cucumber for a fresh taste. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. To keep your Thai Basil Chicken fresh, cool it quickly. You can do this by spreading it out on a plate. This lets the heat escape. Once it reaches room temperature, store it in airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to seal them tightly. This keeps out air and moisture. When reheating jasmine rice, add a splash of water. This helps keep it fluffy. You can microwave it covered with a damp paper towel. This will trap steam and prevent dryness. For the chicken, use a skillet over low heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. This method helps retain the chicken's moisture. You can freeze Thai Basil Chicken for later. First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. Seal it well to avoid freezer burn. It’s best to eat it within three months. When you are ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. This keeps the flavors intact. Yes, you can prepare Thai Basil Chicken ahead of time. Cook the chicken and store it in the fridge. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. You can also freeze the chicken for later. Just remember to defrost it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Thai Basil Chicken pairs well with various sides. Here are some options: - Steamed jasmine rice - Fresh cucumber salad - Light green salad with lime dressing - Stir-fried vegetables for extra crunch To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce. For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh. You can also swap the fish sauce for a vegan alternative. Just ensure you keep the flavors balanced. You can use dried basil, but fresh basil has a brighter taste. If you use dried, reduce the amount to one teaspoon. Add it earlier in the cooking process to let the flavors bloom. This article guides you through making Thai Basil Chicken. You learned about the main ingredients like chicken, garlic, and sauces. I shared clear steps for cooking rice and sautéing the chicken. Tips helped you adjust flavors or spice levels. You discovered variations and how to store leftovers. Now, you can enjoy this dish any day! Use the tips to make it yours. Happy cooking!](https://spoonfulsavory.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/c17e93d1-ed97-4b4b-a0bc-04895fe04184-250x250.webp)
15. Thai Basil Chicken with Jasmine Rice
Discover the flavors of Thai Basil Chicken Delight, a quick and delicious meal that brings authentic tastes to your kitchen! This mouthwatering recipe features tender chicken thighs, fresh Thai basil, and vibrant red bell peppers, all perfectly paired with fragrant jasmine rice. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests. Click through now to explore the full recipe and elevate your cooking game!