Dinner

Thai Chilli Basil Chicken Recipe

Name: Thai Chilli Basil Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 17 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 225g / 7oz chicken thigh fillets, skinless boneless, cut into bite size pieces; 1 green onion, cut into 4cm / 2″ lengths; 1 cup Thai basil leaves, loosely packed (Holy Basil if available); 2 garlic cloves, large, finely chopped; 1 birds eye or Thai chilli, deseeded and finely chopped; 2 tsp oyster sauce; 1 tsp light soy sauce; 1 tsp dark soy sauce or all purpose soy sauce; 1 tsp sugar; 2 tbsp water; 1 1/2 tbsp oil (peanut, vegetable, or canola); Steamed jasmine rice, to serve

ByIsabella Vance January 19, 2026January 19, 2026

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Introduction

Thai Chilli Basil Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with fragrant basil and spicy chillies. This quick stir-fry is perfect for a weeknight dinner and pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice.

The image shows a close-up of a stir-fry dish in a dark pan with pieces of golden-brown chicken coated in a shiny, rich brown sauce. The chicken pieces are mixed with vibrant green herbs or leaves and small bits of red chili, giving a spicy look to the dish. A wooden spoon is partly visible, stirring the chicken and greens. The sauce clings to the chicken, creating a glossy texture, and there is a slight oil sheen around the food. The background is a close view of the dark pan's surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

225g (7oz) chicken thigh fillets, skinless and boneless, cut into bite-size pieces
1 green onion, cut into 4cm (2″) lengths
1 cup Thai basil leaves, loosely packed (Holy Basil if available)
2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 bird’s eye or Thai chilli, deseeded and finely chopped
1 1/2 tbsp oil (peanut, vegetable, or canola)
2 tsp oyster sauce
1 tsp light soy sauce
1 tsp dark soy sauce (or all-purpose soy sauce)
1 tsp sugar
2 tbsp water
Steamed jasmine rice, to serve

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the oyster sauce, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and water. Stir well and set aside.
Step 2: Heat the oil in a wok or large pan over high heat until hot.
Step 3: Add the chopped garlic and chilli to the pan and cook for about 10 seconds. Be careful not to inhale the fumes as the chilli can be strong.
Step 4: Add the white parts of the green onions and the chicken pieces. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Step 5: Pour in the prepared sauce and cook for about 1 minute, allowing the water to reduce and the sauce to thicken and become glossy.
Step 6: Add the green parts of the green onion and the basil leaves. Toss gently until the basil is just wilted. Serve immediately with steamed jasmine rice.

Tips & Variations

If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of chilli or omit the seeds entirely.
Substitute chicken thighs with chicken breast for a leaner option, but be careful not to overcook as breast meat can dry out.
Try adding vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra color and nutrition.
If Thai basil is not available, sweet basil can be used but the flavor will be milder.

Storage

Store leftover Thai Chilli Basil Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over medium heat to preserve the basil flavor, or microwave until warmed through. It is best enjoyed fresh for maximum flavor and texture.

How to Serve

A light gray bowl filled with two main layers is shown, with a spoon resting inside. The bottom layer is plain white steamed rice with soft, fluffy texture. On top is a mix of dark brown chicken pieces coated in a glossy sauce, bright green leafy vegetables and light green stems, with small red chili flakes scattered around for color contrast. The bowl sits on a cream cloth napkin, surrounded by two whole red chili peppers and a small green leaf. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dried basil instead of fresh Thai basil?

Fresh Thai basil is essential for the authentic flavor and aroma of this dish. Dried basil will not provide the same taste and should be avoided if possible.

What can I substitute for oyster sauce?

If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can use hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a little sugar as a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different.