There’s something downright magical about the aroma of sizzling chicken mingling with fragrant Thai basil, a combination that dances through the air and teleports you straight to a bustling Bangkok street market. The moment you take your first bite of this irresistible Thai Basil Chicken recipe in 30 minutes, your taste buds will be singing in perfect harmony with the spices, making it an instant favorite at any dinner table. For more inspiration, check out this more dinner recipes recipe.
Picture this: it’s a Tuesday evening, and your family is hangry—hungry and angry. You need dinner fast but want to impress. Enter this delightful dish that comes together quicker than you can say “delicious!” With its vibrant colors and bold flavors, this recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings everyone to the table, smiles all around.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This quick Thai Basil Chicken offers incredible flavor without spending hours in the kitchen
- It’s visually stunning, making dinner feel festive on any night
- You can easily adapt it based on dietary preferences or what’s left in the fridge
- Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests with minimal effort!
My friends still rave about the time I surprised them with this dish at a last-minute gathering. They devoured every bite and insisted I share my secret!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work great; adjust for your crowd size and hunger levels.
- Fresh Thai Basil: Look for vibrant green leaves; they add an unbeatable flavor that’s essential to this dish.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are key; they provide that aromatic punch reminiscent of restaurant-quality meals.
- Red Bell Pepper: Sweet and colorful, it adds both crunch and visual appeal to your chicken stir-fry.
- Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce; it keeps everything flavorful while controlling saltiness.
- Oyster Sauce: A must-have for depth of flavor; it adds umami that makes your taste buds do a happy dance.
- Chili Paste: Adjust according to spice tolerance; it brings heat that perfectly balances the sweetness of the sauces.
- Vegetable Oil: Use a neutral oil for frying; it helps achieve that crispy texture without overwhelming the flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Gather Your Tools
Gather all your ingredients and tools before starting. Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic finely. Have a large skillet ready because things will heat up quickly!
Heat Things Up
Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in your pan over medium-high heat. Wait until you see shimmering waves in the oil—this is when the magic begins!
Cook the Chicken
Add your chicken pieces to the hot pan in a single layer. Let them sear without moving them for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Flip them when they release easily from the pan.
Add Garlic & Peppers
Throw in minced garlic and diced red bell pepper once your chicken is nearly cooked through. Stir them around until you catch that intoxicating aroma wafting up—about 1-2 minutes.
Bring on the Sauces
Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and chili paste; give everything a good stir to coat all those glorious ingredients evenly. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until everything is sizzling beautifully.
Finish with Basil
Finally, toss in those fresh Thai basil leaves right before serving. Stir until they wilt slightly but retain their vibrant color—this will elevate your dish’s flavor profile immensely!
Once plated, enjoy this irresistible Thai Basil Chicken recipe in 30 minutes with steamed rice or noodles. The magic of quick cooking meets sensational flavors in one delightful dish!
You Must Know
- This irresistible Thai Basil Chicken recipe is quick and flavorful, perfect for busy weeknights
- The combination of fresh basil and tender chicken creates a delightful aroma that fills your kitchen
- Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal that’s sure to impress!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results, start by marinating the chicken while prepping your vegetables. Cook the chicken first, then add in the veggies for a perfectly balanced dish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for tofu or shrimp. You can also experiment with different vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli to make it your own.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on medium heat in a skillet to preserve texture and flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Start with high-quality, fresh ingredients for the best flavor; they make all the difference
- Don’t overcrowd your pan while cooking; this ensures even browning
- Adjust spice levels to suit your taste; balancing heat elevates the dish beautifully
Cooking this dish always reminds me of the time I whipped it up for my friends, who marveled at how something so easy could taste so gourmet.
FAQ
What can I substitute for Thai basil in this recipe?
You can use regular basil or mint if Thai basil isn’t available.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade and chop ingredients ahead for convenience.
Is this dish spicy?
The spice level depends on how much chili you add; adjust it to your taste!
Thai Basil Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Experience the vibrant flavors of Thailand with this quick and easy Thai Basil Chicken recipe! Infused with fresh basil, tender chicken, and a medley of colorful vegetables, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests, each bite is a delightful explosion of taste that will transport you straight to the bustling streets of Bangkok.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3–4 pieces)
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp chili paste (adjust for spice preference)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic. Dice the red bell pepper.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces in a single layer and sear for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Flip when easily released from the pan.
- Stir in minced garlic and diced red bell pepper; cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and chili paste. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Toss in fresh Thai basil leaves just before serving, stirring until slightly wilted.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg