Thai Basil Chicken

Make this better-than-takeout recipe in the comfort of your own home in less than 20 minutes. This insanely flavorful, healthier, and lighter option to the traditional restaurant version is a guaranteed hit with the family.

Course Main

Cuisine Asian

Diet Gluten Free

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Total Time 20

Servings

Calories 237kcal

Author Imma

Ingredients

2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil
1 teaspoon (6-7g) sriracha sauce
1 teaspoon (1g) crushed red pepper
1 medium onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, sliced (about 3 tablespoons)
1 pound (450g) skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
2 teaspoon (10g) brown sugar
1 tablespoon (15ml) or more fish sauce (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon (15ml) soy sauce
¾ cup (15g) fresh basil leaves (10 or more leaves)

Instructions

If serving this dish with rice, start cooking the rice before you cook the chicken.
Heat oil in a wok or saucepan, swirl to coat the pan, and add onions, garlic, sriracha sauce, and pepper flakes—sauté until fragrant, 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to let it burn.
Add chicken and cook until it's no longer pink and is slightly browned (7-10 minutes). You can add a little water, if desired, to prevent burning.
Add the brown sugar, fish sauce, and soy sauce. Continue simmering until the sauce thickens and the chicken cooks through.
Finally, stir in the basil leaves. Turn the heat off once the leaves wilt.
Serve it on a serving platter with steamed rice for an authentic Thai dish.

Notes

Thai basil chicken is pretty spicy. While this one has quite a kick, it's definitely on the mild side. Instead of using super hot red chili peppers, I sub with sriracha sauce and pepper flakes.
If you are a heat seeker, definitely add more chili sauce or use the spicy red chili.
For an extra special touch, lightly fry the basil until crispy and use as garnish.
This recipe comes together quickly, so have everything ready before you start.
High heat is key to a flavorful stir fry. Make sure the oil is ripping hot when you start.
Pad krapow. This similar dish uses Thai holy basil instead of regular basil. Black soy sauce, yard-long beans, and ground meat or chicken deliver close to an authentic recipe.
Please remember that the nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on the products used in the recipe.

Nutrition