Name: Spicy Thai Basil Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 225g chicken thigh fillets, skinless boneless, cut into bite size pieces; 1 green onion, cut into 4cm lengths; 1 cup Thai basil leaves, loosely packed (Holy Basil if available); 2 garlic cloves, large, 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

Nothing beats the vibrant punch of flavors in my Spicy Thai Basil Chicken Recipe. It’s quick to make, bursting with fresh herbs, and just the right amount of heat to wake up your taste buds — trust me, it’s a total winner for weeknights or whenever you want a little Thai magic in your kitchen.

The image shows a close-up of a dark pan filled with cooked brown chicken pieces coated in a shiny sauce. There are green leafy herbs mixed throughout the chicken, adding contrast with their darker green color. Small red chili bits are scattered over the chicken, giving a hint of spiciness. A wooden spatula is lifting some pieces from the pan, which has a slightly oily, textured surface. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Thai Basil Chicken Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Spicy Thai Basil Chicken Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Spicy Thai Basil Chicken Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I absolutely adore this Spicy Thai Basil Chicken Recipe because it’s lightning fast to prepare, yet packed with so much flavor and character you’d think you spent hours on it. Whenever I make it, the aroma of garlic, chilli, and fresh basil fills the kitchen and instantly lifts my mood.

Speedy & Simple: This dish takes just about 15 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy days.
Bold Flavors: The combination of Thai basil, garlic, and chilli creates a punchy, savory taste you won’t forget.
Fresh & Aromatic: Using fresh herbs like Thai or Holy basil makes all the difference — both aroma and flavor.
Highly Customizable: Whether you like it hotter, milder, or want to swap out veggies, this recipe adapts easily.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Spicy Thai Basil Chicken Recipe plays a role in building layers of flavor. I always recommend grabbing the freshest Thai basil you can find — it’s the star herb here! And chicken thigh fillets average perfect for juicy, tender bites.

Flat lay of fresh raw chicken thigh fillets cut into bite-sized pieces, a single whole green onion with white and green sections intact, a small bunch of vibrant Thai basil leaves, two large whole garlic cloves with smooth white skins, one bright red birds eye chili pepper, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden cooking oil, a small white bowl containing a dark glossy oyster sauce mixture, a small white bowl with light soy sauce, a small white bowl with dark soy sauce, a small white bowl of granulated white sugar, a small white bowl of clear water, and a neat mound of fluffy steamed jasmine rice on a simple white ceramic plate, all arranged in perfect symmetry, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken thigh fillets: Juicy and tender, they hold up better to high-heat cooking without drying out, unlike chicken breast.
Green onion: Adds freshness and a slight crunch; the white part cooks with the chicken, and the green tops are tossed in at the end for color and crunch.
Thai basil leaves: The authentic herb giving that signature peppery, slightly aniseed flavor; if unavailable, regular basil works fine.
Garlic cloves: Finely chopped rather than minced to prevent burning and keep a mellow garlic aroma.
Birds eye or Thai chilli: The heat backbone of the dish—adjust quantity based on your spice preference.
Oil (peanut, vegetable, or canola): Neutral oils work best to fry ingredients without overpowering flavors.
Oyster sauce: Brings umami richness and a touch of sweet-savory depth.
Light and dark soy sauces: Balance salty and color depth; you can substitute with all-purpose soy sauce if needed.
Sugar: Just enough sweetness to brighten and balance the salty and spicy elements.
Water: Used to create the sauce and help it thicken to a glossy finish.
Steamed jasmine rice: The perfect side to soak up all those glorious sauces.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

Here’s the fun part — feeling free to tweak and personalize this Spicy Thai Basil Chicken Recipe. I often add more chilli if I’m in the mood for extra kick or throw in some bell peppers for a pop of color and crunch. You can make it your own!

Variation: Once, I swapped chicken for tender strips of pork belly, giving it a richer flavor that my family adored. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different proteins.
Dietary modification: You can easily make this gluten-free by substituting soy sauce with tamari.
Vegetarian twist: Try firm tofu or mushrooms instead of chicken for equally satisfying results.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Thai Basil Chicken Recipe

A white bowl filled with two layers, the bottom layer is white steamed rice with separate grains, topped with a thick layer of stir-fried chicken pieces in a dark brown glossy sauce mixed with green onion stalks and dark green basil leaves, with red chili pieces scattered on top. A metal spoon rests inside the bowl, partially submerged in the chicken mixture. The bowl sits on a light beige cloth on a white marbled surface, with two whole red chili peppers and a green leaf nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Mix the sauce

Start by combining all the sauce ingredients—oyster sauce, light and dark soy sauces, sugar, and water—in a small bowl. Give it a good stir until the sugar dissolves. This quick sauce is magic; it brings everything together later on.

Step 2: Sizzle the aromatics

Heat your oil in a wok or pan on high heat—really get it hot so everything cooks quickly. Toss in finely chopped garlic and chilli, and stir-fry for about 10 seconds. Heads up: don’t lean too close or you’ll cough from the chilli fumes (I’ve learned the hard way!).

Step 3: Cook the chicken with the green onion whites

Add the white parts of the green onion along with your chicken pieces. Stir-fry until the chicken turns golden and is cooked through—usually around 2 minutes. High heat and quick cooking keep the meat juicy and tender.

Step 4: Add sauce and glaze

Pour in the sauce mixture and keep stirring for about a minute. You’ll notice the liquid thicken to a glossy, clingy sauce that coats every bite beautifully. This step seals in the flavors and brings that restaurant-quality sheen.

Step 5: Toss in the remaining green onion and basil

Finally, stir through the green parts of the onion and all those fragrant basil leaves. Mix until just wilted — don’t overcook the basil or you’ll lose that fresh aroma. Serve immediately alongside steaming jasmine rice for the perfect finish.

Top Tip

Having made this Spicy Thai Basil Chicken Recipe dozens of times, I’ve learned a few tricks that really elevate the dish and make it foolproof for home cooks like you.

Garlic Prep: Finely chopped garlic browns more evenly than minced garlic, minimizing splatter and bitterness from burnt bits.
Heat Control: Use high heat to quickly stir-fry chicken, but don’t crush the basil with a heavy hand—just toss gently to keep its texture and fragrance alive.
Basil Choice: If you can find Holy Basil, go for it; it adds an authentic peppery twist. I usually use Thai basil from my local market with great results.
Inhale Wisely: When frying the chilis, step back slightly from the pan to avoid coughing fits. It’s a rite of passage, but a little precaution helps!

How to Serve Spicy Thai Basil Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with a few fresh Thai basil leaves on top for extra green aroma and a wedge of lime on the side to add a citrusy brightness. Sometimes, I sprinkle crushed roasted peanuts for a crunchy contrast — it’s a simple touch that impresses every time.

Side Dishes

Steamed jasmine rice is a must to soak up all that sauce, but I also enjoy serving this with sliced cucumber and tomato on the side to balance out the spice with some cooling freshness. A light papaya salad pairs wonderfully for a complete Thai-inspired meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes serve the spicy chicken wrapped in lettuce leaves like little cups — it’s fun, interactive, and perfect for sharing at the table. You can also present it over coconut rice or even as a bold taco filling for a Thai twist on casual dining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day. Just be sure to reheat gently to preserve the basil’s fresh flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken without the basil leaves (add fresh basil once reheated). Freeze portions in sealed containers or bags for up to 1 month to keep that fresh taste.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving too long as it can make the chicken dry and the basil wilt badly — fresh basil added after reheating is key.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breast instead of thigh in this recipe?

You can, but chicken breast tends to dry out faster under high heat. If you choose breast, slice it thinly and be careful not to overcook. For juicier results, I recommend sticking with thigh meat.

What if I can’t find Thai or Holy basil?

No worries! Regular sweet basil still works because the sauce is quite flavor-packed. The basil here adds a fresh, fragrant note, so don’t skip it, but don’t stress if you have to use what you have on hand.

How spicy is this dish, and can I adjust it?

The heat level depends on how many chilies you add and whether you include the seeds. Removing the seeds will reduce heat significantly. Feel free to adjust the amount of chilli to your personal taste—start small and add more if you like it hotter.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep all the ingredients ahead of time—chop the garlic, slice chicken, and mix your sauce. However, it’s best to cook it fresh to keep the basil vibrant and the chicken juicy. If needed, reheat gently and add fresh basil when serving.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Thai Basil Chicken Recipe is one I come back to time and again because it’s fast, flavorful, and so comforting. I hope you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do — it’s like having a little taste of Thailand right in your own kitchen. Give it a try and surprise yourself with how simple great Thai food can be!