Easy Thai Basil Chicken Recipe (Ready in 15 Minutes)
Looking for a quick and flavour-packed Thai dinner?
This easy Thai basil chicken recipe combines tender chicken, fresh Thai basil, garlic, chilli peppers, soy sauce, and oyster sauce to create a delicious meal in just 15 minutes. If you’re new to cooking with Thai basil, see our guide to Thai basil recipes for more inspiration.
Inspired by the classic Thai street food dish known as Pad Krapow Gai, this simplified version is perfect for busy weeknights and beginner cooks.
Whether you’re growing your own Thai basil or buying it fresh from the shop, this recipe delivers authentic Thai-inspired flavours with minimal ingredients and effort.
Why You’ll Love This Thai Basil Chicken
- Ready in only 15 minutes
- Uses simple ingredients
- Packed with fresh Thai basil flavour
- Easy to customise with different chillies
- Perfect for meal prep
- Better than takeaway
The combination of aromatic basil, spicy chillies, savoury oyster sauce, and juicy chicken creates a balanced dish that pairs beautifully with steamed rice.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 300g chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup Thai basil leaves
- 2 to 3 bird’s eye chillies, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
How to Make Thai Basil Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Remove the basil leaves from the stems, chop the chillies, crush the garlic, and cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the oyster sauce, soy sauce, water, and brown sugar.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat the oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until it is no longer pink.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Chilli
Stir in the garlic and chillies and cook for around 2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 5: Add the Sauce
Pour the sauce into the wok and stir until it thickens slightly and coats the chicken.
Step 6: Finish with Thai Basil
Add the Thai basil leaves and stir for 10 to 15 seconds until lightly wilted.
Serve immediately with steamed jasmine rice.
What Does Thai Basil Taste Like?
Thai basil has a distinctive flavour that sets it apart from sweet basil. It combines traditional basil notes with hints of liquorice, anise, and spice. This bold flavour profile makes it one of the most popular herbs in Thai, Vietnamese, and Lao cuisine.
Thai Basil vs Holy Basil
Many Thai basil chicken recipes use either Thai basil or holy basil, but they create very different flavours.
Thai Basil
- Slightly sweet
- Notes of liquorice and anise
- Common in Southeast Asian cooking
- Easier to find in supermarkets
Holy Basil
- More peppery and spicy
- Often called “hot basil”
- Traditional ingredient in authentic Pad Krapow
- Stronger herbal flavour
Both work well, but choosing one will noticeably change the final taste of your dish.
Not sure which basil variety to choose? Our complete guide to basil varieties and cooking uses explains the flavour differences between Thai basil, holy basil, Genovese basil and more.
Best Chillies for Thai Basil Chicken
Thai Chillies
Thai chillies provide an authentic flavour with a fruity heat that complements the basil and garlic.
Bird’s Eye Chillies
Bird’s eye chillies are widely available and deliver intense heat. They are an excellent substitute when Thai chillies are unavailable.
Both varieties work well, so choose according to your spice tolerance and availability.
Tips for the Best Thai Basil Chicken
- Use fresh Thai basil whenever possible.
- Cook on high heat for maximum flavour.
- Avoid overcooking the basil.
- Chicken thighs can be substituted for extra juiciness.
- Adjust the chilli quantity to suit your preferred spice level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular basil instead of Thai basil?
Yes, but the flavour will be noticeably different. Thai basil has liquorice and anise notes that sweet basil does not.
Is Thai basil chicken spicy?
It can be. The heat level depends on how many chillies you use and the variety selected.
Can I make Thai basil chicken with chicken thighs?
Absolutely. Chicken thighs provide more flavour and remain tender during cooking.
What should I serve with Thai basil chicken?
Steamed jasmine rice is the traditional accompaniment. You can also serve it with noodles or stir-fried vegetables.
How long does Thai basil chicken keep?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I grow my own Thai basil?
Yes. Thai basil grows quickly in pots, raised beds, and hydroponic systems. See our complete guide on How to grow Thai basil for step-by-step instructions.
Easy Thai basil chicken
Equipment
- Chef's Knife (Available from Amazon)
- Mixing bowl
- Wok
- Gloves
Ingredients
- 300 g Chicken breasts 2 breasts
- 1 cup Thai basil leaves Or Holy Basil
- 3 Bird's eye chilli peppers Or Thai Peppers
- 3 Cloves Garlic
- 1 tablespoon Oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dark soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Water
- 2 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Combine the oyster sauce, soy sauce, water and brown sugar in a small bowl
- Prepare the ingredients:Cut the peppers length-ways, remove the seeds and then cut diagonally into smaller pieces (Make sure you wear gloves)Cut the chicken breasts into bite size pieces.Remove the basil leaves from the stems and cut into small pieces
- Heat oil in a wok and add the chicken pieces – until they lose their raw colour
- Then add the peppers and garlic a cook for 2 minutes
- Pour in the sauce and cook until it starts turning thick and gooey
- Finally add in the Thai Basil and slowly stir until it starts to wilt (about 10 seconds)
Video
Notes
Why not grow your own Basil and Peppers at home?
Always fresh, always local, always in season Very easy to grow, for more details have a look at: Starter Hydroponic UnitNutrition
Thai basil has a unique flavour
Thai basil has a unique flavour that is great for many recipes, like in the Thai basil chicken recipe.
The seeds & plants are available to buy on Amazon
But it’s also very easy to grow at home from seed.
For example the Thai basil on the right.
- The seeds were planted in a seed tray on May 16
- Grown using a heat mat & grow light
- Transferred into a pot 4 weeks later
- Ready for use July 16 – 2 months later
- And will keep growing and growing
If you want to grow your own Thai basil then all you need are seeds and a pot.
Although using a seed heat mat and grow light will help you get faster results.
Related Thai Basil Recipes
If you enjoy this easy Thai basil chicken recipe, try these other Thai-inspired dishes:
- Thai basil red curry for a richer, creamier meal.
- Thai Basil Coconut Chicken Curry for another delicious chicken and basil combination.
- Thai basil sauce to add bold Thai flavours to stir-fries and grilled meats.
More information
Our main article provides ‘step by step’ advice on how to grow basil, which type to select and how to use it in recipes.