Easy Thai Basil Chicken Recipe with Jasmin Rice
Tender chicken sauteed with a light and flavorful sauce and tons of fresh Thai basil—a one-pot, easy recipe that’s packed with so much flavor.
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Easy Thai basil chicken is always a family favorite! My homemade version lives up to its name—simple to prepare and delicious. You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your family’s taste. This one-pan meal is ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for healthy, busy weeknight dinners.
What is Thai Basil?
Thai basil has the same sweetness that Italian basil has but with a hint of anise spice. I love having it on hand and adding it to any Thai food we are making in our kitchen! You could swap in regular basil, but just know that it won’t taste the same and you’re losing some of the classic flavor. Over the years, Thai basil has become much easier to find! Some well-stocked grocery stores carry it, but you can also find it in almost any local Asian market. Traditional Thai basil chicken calls for Holy Thai basil which is slightly different than Thai basil. Holy Thai basil is fairly difficult to find, so recipes have adapted over time to include Thai basil since it’s easier to source. We grow it every summer and at the end of the season, I mix up a big batch of the sauce in this recipe and freeze it for an easy weeknight meal in the wintertime.
Ingredients for Thai Basil Chicken:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Chicken breasts keep this dish light, but you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs. You could also substitute ground chicken – this would be a totally different experience, but it would be good!
- Hoisin sauce – or you could sub oyster sauce if that’s what you have on hand
- Soy sauce, or coco aminos
- Fresh garlic, and lots of it!
- Serrano chile, seeded and minced (keep seeds for extra hot) – You could also use Thai chilies if you prefer a lot of heat
- Avocado, vegetable or canola oil – something neutral that doesn’t compete with the delicate flavors of the dish.
- Fresh Thai or regular basil leaves – Thai holy basil is the best type of basil because of its distinctive flavor, but if you can’t find it or Thai basil-give regular Italian basil a try
- Cooked jasmine rice or sticky white rice – a great base for this delicious Thai basil chicken stir fry; follow the instructions on the package
Instructions:
- In a bowl marinate the chicken with hoisin sauce and soy sauce for 10 minutes.
- Heat a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat, when hot add the oil, garlic, and chili and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Increase the heat to high, add the chicken, and cook, stirring until just cooked through, about 4 minutes. Add the basil and cook until it just starts to wilt about 1 minute.
- Serve over jasmine or sticky rice. If you prefer it, you could also serve this over brown rice.
What to serve with Thai basil chicken?
Thai basil chicken goes perfectly over jasmine rice. The rice catches the delicious sauce and makes this recipe into a full meal. Here are some other sides that would be great to serve with this dish.
- Garlic Stir-Fried Vegetables: A mix of broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots sautéed with garlic.
- Bok choy: sauteed with a little soy sauce and garlic.
- Egg rolls or spring rolls: Light and crunchy, filled with fresh vegetables and served with a dipping sauce.
- Potstickers or Gyoza: Delicious dumplings filled with meat and vegetables, perfect for dipping in soy or chili sauce.
- Steamed broccoli: with sesame oil, garlic, and sesame seeds
- Coconut Rice: Adds a subtle sweetness and creamy texture that complements the spicy chicken.
- Papaya Salad (Som Tum): A spicy and tangy salad made with shredded green papaya, peanuts, and lime.
- Sticky Rice: Perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce of the Thai Basil Chicken.
- Mango Salad: A sweet and spicy salad with ripe mango, red onion, cilantro, and a chili-lime dressing.
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing side with sliced cucumbers, red onion, and a tangy lime dressing.
Storing and Reheating Thai Basil Chicken
We’re often so busy during the week, that I love a healthy dinner recipe that I can turn into lunches and leftovers!
You can store the Thai basil chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. All you have to do is just pop the chicken in the microwave to warm it through along with the jasmine rice.
Freezing the sauce:
You can mix together all of the sauce ingredients and the fresh basil leaves, pour them into a labeled freezer-safe ziploc bag, and freeze for up to 6 months. When you’re ready to make Thai Basil Chicken, sautee the sliced chicken breast in some oil until it’s mostly cooked through. Add the sauce and sautee until the chicken is cooked. Serve with fresh Jasmin rice.
Other great recipes to enjoy:
Simple and Delicious | Ground Turkey and Zucchini Stir Fry
Chicken Bowls with Black Garlic, Soy Sauce, and Sesame Ginger Rice
Thai Coconut curry with Tofu and Cremini Mushrooms
Asian Sesame Chicken Burgers With Hoisin Mayonnaise
Printable Recipe Card
Easy Thai Basil Chicken Recipe with Jasmin Rice
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce or coco aminos
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 1 serrano chile seeded and minced (keep seeds for extra hot)
- 2 teaspoons vegetable or canola oil
- 3 cups fresh Thai or regular basil leaves
- Cooked jasmine rice optional for serving
Instructions
- In a bowl marinate the chicken with hoisin sauce and soy sauce for 10 minutes.
- Heat a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat, when hot add the oil, garlic, and chili and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Increase the heat to high, add the chicken, and cook, stirring until just cooked through, about 4 minutes. Add the basil and cook until it just starts to wilt about 1 minute.
- Serve over jasmine or sticky rice.