Thai Chicken With Basil
A vibrant Thai-inspired dish featuring tender chicken stir-fried with fragrant garlic, fiery chilies, and fresh basil and mint leaves. This quick, flavorful meal balances spicy, savory, and herbal notes, making it perfect for those who enjoy bold, aromatic Asian cuisine.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut each chicken breast half into 4 pieces.
- Heat vegetable oil in a wok or 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook chopped garlic and chilies in oil, stirring constantly, until garlic is golden brown.
- Add chicken pieces; stir-fry for 8 to 10 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink in the center.
- Stir in fish sauce and sugar.
- Sprinkle with chopped basil and mint leaves before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, use more jalapenos or leave some seeds in. If you don't have fish sauce, soy sauce can be a substitute, but it will alter the flavor slightly. Fresh basil is essential for authenticity, but you can use Thai basil for a different twist. If you're looking for a lighter version, consider using chicken breast tenders instead of whole breasts.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this flavorful Thai Chicken With Basil over jasmine rice or alongside a fresh cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast. It pairs beautifully with Chicken Cordon Gold for a multi-course meal, or you can serve it with a side of steamed vegetables to round out your dinner. Garnish with additional fresh basil for a vibrant presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through. This dish can also be frozen for up to a month, but the texture may change upon reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Thai Chicken With Basil contains roughly 192 calories, with 4g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2472mg per serving (107% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?
Yes, you can easily substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option or use shrimp for a seafood twist. Adjust cooking times accordingly—shrimp cooks faster, while tofu may need a few extra minutes to become golden and crispy.
What can I serve with this dish?
This dish goes well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the flavors. You can also add a light salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or bok choy for a well-rounded meal.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This Thai Chicken With Basil is a great dish for meal prep. It holds up well in the fridge and can be reheated easily. Just ensure that you store the chicken separately from the rice to maintain the best texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).