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Flavorful Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe Easy Spicy Garlic Sauce

thai basil chicken stir-fry - featured image

A quick and easy Thai basil chicken stir-fry with a spicy garlic sauce that balances savory, spicy, and herbal flavors. Perfect for weeknight dinners and packed with fresh basil and garlic heat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup packed fresh Thai basil leaves (substitute sweet basil if unavailable)
  • 45 garlic cloves, minced
  • 23 fresh red chilies, thinly sliced (bird’s eye chilies for heat or jalapeños for milder spice)
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or peanut oil)
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • Cooked jasmine rice, to serve

Instructions

  1. Cut 1 lb boneless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Mince 4-5 garlic cloves and thinly slice 2-3 fresh red chilies. Chop 2 green onions and measure 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, tearing larger leaves gently.
  2. In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon fish sauce, and 1 teaspoon brown sugar. Stir until sugar dissolves and set aside.
  3. Heat wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons vegetable oil and swirl to coat. When oil shimmers, add minced garlic and sliced chilies. Stir-fry quickly for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Add chicken pieces in a single layer. Let sear without moving for 1 minute, then stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until mostly cooked and slightly golden.
  5. Pour in the sauce mixture and toss to coat chicken evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
  6. Add Thai basil leaves and green onions. Stir quickly until basil wilts and releases aroma, about 30 seconds. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Serve immediately over steaming jasmine rice.

Notes

Use high heat for quick cooking and to seal in juices. Avoid burning garlic to prevent bitterness. If sauce is too thin, simmer longer to reduce. Adjust seasoning with sugar or lime juice to balance flavors. Cook chicken in batches if making a large quantity to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Nutrition

Keywords: Thai basil chicken, stir-fry, spicy garlic sauce, quick dinner, weeknight meal, Thai recipe, chicken stir-fry