Name: Thai Basil Chicken
Prep time: PT-497402H19M14S
Cook time: 40 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 cup uncooked white rice; 2 cups water; 1 tsp butter; 1 tbsp olive oil; 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs, diced into 1-inch pieces (about 1.5 lbs); 3 shallots or 1 medium onion, diced; 1 red chili pepper, de-seeded and finely diced; 1 pinch salt; 1 red pepper, diced; 2 cups Thai or regular basil; 4 tbsp low sodium soy sauce; 4 cloves garlic minced; 2 tbsp oyster sauce; 2 tbsp brown sugar

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Meal Prep Thai Basil Chicken is a dish that embodies the irresistible essence of Thai cuisine. It’s a wholesome, colorful blend of tender chicken thighs, vibrant fresh vegetables, and fragrant basil all brought together with a savory sauce that dances on your taste buds. The delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen while this dish cooks is hard to resist, and the way it comes together in just 40 minutes makes it a perfect weeknight meal.

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Having first encountered a version of this dish at a bustling Thai food market, I’ve been smitten ever since. The flavors are bold and satisfying, truly capturing the spirit of comfort food. What I love most about this Thai Basil Chicken recipe is how quick and easy it is to prepare, making it a fantastic choice for meal prep. Whip up a batch for lunches throughout the week or serve it up for dinner with loved ones. I promise, once you try this dish, it will become a staple in your kitchen!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Thai Basil Chicken
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Thai Basil Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 40 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of garlic, soy, and basil creates a mouthwatering taste profile.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Bright colors of red pepper and fresh herbs make this dish as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy it over rice, in a bowl, or even as a filling in a wrap.
Diet-Friendly Options: Low-sodium soy sauce ensures a healthier option while packing flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup uncooked white rice: A staple to soak up all the delicious sauce, providing a nice base. You can substitute with brown rice for a healthier choice.
2 cups water: Necessary for cooking the rice; using broth can enhance flavor.
1 tsp butter: Adds creaminess to the rice; feel free to skip for a dairy-free version.
1 tbsp olive oil: Used for sautéing; grapeseed or canola oil also work well.
8 boneless skinless chicken thighs, diced into 1-inch pieces (about 1.5 lbs): This cut is tender and juicy, ideal for stir-frying. If you prefer, boneless chicken breasts can be used; just keep an eye on cooking time.
3 shallots or 1 medium onion, diced: Shallots offer a milder flavor than onions. You can replace them with yellow onions if needed.
1 red chili pepper, de-seeded and finely diced: For a hint of heat, adjust to your spice preference.
1 pinch salt: Enhances all the flavors; taste before adding more.
1 red pepper, diced: Adds both sweetness and color; feel free to substitute with any other bell pepper.
2 cups Thai or regular basil: Fresh basil is essential here; use sweet basil if Thai isn’t available.
4 tbsp low sodium soy sauce: Provides the salty umami flavor without overwhelming the dish. Tamari is a gluten-free alternative.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds aromatic depth; don’t skip it!
2 tbsp oyster sauce: Adds a deeper flavor; can be replaced with hoisin sauce for a vegetarian option.
2 tbsp brown sugar: Balances the flavors; white sugar can work in a pinch, but it lacks depth.

How to Make Thai Basil Chicken

Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the low-sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, and brown sugar, and set aside. Meanwhile, combine your rice, water, and butter in a rice cooker to start cooking.
Sauté the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken thighs, shallots (or onion), diced red chili, and a pinch of salt. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until the chicken is lightly browned and cooked through.
Add the Vegetables: Toss in the diced red pepper and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the peppers are tender.
Combine with Sauce: Pour your sauce mixture into the skillet and sauté for another 2 minutes, ensuring everything is well combined and heated through. Stir in the basil leaves just before serving to maintain their fresh flavor.
Serve it Up: Spoon the chicken mixture over your cooked rice and, if desired, garnish with sesame seeds and lime wedges for an extra zing. Enjoy your meal!

Storing & Reheating

To store your Thai Basil Chicken, place any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it will remain fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to help rejuvenate moisture and flavor—cook until heated through.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: When sautéing, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This allows for proper browning and prevents steaming.
Ingredient Temperatures: Use chicken at room temperature for even cooking. If chicken is cold from the fridge, adjust cooking time slightly.
Adjust Heat: For less spice, either leave out the chili pepper or use a milder pepper.
Texture Tip: If you find the basil wilting too much in the hot mix, add it at the very end to retain freshness.
Make Ahead: This dish is excellent for meal prep. Simply store portions in containers for quick grab-and-go meals throughout the week.

When creating a meal plan, this dish offers delicious flexibility; you can scale it down for a solo dinner or make a bigger batch to feed a crowd.

Recipe FAQs

Can I substitute the chicken thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just as well, though you may need to adjust the cooking time since they can cook faster. Just be sure they are cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.

What if I can’t find Thai basil?

If you can’t get your hands on Thai basil, regular basil will suffice. The flavor will be a little different, but it’ll still be delightful. Mint or even cilantro might also be worth trying for a unique twist!

How can I make this dish spicier?

To turn up the heat, include more chili peppers or opt for a few dashes of chili oil or hot sauce in the sauce mixture. You could also mix in some crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

What’s the best way to serve this meal?

Serving it over rice is traditional; however, it also tastes great in lettuce wraps or as a filling in whole wheat tortillas. Add a fresh cucumber salad on the side for a refreshing crunch!

Thai Basil Chicken is not just another dish; it’s a comforting combination of flavors that’s easy to whip up and sure to impress. I encourage you to define your own twist on the recipe—maybe a little more spice, or a different veggie? No matter how you choose to make it, you’re bound to enjoy every bite!

⭐ If you make my Thai Basil Chicken recipe, Awesome! I would love to hear from you. Please give it a star rating and review below! 👇

Thai Basil Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Thai Basil Chicken

Storing & Reheating