Taste the World

Thai Basil Chicken Recipe

Last updated: May 2026

Thai basil chicken is a fast stir-fry inspired by the everyday street-food lunches served across Bangkok. This version keeps the method quick and practical, with supermarket swaps for fresh herbs and sauces.

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Recipe Summary

Prep time
10 minutes
Cook time
12 minutes
Total time
22 minutes
Servings
4
Difficulty
Easy
Estimated cost
£7-£10
Cuisine
Thai
Inspired by
Bangkok street food

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp neutral oil
  • 500g chicken mince or finely chopped chicken thighs
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1 red chilli, sliced, or chilli flakes
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce or extra soy sauce
  • 1 tsp brown sugar
  • A large handful of basil
  • Cooked rice and fried eggs, to serve

Method

  1. 1

    Heat the oil in a wok or large frying pan until hot.

  2. 2

    Add the chicken and stir-fry until browned and cooked through.

  3. 3

    Add garlic and chilli, then cook for 30 seconds.

  4. 4

    Stir in soy sauce, fish sauce or extra soy sauce, and brown sugar.

  5. 5

    Turn off the heat and fold through the basil so it wilts without losing freshness.

  6. 6

    Serve with rice and a fried egg if you like.

Easy UK & European Ingredient Swaps

IngredientEasy swap
Thai holy basilBasil with a little mint
Fresh Thai chilliesRed chilli or chilli flakes
Oyster sauceSoy sauce with a tiny pinch of sugar
Fish sauceSoy sauce with lime juice

Budget Cooking Tips

  • Chicken mince is usually cheaper than diced breast and cooks quickly.
  • Serve with rice and an egg to make a small amount of meat go further.
  • Use basil stems finely chopped in the stir-fry to reduce waste.
  • Frozen chopped garlic can save time and money if you cook stir-fries often.

Plan the Holiday Behind This Dish

This dish is inspired by quick Bangkok street-food lunches where rice, stir-fried meat, herbs and chilli come together fast. Use it as a weeknight taste of Thailand, then explore confirmed Thailand and Asia travel guides.

Thailand Thailand holidays from the UK Explore guide → Asia Browse Asia holiday guides Explore guide → Vietnam Vietnam budget travel guide Explore guide → Cambodia Cambodia budget travel guide Explore guide →
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FAQs

Can I make Thai basil chicken without Thai basil?

Yes. Ordinary basil with a small amount of mint is a useful UK supermarket swap.

Can I make this less spicy?

Use half a chilli or skip it completely, then add chilli flakes at the table.

What should I serve with Thai basil chicken?

Plain jasmine rice and a fried egg make it filling and close to a simple street-food style meal.