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Homemade Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fry with Peppers photo

Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fry with Peppers

This Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fry with Peppers is quick, vibrant, and packed with sweet, spicy, and aromatic flavors perfect for a flavorful weeknight meal.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Thai
Keyword: Chicken, Easy, Quick, Stir Fry, Thai Basil
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 pound chicken breast sliced
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper sliced
  • 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • cooked jasmine rice for serving

Instructions

Make Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fry with Peppers: A Simple Method

  • Begin by slicing the chicken breast into thin, bite-sized strips. Rinse and slice the red and green bell peppers into thin strips as well. Mince the garlic finely, and pluck the fresh Thai basil leaves from their stems. Having all your ingredients ready before you start cooking will make the stir-fry process smooth and quick.
  • In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, ground black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir until the sugar dissolves. This sauce will bring the perfect balance of salty, sweet, and spicy to the dish.
  • Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the sliced chicken in a single layer. Let it sear without moving for about 1-2 minutes, then stir-fry until the chicken is cooked through and lightly golden, about 4-5 minutes total. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  • In the same pan, add a touch more oil if needed, then toss in the minced garlic. Stir quickly for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Add the sliced red and green bell peppers and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften but remain crisp and vibrant.
  • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the peppers. Pour the sauce over everything and toss well to coat. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to let the flavors meld. Finally, remove from heat and fold in the fresh Thai basil leaves, letting their aroma infuse the dish without cooking them too long.
  • Spoon the Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fry with Peppers over bowls of fluffy jasmine rice. The rice soaks up the sauce perfectly, making every bite a delight.

Equipment

  • Large Skillet or Wok
  • Sharp Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Spatula or Wooden Spoon

Notes

  • For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos and use gluten-free oyster sauce.
  • To make vegetarian, replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh and use mushroom or vegetarian stir-fry sauce instead of oyster sauce.
  • Adjust the heat by omitting or reducing crushed red pepper flakes, or add fresh Thai chilies for extra spice.
  • Store leftovers separately from rice in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; add fresh basil before serving leftover portions.