Description
A vibrant and spicy Thai Basil Chilli Chicken stir-fry featuring tender chicken thigh fillets, aromatic garlic and dried red chillies, combined with fresh baby bok choy and fragrant Thai basil leaves. This quick and flavorful dish is served best with steamed rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 6 large dried red chillies, roughly chopped
- 1 onion, sliced
- 500g (1 lb) chicken thigh fillets, thinly sliced
- 4 baby bok choy, sliced lengthways
- 1 cup Thai basil leaves
Stir-fry Sauce
- 1/3 cup oyster sauce
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 tsp dark sweet soy sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- ½ tsp corn flour (cornstarch)
To Serve
- Steamed rice (see recipe for cooking rice)
Instructions
- Prepare the stir-fry sauce: In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup oyster sauce, 2 tablespoons fish sauce, 2 teaspoons dark sweet soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sugar, and ½ teaspoon corn flour. Mix well and set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Heat the oil and aromatics: Place a wok or large frying pan on high heat and add 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. Once hot, add the finely chopped garlic, roughly chopped dried red chillies, and sliced onion. Stir-fry rapidly for about 20 seconds until fragrant.
- Add and sear the chicken: Immediately add the thinly sliced chicken thigh fillets to the pan. Spread the chicken evenly in the pan and let it sear undisturbed for nearly a minute to develop a nice browning, then stir-fry and repeat this searing process until the chicken is just cooked through.
- Incorporate the stir-fry sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken in the pan. Stir continuously and cook until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the ingredients well.
- Add vegetables and herbs: Toss in the sliced baby bok choy and stir-fry for about one minute until just tender. Finally, add the Thai basil leaves and give everything a gentle toss to combine and wilt the basil slightly.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately with steamed rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Adjust the number of dried red chillies based on your heat preference.
- Use chicken thigh fillets for juicier and more flavorful meat than breast.
- If Thai basil is unavailable, sweet basil can be substituted but will slightly alter the flavor.
- Ensure the wok or pan is very hot before adding chicken for the best sear and texture.
- Stir-frying is a quick cooking method; avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Keywords: Thai Basil Chilli Chicken, Thai chicken stir-fry, spicy chicken recipe, Thai basil chicken, quick stir-fry, Asian chicken dish
