Siamese Basil Stir-Fried Chicken with Garlic and Chilies

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A quick stir-fry featuring tender chicken bites tossed with fiery garlic, fresh chilies, and aromatic basil leaves for a bold Thai classic. This thai-inspired thai ready in about 20 minutes pairs sliced thinly boneless chicken thighs, vegetable oil, finely chopped garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.3 (11 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Thai cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok over high heat until shimmering. Add 6 finely chopped garlic cloves and 4 sliced bird’s eye chilies, stir-frying for 30 seconds until aromatic but not burnt.
  2. Step 2: Add 500 g thinly sliced boneless chicken thighs and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the chicken turns white and is nearly cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Mix in 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, and 1 tsp white sugar, tossing quickly to coat the chicken evenly.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 2 tbsp water to create a little steam, stir-frying for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the chicken.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and fold in 1 cup fresh Thai holy basil leaves, stirring just until wilted and fragrant. Serve immediately with steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Siamese Basil Stir-Fried Chicken with Garlic and Chilies take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Siamese Basil Stir-Fried Chicken with Garlic and Chilies?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Siamese Basil Stir-Fried Chicken with Garlic and Chilies?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Siamese Basil Stir-Fried Chicken with Garlic and Chilies for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Siamese Basil Stir-Fried Chicken with Garlic and Chilies?

Thai thai like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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