Thai Basil Chicken with Chinese Soy-Sesame Sauce
Tender chicken stir-fried with Thai basil and glazed in a rich Chinese soy-sesame sauce. This thai-inspired asian (gluten-free) ready in about 45 minutes blends chicken breast, Thai basil, soy sauce into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 300g chicken breast
- 1 cup Thai basil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp honey
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 300g chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes, and 1 cup Thai basil leaves, stirring occasionally. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the chicken is opaque and the basil releases its aromatic oils, with the edges of the leaves turning slightly browned. Tip: Use tongs to flip the chicken frequently for even browning.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tbsp sesame oil until the honey fully dissolves. Set aside. Tip: If the sauce is too thick, add 1-2 tbsp water to reach a glaze-like consistency.
- Step 3: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour the soy-sesame sauce over the chicken-basil mixture in the skillet. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce reduces and clings to the chicken in a glossy, sticky coating. Tip: Avoid stirring too early—let the sauce simmer undisturbed for 1 minute to thicken before mixing.
- Step 4: Taste and adjust sweetness by adding a pinch of honey if desired. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Thai basil leaves if available. Tip: For extra flavor, sprinkle 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds over the dish before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Thai Basil Chicken with Chinese Soy-Sesame Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (25 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Thai Basil Chicken with Chinese Soy-Sesame Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Thai Basil Chicken with Chinese Soy-Sesame Sauce?
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 Thai Basil Chicken with Chinese Soy-Sesame Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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.
Is Thai Basil Chicken with Chinese Soy-Sesame Sauce gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★★
The flavors in this thai are incredible.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
