This dish is a keeper! Not only is it easy to make, but it's also really flavorful and satisfying with only a few ingredients. Experience the dynamic flavors of Thai cuisine with this recipe for single-serving Thai basil chicken! Succulent chicken, aromatic basil leaves, and a medley of savory spices meld together in this dish to produce a truly genuine taste that can be cooked in under 30 minutes. This effortless recipe is guaranteed to delight your palate with its promptness and simplicity.
🧾 Main Ingredients Notes

- Chicken Breast: A skinless, boneless chicken breast is a leaner cut; however, you can also substitute skinless, boneless chicken thighs, which are very flavorful.
- Red Bell Pepper: The recipe uses only half a bell pepper, but you can add as much as you like. Also, green, orange or yellow peppers can be used.
- Thai Basil: Thai basil has a licorice-like flavor, while Italian basil is sweet. If you are looking for that licorice flavor, Thai basil is the herb for you, but if you want something sweeter, go with Italian basil.
- Olive Oil: If you have a garlic-infused oil that's great to use in the recipe, otherwise just add the garlic.
- Garlic Paste: I recommend using a tube of garlic paste found in the refrigerated produce section.
See the recipe card for ingredient quantities.
👩🍳 How to Make Chicken with Thai Basil

Step One: Heat the olive oil in a heavy skillet. Over high heat, add the chicken and red peppers to the skillet and stir until the chicken is fully cooked.

Step Two: Stir in the garlic paste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Step Three: Stir in the basil leaves and toss to mix into the chicken.

Step Four Serve over rice or pasta. Simple and delicious!
👩🍳 Recipe Notes and Cooking Tips
- The recipe can be doubled easily.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- You can substitute Italian Basil if you can't find Thai Basil.
🥄 Helpful Tools
- 8-inch cast iron fry pan or a small Wok.
🍴Serving Suggestions
- Perfect over rice.
- Serve over spaghetti or another pasta noodle of your choice.
Italian basil has a sweet, anise-like flavor and is commonly used in the Mediterranean and Italian cuisine. Thai basil has a slightly spicier and more licorice-like flavor and is frequently used in Asian cuisine, particularly in Thai dishes.
More Easy Recipes for One
Did you make this recipe? I would love it if you left a comment or review! Be sure to sign up for the email list and follow "A Weekend Cook" on Pinterest and my Facebook page.
📖 Recipe
Chicken with Thai Basil
Ingredients
- 6- ounces skinless boneless chicken breast
- ½ red pepper sliced thin
- 7-8 Thai basil leaves
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste
- salt and pepper as needed
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a heavy skillet. Over high heat, add the chicken and red peppers to the skillet and stir until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Stir in the garlic paste and season with salt and pepper as needed,
- Stir in the basil leaves and toss to mix into the chicken mixture,
- Serve over rice or pasta.
Notes
- Thai basil is spicy with an anise or licorice-like flavor. If you can't find Thai Basil, you can use Italian Basil which has a milder peppery, and sweet taste.
- Green or Yellow peppers can be used.
- Chicken thighs can be substituted.
Thanks for coming! Let me know what you think or share a tip.