Easy Spicy Basil Chicken Recipe
This recipe is a spinoff of my Better-Than-Takeout Sticky Chicken. I love that chicken so much and decided to make a basil-infused version. The chicken is ridiculously tender and loaded with authentic Asian flavors that keep you going back for one more juicy bite. The sauce is just sweet enough, but is balanced with the tang of the vinegar, the saltiness from the soy sauce, and you can make it as spicy (or not) as you like with the chili garlic sauce. This homemade non-fried version of sticky chicken that’s made in one skillet and ready in 15 minutes will knock your socks off. It tastes like it’s from a restaurant and you don’t even need to leave your house. It’s hassle-free and perfect for busy weeknights. You probably have almost everything on hand to make it and if you don’t, not to worry because all the ingredients are easily found at your local grocery store.
How Is This Recipe Different Than Thai Basil Chicken?
Primarily, I used regular basil and not Thai basil, but if you can find Thai basil and want to use it, go for it. Basil trivia coming up from what I have learned on the internet: There are two types of Thai basil: regular Thai basil and Holy Basil. Holy basil is more typically used in the restaurant version of this dish but is also harder to find that Thai Basil, which is already hard to find. So count me out, I have no patience driving around looking for ingredients. Also in restaurant versions of Thai basil chicken, the sauce isn’t as thick or sticky, and the chicken doesn’t tend to have any breading on it (no flour or cornstarch) so that’s another difference. But truth be told, I love chicken that has exactly this texture and prefer this to any restaurant version of traditional spicy Thai basil chicken.
What’s in the Sticky Basil Chicken?
To make the chicken and the sticky basil sauce, you’ll need:
Honey Ketchup Soy sauce White sugar Brown sugar Vinegar Chili garlic sauce Egg All-purpose flour Cornstarch Chicken breasts Olive oil Fresh basil
What Kind Of Basil To Use?
I really wanted to make “Thai Basil Chicken,” which is a fairly popular Thai restaurant recipe. However, it’s tricky to find Thai basil unless you live near a Thai or Asian market, and even if you do, it’s likely not convenient to go there solely to track down Thai basil. I never want anyone to go on a goose chase that I wouldn’t go on myself. So because of that, we have Sticky Basil Chicken rather than Thai Basil Chicken. I used fresh basil from Trader Joe’s but if you have basil from your garden, that would be lovely.
How to Make Sticky Basil Chicken
To a large skillet, add boneless skinless chicken breast pieces that have been dredged in egg, flour, and corn starch. Cook until the chicken is done, about 8 minutes, and then add the sauce. Finish with a big handful of torn fresh basil leaves and garnish with sesame seeds if you like and dig in!
Is Basil Chicken Spicy?
I added 3 heaping tablespoons chili garlic sauce to the sauce mixture and the chicken and sauce had a nice kick. If you’re sensitive to spicy foods, dial that quantity back. Start with 1 tablespoon and work up from there. Or if you don’t want any spiciness, it’s easy to omit. But in my opinion for most homemade versions of Asian-inspired recipes or to recreate an Asian restaurant dish, there needs to be at least some spiciness.
Tips for Making Sticky Basil Chicken
Be sure to cut the chicken breasts into same-sized pieces so they cook in the skillet at an even rate. You can dial up the heat in this dish by adding extra chili garlic sauce, or even a few squirts of sriracha. Leftovers will last up to five days in the fridge. I recommend gently reheating them in a skillet rather than the microwave so that the chicken doesn’t dry out.
More Asian Chicken Recipes:
Better-Than-Takeout Sticky Chicken – Stop calling for takeout or going to the mall food court and make this AMAZING sticky chicken at home in 15 minutes!! So EASY with the perfect balance of sweet and spicy with plenty of sticky sauce!! Tried this recipe? Leave a review! Consider leaving a 5 star rating if you’ve made and loved one of my recipes!
Healthier Orange Chicken – Stop calling for takeout or going to the mall food court and make this HEALTHIER orange chicken at home in less than 10 minutes!! EASY, authentic, and so INCREDIBLE that you’ll never miss the fat and calories!!
Better-Than-Takeout Cashew Chicken – Juicy chicken, crisp-tender vegetables, and crunchy cashews coated with the best garlicky soy sauce!! Skip takeout and make your own restaurant-quality meal that’s easy, ready in 20 minutes, and healthier!!
Baked Teriyaki Chicken and Rice — Chicken, rice, pineapple, and red peppers cook together in one pan for an EASY weeknight dinner that tastes like you’re in Hawaii! The homemade teriyaki sauce adds so much INCREDIBLE flavor!
Chinese Sweet and Sour Chicken — This sweet and sour chicken recipe takes just 15 minutes to make and tastes way better than takeout. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
15-Minute Skillet Sesame Chicken with Broccoli – Healthier sesame chicken that isn’t breaded or fried! You won’t miss the fat or calories in this fast and easy version that’s loaded with Asian-inspired flavors! You can happily skip takeout now!
Sheet Pan Ginger Orange Chicken and Vegetables – Fast, EASY, HEALTHY, and loaded with great orange ginger flavor!! A DELISH one-pan meal with zero cleanup that’s perfect for busy weeknights!!
Slow Cooker Orange Chicken – The easiest orange chicken ever because your slow cooker does all the work!! Super juicy, tender, and coated with a sweet-yet-tangy orange glaze that’s irresistible!!
