Let’s talk about how I refuse to spend my entire evening in the kitchen when I’ve got three kids running around, asking for snacks every five minutes. Enter: Slow Cooker Thai Basil Chicken—aka the easiest, most flavorful meal that practically cooks itself.
If you love Basil Chicken Recipes, but don’t want to stand over the stove, this Crockpot Thai Basil Chicken Recipe is about to be your new best friend. It’s got that perfect mix of savory, slightly sweet, and just a little spicy (but not too much, so the kids don’t riot). Plus, if you’re a fan of Curry Slow Cooker meals, this one has a little of that warm, cozy flavor, but without all the heavy coconut milk.
I love Thai Chicken Bowl recipes because they’re fresh, packed with flavor, and can be totally customized. More spice? Go for it. Extra veggies? Toss ‘em in. Need something that works for leftovers? This one actually tastes better the next day (which is a lifesaver when you don’t feel like cooking two nights in a row).
So if you’re into Chicken And Basil Recipes, Slow Cooker Thai dishes, or just need a new weeknight dinner that doesn’t involve begging your kids to eat, this Thai Basil Chicken Crockpot recipe is for you. Let’s get cooking!
What You’ll Need
For the chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (they stay juicy, but breasts work too!)
- ½ onion, sliced thin
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup carrots, julienned (or just buy the pre-cut ones and call it a day)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp fish sauce (yes, it smells funky, but TRUST ME—it makes the dish!)
- 1 tbsp honey (or brown sugar if that’s what you have)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sriracha (optional, but adds a nice little kick)
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
At the end:
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil (or regular basil if that’s all you’ve got)
- Cooked jasmine rice for serving
Step 1: Toss It All in the Crockpot
Seriously, this step could not be easier. Just grab your slow cooker and throw in the chicken, onion, garlic, bell pepper, carrots, chicken broth, soy sauce, fish sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sriracha, and ginger. Give it a little stir so everything gets coated in that delicious sauce.
Now, put the lid on and walk away.
Step 2: Let the Magic Happen
- Cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 2.5-3 hours.
- If your house starts smelling amazing, congrats! You’re doing it right.
- Try not to lift the lid 50 times “just to check.” The crockpot doesn’t need your supervision, I promise.
Step 3: Shred That Chicken
When the time is up, grab two forks and shred the chicken right in the pot. It should be falling apart easily. If it’s not? Let it cook another 30 minutes and try again.
Step 4: Add the Basil
Now for the finishing touch—stir in the fresh basil and let it wilt into the sauce for a couple minutes. This is what gives it that classic Thai flavor. And yes, Thai basil is a little different from regular basil (it’s got a hint of spice and licorice), but if all you have is the regular kind, that’s totally fine.
Step 5: Serve & Watch Everyone Devour It
Spoon that delicious, saucy chicken over a big bowl of jasmine rice and boom—dinner is served.
If your kids are like mine, expect at least one of them to pick out the veggies, one to ask if they can have theirs without sauce (seriously??), and one to actually eat it and ask for more. It’s a toss-up every night, but hey, I try.
FAQs for Thai Basil Chicken Crockpot Recipe
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work fine, but they tend to be a little drier. If you go that route, check the chicken around the 4-hour mark on LOW so it doesn’t overcook
What’s the difference between Thai basil and regular basil?
Thai basil has a slightly spicy, anise-like flavor that makes Thai Food Recipes taste more authentic. Regular basil is milder and sweeter, but if that’s all you have, go for it!
Can I make this on the stovetop instead?
Yep! Just sauté the chicken in a large pan, add the sauce ingredients, and simmer for about 20 minutes. Then, stir in the basil at the end.
Is this a spicy Thai basil chicken recipe?
It can be! The heat level depends on how much sriracha or red pepper flakes you add. If your family prefers milder Crockpot Asian dishes, just leave out the spice.
What can I serve this with?
The classic choice is jasmine rice, but it’s also amazing with noodles, cauliflower rice, or even in lettuce wraps for a lower-carb option.
Slow Cooker Thai Basil Chicken Recipe Card
Crockpot Thai Basil Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- ½ onion , sliced thin
- 4 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 red bell pepper , sliced
- 1 cup carrots , julienned
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sriracha optional
- 1 tsp fresh ginger , minced
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil or regular basil
- Cooked jasmine rice , for serving
Instructions
- Add everything to the slow cooker (except the basil and rice).
- Stir to combine.
- Cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 2.5-3 hours.
- Shred the chicken with two forks right in the pot.
- Stir in the fresh basil and let it wilt for a few minutes.
- Serve over jasmine rice and enjoy!
Notes
- Add extra veggies like baby corn, zucchini, or snap peas.
- No Thai basil? Use regular basil or skip it.
- Want a thicker sauce? Stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) in the last 30 minutes.
- Spice it up with extra sriracha or red pepper flakes!
Alright, mama—if you’ve made it this far, congrats! You now have a Thai Basil Chicken Recipe that’s so easy, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it all along. Seriously, this Slow Cooker Thai Basil Chicken is one of those meals that makes me feel like I actually have my life together… even if my kitchen still looks like a tornado hit it.
Whether you’re new to Chicken And Basil Recipes or you’ve got a whole lineup of Thai Food Recipes saved on Pinterest, this one’s a keeper. It’s got that perfect mix of savory, sweet, and a little spicy (but not too much, unless you want it to be). Plus, if you love Crockpot Asian dishes that are low effort but high reward, this is exactly what your weeknight dinner rotation needs.
So go ahead—whip up this Thai Basil Chicken Crockpot meal, pile it into a big Thai Chicken Bowl, and watch your family dig in (or, let’s be real, pick out the “weird green stuff” if they’re anything like mine). Either way, dinner’s done, you didn’t have to stress about it, and now you can kick back for at least five minutes before someone asks for a snack.
Let me know if you try it! And if you have a favorite twist on Crockpot Thai or Curry Slow Cooker meals, drop it in the comments—I’m always up for new ideas (as long as they don’t require me to stand over the stove for hours ). Happy cooking, friends!
Leave a Reply