Lighter Instant Pot Thai Basil Chicken

Lighter on the calories and made completely in the instant pot, this Thai basil chicken is loaded with fresh basil, soft sweet peppers, and tender chicken cubes.

4.89 from 9 votes

Lighter on the calories and made completely in the instant pot, this thai basil chicken is loaded with fresh basil flavor, soft sweet peppers, and tender chicken cubes.

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Servings servings

Calories 378kcal

Ingredients

2 tablespoons sesame oil
2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-in cubes
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
3 medium cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/3 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce
2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
1 large sweet pepper, cut into 1/2-in cubes
3/4 cup lightly-packed fresh basil, roughly chopped
3 tablespoons cornstarch, mixed with 3 tablespoons water
Salt and pepper to taste
Hot cooked rice for serving

Instructions

Heat sesame oil in a 4-qt instant pot set to SAUTE function. Once shimmery, add chicken and onions. Sauté several minutes until browned and onion is translucent. Add ginger and garlic and saute 1 additional minute until fragrant. Turn off SAUTE function.
Add chicken broth, soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar to instant pot and stir until combined. Seal lid on instant pot and cook on high pressure 8 minutes.
Manually release pressure from instant pot, remove lid, and add red pepper, basil, and cornstarch mixture. Seal lid back on instant pot and let sit 5 minutes until peppers are slightly softened, basil is wilted, and sauce is slightly thickened.
Season chicken with salt and pepper to taste and serve warm over jasmine rice. Enjoy!

Nutrition