There’s honestly nothing like a piping hot plate of Thai Basil Chicken to satisfy your weeknight cravings and impress even the pickiest eaters. This classic Thai stir-fry is all about bold flavors—juicy ground chicken, spicy chilies, garlicky goodness, and that exhilarating aroma from fresh Thai basil. With just a handful of simple ingredients and 25 minutes, you’ll have a vibrant, delicious dish that transports your taste buds straight to the streets of Bangkok. Whether you’re new to Thai food or just want a quick, irresistible dinner, Thai Basil Chicken is a dish you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about how the magic happens with a few everyday staples. Each ingredient plays its own unique role—some bring the heat, others add a salty depth or a fresh, herby lift, and together they create the unforgettable flavors of Thai Basil Chicken. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:
- Ground Chicken (1 1/2 lbs): The main protein—makes the dish hearty, juicy, and perfect for soaking up those delicious sauces.
- Vegetable Oil (1 tablespoon): A neutral oil to kick off your stir-fry—keeps things sizzling without overpowering the flavors.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Don’t skimp! Garlic builds the savory base and infuses the whole dish with richness.
- Thai Chilies or Red Chili Peppers (2, finely sliced): These fiery little slices add the traditional kick—adjust the amount for your perfect spice level.
- Onion (1 small, sliced): Adds sweetness and crunch to balance the heat and protein.
- Soy Sauce (2 tablespoons): The umami anchor—brings saltiness and roundness to every bite.
- Oyster Sauce (1 tablespoon): Offers a slightly sweet, deep flavor that really sets Thai Basil Chicken apart.
- Fish Sauce (1 tablespoon): For a true Thai flavor, this ingredient adds intensity and a salty tang.
- Sugar (1 teaspoon): Just a touch to balance those savory flavors and mellow the edge of the chilies.
- Chicken Broth or Water (1/4 cup): Helps loosen the sauce so it coats every bit of chicken evenly.
- Fresh Thai Basil Leaves (1 cup): The soul of the dish—look for bright, fragrant leaves for that signature herby punch.
- Steamed Jasmine Rice (for serving): Fluffy, aromatic rice is the perfect bed for soaking up the juicy, saucy chicken.
How to Make Thai Basil Chicken
Step 1: Sauté Garlic and Chilies
Start by heating the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. When it’s shimmering, toss in the minced garlic and chili slices, letting them sizzle for about 30 seconds. This step is where your kitchen starts to smell absolutely amazing, as the oil gets infused with that classic Thai fragrance. Keep a close eye—garlic can brown fast!
Step 2: Soften the Onions
Next, add your sliced onions to the pan. Stir them around for about 2–3 minutes, just until they soften slightly. The onions bring a gentle sweetness and some texture that balance out the spice and punchier sauces coming up.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Chicken
Add the ground chicken, breaking it up quickly with your spoon. Cook it for 5–7 minutes, making sure it’s browned and cooked through—no pink spots! At this stage, the chicken will soak up all the garlicky-chili base and start to take on some golden color.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sprinkle in the sugar. Stir everything well so the chicken gets evenly coated. Then add your chicken broth or water—this loosens the mixture so every bite is juicy and flavorful. Let it simmer for another 1–2 minutes until the sauce is slightly thickened.
Step 5: Fold in the Thai Basil Leaves
Turn off the heat and quickly toss in the Thai basil leaves. Stir just until they wilt from the residual heat. This is the grand finale: as the basil hits the hot chicken, its aroma will bloom and wrap the dish in a uniquely Thai, slightly peppery perfume.
Step 6: Serve Over Rice
Spoon the hot, glossy Thai Basil Chicken over big bowls of steaming jasmine rice. The fragrant grains soak up the saucy chicken, ensuring that every mouthful is rich, spicy, and completely satisfying.
How to Serve Thai Basil Chicken
Garnishes
When it comes to finishing touches, you can add a few extra slices of fresh chili or a scatter of extra basil for color and taste. A wedge of lime on the side is also fantastic—just a quick squeeze over your plate can make the flavors even brighter.
Side Dishes
Thai Basil Chicken is already a flavor-packed meal, but pairing it with cooling sides like crisp cucumber salad or steamed bok choy is a lovely choice. A simple fried egg on top (known as kai dao in Thailand) is a popular street food touch that turns it into pure comfort food.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking outside the bowl? Try stuffing Thai Basil Chicken into lettuce leaves for spicy wraps, or pile it into a fresh baguette for a Thai-inspired sandwich! It also tastes amazing served over brown rice or quinoa for a healthy twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Thai Basil Chicken keeps quite well in the refrigerator, making lunch or dinner prep a total breeze for the next day. Just transfer any remaining chicken (without rice) to an airtight container, and it’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze some for later, simply portion the cooled chicken into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a bit of room at the top. Thai Basil Chicken will keep its flavors beautifully for up to 2 months in the freezer. For best results, leave the basil out until reheating, as it tastes freshest added at the end.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat the Thai Basil Chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Microwave works, too, just stir halfway through so everything heats evenly. Add a few fresh basil leaves at the end if you can—they make a difference!
FAQs
Can I make Thai Basil Chicken less spicy?
Absolutely! Simply reduce the number of chilies you use or swap in a milder variety of pepper. You can also deseed the chilies—the dish will still be wonderfully fragrant, just with less heat.
What can I substitute if I can’t find Thai basil?
Italian or sweet basil will work in a pinch, though the flavor is milder and slightly sweeter. If you can, add a pinch of fresh mint or a little extra pepper to mimic the signature Thai basil aroma.
Is it okay to use ground turkey, pork, or tofu?
Definitely! Ground turkey and pork both soak up the flavors beautifully, and firm tofu is a fantastic vegetarian alternative. Just press out excess moisture from tofu before cooking for best texture.
What kind of rice should I serve with Thai Basil Chicken?
Jasmine rice is traditional and perfect for this dish, thanks to its floral aroma and light, fluffy texture. Brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice also make great alternatives.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time for meal prep?
Yes, Thai Basil Chicken is an excellent meal prep candidate. The flavors only deepen as it sits, and it reheats quickly for a fast, satisfying meal anytime you need it.
Final Thoughts
Thai Basil Chicken is one of those incredible recipes that packs maximum flavor and comfort into minimal time—and it’s so much fun to make. Give it a try and let your kitchen fill with the irresistible fragrance of chilies, garlic, and fresh basil. I promise, this is one dish you’ll want on regular rotation!
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Thai Basil Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A flavorful and aromatic Thai Basil Chicken stir-fry recipe that is quick and easy to make. This dish features tender ground chicken cooked with garlic, Thai chilies, onions, and a savory blend of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce, all finished off with fresh Thai basil leaves. Serve this delicious dish over steamed jasmine rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Ground Chicken Stir-Fry:
- 1 1/2 lbs ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 Thai chilies or red chili peppers (finely sliced, adjust to taste)
- 1 small onion (sliced)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
- Steamed jasmine rice for serving
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat oil in a skillet, add garlic and chilies, sauté until fragrant.
- Cook onion: Add onion, cook until softened.
- Cook chicken: Add ground chicken, cook until no longer pink.
- Add sauces: Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar.
- Simmer: Add chicken broth, let simmer until thickened.
- Add basil: Turn off heat, fold in Thai basil until wilted.
- Serve: Serve over steamed jasmine rice.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or tofu for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- If Thai basil is unavailable, regular basil can be used, though the flavor will differ slightly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (without rice)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
