If you’re hunting for an effortless meal that delivers absolutely bold flavor, look no further than Thai Basil Chicken. This quick stir-fry bursts with spicy heat from chilies, balancing sweet, salty, and umami notes that wrap around aromatic basil for an irresistible finish. Served over fluffy jasmine rice, it’s become a weeknight staple in my kitchen, thanks to both its lightning-fast prep time and the sheer comfort it brings. Whether you’re passionate about Thai cuisine Main Course.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but absolutely essential for capturing the punchy flavor and signature aroma of Thai Basil Chicken. Each one adds something special—whether it’s depth, spice, or that unmistakable herbal brightness.
- Ground chicken (1 lb): Quick to cook and perfectly soaks up all those bold sauces and spices.
- Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): Helps everything sizzle and brown without overpowering the flavors.
- Garlic, minced (4 cloves): Brings that savory aroma that will have everyone wandering into the kitchen.
- Shallots, thinly sliced (2): Sweet and mild, they melt into the background and create depth.
- Thai chilies, finely chopped (2 or to taste): Add as much as you dare for classic heat and zing.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Delivers saltiness and a satisfying umami core to every bite.
- Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds a glossy richness and a hint of sweetness.
- Fish sauce (1 tablespoon): A little goes a long way to infuse deep, complex, savory notes.
- Sugar (1 teaspoon): Rounds out all the salt and heat, giving the dish a subtle balance.
- Water (1/4 cup): Loosens the sauce so it coats everything beautifully.
- Fresh Thai basil leaves (1 cup): The heart and soul of Thai Basil Chicken, with their peppery, anise kick (don’t skip these!).
- Cooked jasmine rice (for serving): Fluffy, aromatic, and the perfect partner for this saucy stir-fry.
How to Make Thai Basil Chicken
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Toss in the minced garlic, sliced shallots, and finely chopped Thai chilies. Stir-fry them for about 30 seconds, just until they’re fragrant and the kitchen smells absolutely tantalizing. This step is crucial—the sizzling aromatics lay the foundation for all the flavors to come.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Add your ground chicken to the sizzling aromatics. Use your spoon to break up the meat as it cooks, ensuring you get small, even crumbles. Let it brown and cook through—this should take around 5 to 7 minutes. The chicken will absorb those bold flavors beautifully while developing a little texture of its own.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Now comes the fun part: pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sprinkle in the sugar. Add the quarter cup of water too. Stir everything together, letting the sauce bubble and reduce for about 2 to 3 minutes. This is when the magic happens—the sauce thickens and clings to each juicy morsel of chicken.
Step 4: Add the Thai Basil
Turn off the heat, then add your generous handful of fresh Thai basil leaves. Stir them in gently; the residual heat will wilt the basil just enough to turn it glossy and aromatic, but not so much that it loses its bright flavor. The dish transforms instantly, with those signature herbal notes filling the pan.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon your glorious Thai Basil Chicken over hot jasmine rice and breathe in that fragrant steam. This step is pure comfort food perfection—each bite delivers sweet, spicy, and savory notes with herbal spark from the basil.
How to Serve Thai Basil Chicken
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh Thai basil leaves on top of your Thai Basil Chicken not only looks gorgeous but amps up the dish’s signature scent. If you crave extra zing, slice up a few mild red chilies or scatter some thinly sliced scallions before serving. A generous squeeze of lime brightens everything right up!
Side Dishes
Thai Basil Chicken shines with simple, complementary sides. Steamed jasmine rice is a must, but consider pairing it with quick cucumber salad or crisp stir-fried veggies for balance. If you’re hosting, a bowl of hot and sour soup or fresh spring rolls turns this into a full Thai-inspired spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, wrap a spoonful of Thai Basil Chicken in crisp lettuce leaves and top with peanuts for a hands-on appetizer. On busy nights, make a rice bowl, layering chicken, veggies, and garnish. Or serve in a sizzling skillet right at the table for dramatic effect. However you present it, this dish is a guaranteed centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Thai Basil Chicken has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerated, it will stay tasty for up to three days. You’ll notice those aromatic seasonings deepen overnight—making leftovers just as delicious, if not more so, the next day.
Freezing
Want to enjoy Thai Basil Chicken in the future? Absolutely! Freeze individual portions in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to two months. For best results, freeze the ground chicken mixture without basil and stir in fresh leaves after reheating.
Reheating
Warm your leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. If you froze the chicken, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat and add extra fresh basil at the end to revive that signature flavor and aroma.
FAQs
Can I use regular basil instead of Thai basil?
Yes, you can substitute regular sweet basil if you can’t find Thai basil, but keep in mind the flavor will be milder and less peppery. It’s still delicious, though it misses that distinctive anise punch.
Is Thai Basil Chicken very spicy?
It can be as spicy or as mild as you like! Simply adjust the number of Thai chilies according to your heat preference. Removing the seeds will also tame the spice level if you’re sensitive to heat.
What protein substitutes work best for a vegetarian version?
For a plant-based twist, crumbled firm tofu makes a wonderful substitute. Pair it with vegetarian oyster sauce and soy sauce for depth—you won’t miss the chicken!
Can I meal prep Thai Basil Chicken?
Absolutely. It reheats beautifully, making it a fantastic choice for grab-and-go lunches or weeknight dinners. Just keep your rice and chicken separate until serving for the best texture.
Is it possible to double this recipe?
Yes, Thai Basil Chicken scales up easily! Just use a large wok or skillet to avoid overcrowding, and double all the ingredients. Perfect for family dinners or meal prepping for the week.
Final Thoughts
Thai Basil Chicken is one of those meals I come back to again and again—so easy, so satisfying, and always a hit with friends and family. If you crave big flavor with little fuss, I hope this recipe finds its way into your rotation too. Let the aroma of sizzling garlic and basil fill your kitchen soon!
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Thai Basil Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A quick and flavorful Thai Basil Chicken recipe that is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. This spicy stir-fry dish features ground chicken cooked with aromatic Thai basil leaves and a savory sauce. Served over steamed jasmine rice, it’s a satisfying meal bursting with Thai flavors.
Ingredients
Ground Chicken Stir-Fry:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Aromatics:
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 shallots (thinly sliced)
- 2 Thai chilies (finely chopped, or to taste)
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup water
Finishing Touches:
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
- cooked jasmine rice for serving
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the garlic, shallots, and Thai chilies. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook Ground Chicken: Add the ground chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Make Sauce: Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and water. Cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add Basil: Turn off the heat and stir in Thai basil leaves until wilted.
- Serve: Serve hot over jasmine rice.
Notes
- If Thai basil isn’t available, substitute with regular basil for a milder flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, use crumbled tofu and vegetarian oyster sauce.
- Adjust chili quantity for desired level of spiciness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl with rice
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
