Get ready to fall in love with the explosive flavors of Thai Basil Chicken, a dish that brings the essence of Thailand right to your kitchen. This vibrant stir-fry is packed with juicy ground chicken, fragrant garlic, fiery chilies, and a glorious handful of fresh basil leaves. Every bite is a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet, all tossed together in a glossy sauce that clings to tender chicken and crisp veggies. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or aiming to impress friends with authentic Thai cuisine, Thai Basil Chicken delivers bold flavors and pure comfort in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Thai Basil Chicken is how simple the ingredient list is, yet how much each component pops. Every item brings something special — from the mellow heat of chilies to the sweet crunch of bell pepper, all tied together by fresh basil that just sings in the final dish.
- Ground chicken (1 1/2 pounds): The star protein, soaking up all those aromatic sauces and spices for juicy, flavorful bites in every forkful.
- Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): Helps everything sizzle and ensures your aromatics release their magic without sticking.
- Garlic, minced (4 cloves): Infuses the dish with that irresistible, savory backbone — don’t skimp!
- Thai chilies or red chili, sliced (2 Thai chilies or 1 red chili): Brings the authentic kick; adjust for your preferred spice level.
- Small onion, sliced (1): Adds sweetness and depth, softening just enough to meld with the chicken.
- Red bell pepper, sliced (1): Pops of color and a gentle crunch that balance the heat and richness.
- Soy sauce (3 tablespoons): Lays down a salty, umami-packed foundation for the sauce.
- Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds glossy depth and a touch of sweetness that rounds everything out.
- Fish sauce (1 tablespoon): Delivers that essential Thai funk and saltiness — a little goes a long way!
- Brown sugar (1 teaspoon): Just enough sweetness to balance the heat and salt, without making the dish sugary.
- Fresh Thai basil leaves (1/2 cup): The finishing touch that gives Thai Basil Chicken its signature aroma and punch; regular basil works well, too.
- Cooked jasmine rice (for serving): Fluffy, fragrant rice soaks up every drop of sauce and makes the meal complete.
How to Make Thai Basil Chicken
Step 1: Sizzle the Aromatics
Start by heating your vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, toss in the minced garlic and sliced chili. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds, just until the kitchen fills with that mouthwatering, spicy aroma. Keep a close eye — you want them fragrant but not burnt!
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Add the ground chicken straight into the pan. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks, letting it brown and sizzle for about 5 to 7 minutes. The goal is to get it fully cooked and just starting to turn golden, which gives your Thai Basil Chicken wonderful texture and flavor.
Step 3: Add the Veggies
Now add the sliced onion and red bell pepper. Stir-fry for another 2 to 3 minutes. You want them to soften slightly but still keep a bit of crunch — they’ll add a lovely contrast to the tender chicken.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sprinkle in the brown sugar. Stir everything together so the chicken and veggies get glossy and coated. Let the sauce bubble away for 1 to 2 minutes, just enough to thicken and deepen in flavor.
Step 5: Stir in the Basil
Remove the pan from the heat and immediately toss in the fresh basil leaves. Give it a quick stir so the basil wilts gently from the residual heat. This is the secret to that iconic Thai Basil Chicken fragrance and flavor — the basil should be vibrant and just barely wilted.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Spoon your hot Thai Basil Chicken over a bed of steaming jasmine rice. The rice will soak up all those wonderful juices, making every bite unforgettable.
How to Serve Thai Basil Chicken
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra fresh basil leaves right before serving adds a pop of color and even more of that signature aroma. For a little extra heat, add sliced fresh chilies or a drizzle of chili garlic sauce. A wedge of lime on the side never hurts for a bit of zesty brightness.
Side Dishes
Thai Basil Chicken pairs beautifully with simple sides to keep the spotlight on the main event. Try a crisp cucumber salad, a tangy green papaya salad (som tam), or a bowl of clear broth soup for a refreshing contrast. Even just some lightly sautéed greens make a fabulous pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve Thai Basil Chicken in lettuce cups for a light, shareable appetizer. Or make a rice bowl with a fried egg on top for an authentic street food vibe. You can even tuck it into a soft roll for a spicy sandwich with a Thai twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, let your Thai Basil Chicken cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the flavors get even deeper as it sits. Just store the rice separately to keep it from getting soggy.
Freezing
Thai Basil Chicken freezes surprisingly well. Portion the cooled chicken mixture (without rice) into freezer-safe containers or bags, squeezing out excess air. It will stay delicious for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring occasionally. Add a handful of fresh basil at the end if you have it for a flavor boost.
FAQs
Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, pork, or even beef all work well in this recipe. Just follow the same instructions and adjust cooking times as needed for your chosen protein.
Is Thai Basil the same as regular basil?
Thai basil has a slightly spicier, more licorice-like flavor compared to sweet Italian basil. If you can’t find Thai basil, regular basil is a great substitute, though the flavor will be a little milder.
How can I make Thai Basil Chicken vegetarian?
Swap the ground chicken for crumbled tofu or a plant-based ground meat alternative, and use vegetarian oyster and fish sauce substitutes. The result is still full of flavor and totally satisfying.
Does this dish have to be spicy?
Not at all! You control the heat. Use fewer chilies or remove the seeds for a milder version, or add extra chilies and a spoonful of chili garlic sauce if you love things fiery.
What kind of rice is best for serving?
Steamed jasmine rice is classic and soaks up the sauce beautifully, but you can use brown rice, cauliflower rice, or even serve Thai Basil Chicken over noodles for a fun change.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a quick, bold, and utterly crave-worthy dinner, give Thai Basil Chicken a try. It’s the kind of dish that brings people to the table and has everyone asking for seconds. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular in your kitchen — it’s just that good!
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Thai Basil Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Thai
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Thai Basil Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful stir-fry dish featuring ground chicken cooked with garlic, chilies, and fresh Thai basil leaves. This quick and easy recipe combines savory soy, oyster, and fish sauces with a touch of brown sugar for the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and salty flavors. Served over steamed jasmine rice, it makes a satisfying and authentic Thai main course that’s perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 1/2 pounds ground chicken
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Thai chilies or 1 red chili, thinly sliced (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
Sauces and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
Fresh Herbs and Serving
- 1/2 cup fresh Thai basil leaves (or regular basil)
- Cooked jasmine rice, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced chilies, stir-frying for about 30 seconds until fragrant and aromatic.
- Cook the chicken: Add the ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked and lightly browned, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add vegetables: Stir in the sliced onion and red bell pepper, cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until they are just tender but still crisp.
- Incorporate sauces and sugar: Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sprinkle the brown sugar over the mixture. Stir well to combine all flavors and let the sauce cook for 1 to 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Finish with basil: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the fresh Thai basil leaves until wilted and fragrant.
- Serve: Spoon the flavorful chicken mixture hot over steamed jasmine rice and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase the number of chilies or add a spoonful of chili garlic sauce.
- Ground turkey or pork can be used as a substitute for chicken based on preference or availability.
- Thai holy basil provides the most authentic flavor, but regular basil is a fine alternative if unavailable.
- To keep the dish gluten-free, ensure that soy sauce and oyster sauce are labeled gluten-free.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (without rice)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 880 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
