Add a burst of exotic flavor to your dinner routine with this easy and authentic Thai Basil Chicken recipe! This dish transforms simple ingredients into a fragrant and spicy delight with the perfect balance of heat and sweetness.
Why You'll Love This Flavorful Dish
- Quick and Simple. Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Effortless Preparation. Minimal chopping and cooking for a no-fuss experience.
- Incredibly Flavorful. The combination of fresh basil, garlic, and chilies creates an aromatic and delicious meal.
With the magic of stir-frying, you'll achieve that desirable mix of tender chicken and crisp vegetables, making it a healthier option that doesn't sacrifice taste.
What Is Thai Basil Chicken?
Thai Basil Chicken is a flavorful and aromatic dish that offers a delightful mix of savory, spicy, and fresh notes. It's a well-balanced meal that excites the palate with its depth and complexity, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy bold and vibrant flavors.
Ingredients You'll Need
- 1 Pound Ground Chicken- The main protein of the dish, ground chicken absorbs the flavors well.
- 1 Cup Thai Basil- Essential for its distinctive flavor and fragrance. Regular basil can be substituted if necessary.
- 4 Cloves Garlic- Adds a pungent, savory depth to the dish.
- 3 Bird's Eye Chilies- Provide the spicy kick. Adjust the amount to your heat preference.
- 1 Onion- Adds sweetness and texture.
For the Sauce
- 2 TBSP Soy Sauce- Adds saltiness and umami.
- 1 TBSP Fish Sauce- Contributes a unique depth of flavor and authenticity.
- 1 TBSP Oyster Sauce- Adds a rich, savory sweetness.
- 1 TBSP Brown Sugar- Balances the saltiness and enhances the overall taste.
- 1/4 Cup Water- Helps blend the sauce ingredients together.
How To Make Thai Basil Chicken
- Prepare the Ingredients. Start by mincing the garlic and slicing the chilies and onion. Wash and pick the Thai basil leaves from the stems.
- Make the Sauce. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and water. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- Cook the Chicken. Heat a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil, then sauté the garlic and chilies until fragrant. Add the ground chicken and cook until it’s no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Add Vegetables. Stir in the onion and bell pepper (if using) and cook for a few minutes until they start to soften.
- Combine and Stir-Fry. Pour the sauce over the chicken mixture and stir to coat evenly. Cook for another few minutes until the sauce is slightly reduced and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Add Basil. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the fresh basil leaves. The residual heat will wilt the basil just right.
- Serve. Serve hot over a bed of steamed jasmine rice and top with a fried egg for an authentic touch.
Tips And Tricks
Perfecting Thai Basil Chicken is about technique and quality ingredients. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out flavorful and satisfying:
- Fresh Basil. Use fresh Thai basil for the best flavor. If you can’t find Thai basil, regular basil or holy basil can be used as substitutes.
- Control the Heat. Adjust the number of chilies according to your heat preference. Removing the seeds can also reduce spiciness.
- High Heat Cooking. Stir-frying over high heat ensures the chicken cooks quickly and remains tender.
Variations
Thai Basil Chicken can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Here are some creative variations:
- Vegetarian- Substitute chicken with tofu or a mix of mushrooms.
- Low Carb- Serve over cauliflower rice instead of jasmine rice.
- Add More Vegetables- Include vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or green beans for extra nutrition and color.
What To Serve With Thai Basil Chicken
Thai Basil Chicken pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are some great options:
- Jasmine Rice- The classic pairing that soaks up the delicious sauce.
- Fried Egg- Traditionally served on top, adding richness and texture.
- Cucumber Salad- A refreshing side that complements the spicy chicken.
How Long Does It Last?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat until warmed through before serving.
Can You Freeze It?
Yes, Thai Basil Chicken can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in a pan over medium heat until hot.
Mostly. Thai basil chicken is often used as the English name for Pad Kra Pao (Pad Krapow Gai), a classic Thai stir-fry of chicken with lots of garlic and chilies in a savory sauce. It's usually finished with basil and sometimes topped with a crispy fried egg.
The small catch is basil. Traditional Pad Kra Pao is meant to use holy basil (krapow), while many “Thai basil chicken” recipes use Thai basil because it’s easier to find. So, the dish is very similar, but the aroma can be slightly different.
Yes, you can use regular basil if you can’t find Thai basil for Thai basil chicken / Pad Kra Pao, but expect a different aroma.
Italian basil is sweeter and less peppery/anise-like, so the dish tastes a bit less “authentic” but still really good.
To get closer to that classic Pad Kra Pao vibe, use more basil than you think you need and add it at the very end so it stays fragrant. A little extra garlic and a touch more chili can help make up for the flavor shift.
Thai basil chicken is usually spicy, since it’s made with plenty of garlic and bird’s eye chilies, but it’s very easy to control the heat.
For a milder Thai basil chicken recipe, use fewer chilies (or swap in a milder pepper like jalapeño), remove the seeds, and keep the savory sauce the same so you don’t lose that classic flavor. You can always add extra chili at the table.
More Amazing Asian-Inspired Dishes
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Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Chicken
- 1 cup Thai Basil, chopped
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 3 Bird's Eye Chilies, sliced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 tbsp Fish Sauce
- 1 tbsp Oyster Sauce
- 1 tbsp Brown Sugar
- 1/4 cup Water
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients. Start by mincing the garlic and slicing the chilies and onion. Wash and pick the Thai basil leaves from the stems.
- Make the Sauce. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and water. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- Cook the Chicken. Heat a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil, then sauté the garlic and chilies until fragrant. Add the ground chicken and cook until it’s no longer pink (5-7 minutes), breaking it up with a spoon.
- Combine and Stir-Fry. Pour the sauce over the chicken mixture and stir to coat evenly. Cook for another few minutes until the sauce is slightly reduced and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Add Basil. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the fresh basil leaves. The residual heat will wilt the basil just right.
- Serve. Serve hot over a bed of steamed jasmine rice and top with a fried egg for an authentic touch.
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Nutrition
Don't forget to check out my other Keto cookbooks.
Keto Instant Pot, Keto Fat Bombs, Sweets, & Treats, and Easy keto in 30 minutes.
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April
This was delicious! Made it for New Year’s Eve dinner. Everyone loved it!
AshleyThompson
For such a simple recipe, this is really tasty!
Karen Johnson
Followed the recipe exactly and this was one of the best dishes I’ve ever made! Tastes exactly like my favorite meal from our local Thai restaurant. Very easy to make and insanely delicious!