If you’ve been craving a dish that delivers a thrilling balance of spicy, savory, and fresh flavors all in one sizzling bite, the Thai Basil Chicken Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This beloved Thai street food-inspired meal is not only quick to cook but brings together the perfect harmony of tender ground chicken, fiery chilies, and the aromatic punch of holy basil. It’s a recipe that’s bursting with flavor and texture, making it an irresistible go-to for any weeknight or casual dinner gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Thai Basil Chicken Recipe is in its simplicity—the ingredients are straightforward but absolutely essential, each adding a distinct element that transforms the dish into a savory masterpiece. From the bright heat of fresh chilies to the umami depth of fish sauce and soy sauce, these components come together to create a dish that’s as vibrant in taste as it is in color.
- 3 to 4 tablespoons oil: The perfect vehicle for frying aromatics and cooking chicken evenly.
- 3 Thai bird chilies or holland chilies: Adds the characteristic spicy kick, with the option to remove seeds for milder heat.
- 3 shallots: Thinly sliced for subtle sweetness and gentle crunch.
- 5 cloves garlic: Sliced to infuse the oil with pungent, savory aroma.
- 1 pound ground chicken: The protein base that soaks up all the lovely sauce and flavors.
- 2 teaspoons sugar or honey: Balances the saltiness and heat with a touch of sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Provides umami richness and saltiness.
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce: A quintessential ingredient bringing authentic Thai flavor depth.
- 1/3 cup low sodium chicken broth or water: Helps deglaze the pan and keeps the chicken moist.
- 1 bunch holy or Thai basil leaves: The star herb that adds freshness, fragrance, and a slightly peppery note.
How to Make Thai Basil Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Oil
Start by heating your oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until it shimmers. This hot oil is crucial for getting that initial sear and releasing the aromas of your shallots, garlic, and chilies.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add the thinly sliced chilies, shallots, and garlic to the hot oil. Stir-fry them for 1 to 2 minutes, just until they’re fragrant and the shallots begin to soften, setting the foundation of flavor for the dish.
Step 3: Add the Chicken
Next, toss in the ground chicken. Using your spatula, break it into small pieces and stir-fry until it’s partially cooked through, about 2 minutes. This ensures even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
Step 4: Season the Dish
Sprinkle in the sugar, soy sauce, and fish sauce. These seasonings create that irresistible sweet-salty-savory trifecta that Thai cuisine is famous for. Stir everything together for about a minute to let flavors marry.
Step 5: Deglaze the Pan
Pour in the chicken broth (or water) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom. Let the liquid reduce over high heat for 1-2 minutes—this step keeps the chicken moist while concentrating the flavors.
Step 6: Add Basil and Finish
Remove the pan from heat and immediately stir in the Thai basil leaves. The residual heat will gently wilt the basil, releasing its intoxicating aroma without cooking it to mush. Serve this vibrant dish piping hot, ideally over steamed jasmine rice.
How to Serve Thai Basil Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes elevate this dish by adding textural contrast and visual appeal. Try topping your Thai Basil Chicken with a sprinkle of chopped scallions, a handful of crispy fried shallots, or even a wedge of lime for a zesty finish. A few extra basil leaves on top reinforce that fresh herbal punch.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple, steamed jasmine rice to soak up every drop of the savory sauce. For a more well-rounded meal, serve alongside crunchy cucumber salad or lightly stir-fried greens like bok choy or morning glory. These sides bring cooling and refreshing elements that balance the spiciness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or family, consider plating this chicken in crispy lettuce cups or alongside sticky rice with a side of sweet chili sauce for dipping. You can also turn this Thai Basil Chicken Recipe into a flavorful filling for wraps or tacos for a fun fusion twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your Thai Basil Chicken cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it will keep fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish if you want to keep it longer. Portion it out in freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. Frozen Thai Basil Chicken stays delicious for up to 2 months. Just remember basil won’t have the same fresh texture after thawing, so consider adding fresh leaves when reheating.
Reheating
The best way to reheat is gently on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to freshen up the sauce and stir frequently to heat evenly. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve texture, but it works well in a pinch.
FAQs
Can I use other meats instead of ground chicken?
Absolutely! Ground pork or turkey works wonderfully in this Thai Basil Chicken Recipe. Just adjust cooking times slightly if needed, but the flavor profile stays just as vibrant and satisfying.
How spicy is this Thai Basil Chicken Recipe?
The dish has a noticeable kick from the chilies, but you can control the heat by removing seeds or reducing the number of chilies. It’s all about tailoring the spice level to your preference.
Is fish sauce essential or can I substitute it?
Fish sauce is a key ingredient that adds authentic umami and depth. However, if you’re vegetarian or allergic, a dash of soy sauce mixed with a little miso can provide a similar savory background.
Can I prepare this recipe without a wok?
Yes, a large skillet or non-stick frying pan works just fine. The key is to cook over high heat so you get that quick sear and maintain the wonderful texture and flavor development.
What type of basil should I use?
Thai holy basil is traditional and provides a spicy, peppery flavor. If you can’t find it, Thai basil is a great substitute. Regular sweet basil won’t deliver the same punch but can be used in a pinch.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have this fantastic Thai Basil Chicken Recipe up your sleeve, you’re ready to bring a burst of authentic Thai street food magic right into your home kitchen. It’s a flavorful, straightforward dish that’s perfect for busy nights yet impressive enough to share with friends. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
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Thai Basil Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Description
A quick and flavorful Thai Basil Chicken recipe featuring ground chicken stir-fried with aromatic garlic, shallots, and chilies, seasoned with soy and fish sauce, and finished with fragrant Thai basil leaves. Perfect for a spicy and savory meal served over steamed rice.
Ingredients
Oil
- 3 to 4 tablespoons oil
Aromatics
- 3 Thai bird chilies or holland chilies, deseeded if desired and thinly sliced
- 3 shallots, thinly sliced
- 5 cloves garlic, sliced
Main
- 1 pound ground chicken
Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons sugar or honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1/3 cup low sodium chicken broth or water
Herbs
- 1 bunch holy or Thai basil leaves
Instructions
- Heat the oil: In a wok over high heat, add the oil and heat until shimmering to prepare it for stir-frying.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the sliced chilies, shallots, and garlic to the hot oil. Fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened to release their flavors.
- Add chicken: Add the ground chicken to the wok. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes, breaking it into small bits until it is partially cooked.
- Season: Stir in the sugar, soy sauce, and fish sauce. Cook for another minute to combine and enhance the flavors.
- Deglaze: Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Continue cooking quickly over high heat until the liquid mostly evaporates, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add basil: Remove the wok from heat, add the Thai basil leaves, and stir until the leaves are wilted and fragrant. Serve hot over steamed rice.
Notes
- Adjust the number of chilies to your preferred spice level, and remove seeds if you want it milder.
- You can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey or pork if desired.
- Use low sodium soy sauce and chicken broth to control salt levels.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh aroma of the basil.
- Optional: add a fried egg on top for added richness as is common in Thai cuisine.
