If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors and comes together in a flash, this Thai Basil Chicken Recipe is your new best friend. Featuring tender ground chicken infused with fragrant garlic, fiery Thai chilies, and a vibrant punch of fresh basil, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of spicy, savory, and aromatic goodness. It’s an irresistible stir-fry that brings the authentic taste of Thailand right to your kitchen, all while being incredibly simple to prepare and tailor to your spice tolerance. Trust me, once you try this Thai Basil Chicken Recipe, it will become your go-to for a speedy weeknight dinner packed with excitement and comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward and each plays an irreplaceable role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this dish so special. From the fragrant garlic that wakes up your senses to the fresh Thai basil that provides that unmistakable aroma, every element works in harmony to create a dish that’s quick, tasty, and satisfying.
- 1 pound ground chicken: The lean protein base that cooks quickly and absorbs all the delicious sauces beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Essential for stir-frying and getting everything to sizzle just right without sticking.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Adds a deep, savory aroma that’s simply irresistible when sizzling in the pan.
- 2 Thai chilies (sliced, or to taste): Provide a spicy kick that can be adjusted depending on how daring your palate is.
- 1 small onion (sliced): Lends a subtle sweetness and a slight crunch to the mix.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: The salty backbone that enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Offers a rich umami depth that makes this dish truly savory and satisfying.
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce: The classic Thai seasoning that brings authenticity and that perfect salty punch.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Balances out the savory and spicy flavors with a touch of sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon dark soy sauce (optional for color): Adds a rich, deep color and a slightly sweet, complex flavor.
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves: The star herb that gives this dish its bright, peppery aroma and fresh finish.
- Cooked jasmine rice (for serving): The perfect fragrant bed to soak up every bit of saucy goodness.
- Optional: fried egg for topping: Adds richness and an extra layer of indulgence, making this dish feel extra special.
How to Make Thai Basil Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating your vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced Thai chilies, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds until everything smells fragrant and inviting. This quick step wakes up the flavors and forms the flavor foundation you can’t do without.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Chicken
Next, add your ground chicken to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it up into small pieces while cooking. Keep stirring so it browns evenly and cooks through, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is crucial because well-browned chicken brings out deeper flavors and a more pleasant texture.
Step 3: Add the Onions
Toss in the sliced onion and continue stirring for 1 to 2 minutes. The onions soften just enough to add a mild sweetness and a bit of crunch, complementing the spicy chilies and savory chicken perfectly.
Step 4: Combine the Sauces and Seasonings
Now pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and the optional dark soy sauce if you want that beautiful dark color. Stir everything thoroughly to combine the sauces and coat the chicken evenly. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes so the flavors meld and develop a rich, glossy finish.
Step 5: Fold in the Thai Basil Leaves
Turn off the heat and gently fold fresh Thai basil leaves into the pan. The residual heat will wilt the leaves beautifully, releasing their signature peppery aroma and sealing in fresh herbal notes. This step is the secret to making your Thai Basil Chicken Recipe truly authentic and vibrant.
How to Serve Thai Basil Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To make every bite a little more special, garnish your Thai Basil Chicken with a sprinkle of extra fresh basil or a few thin slices of red chili for added color and heat. For an indulgent touch, top it with a runny fried egg—the rich yolk creates a luscious sauce that melds all the flavors together on the plate.
Side Dishes
This stir-fry shines best served over steaming jasmine rice, which is wonderfully fragrant and naturally soaks up the delicious sauce. You could also accompany it with crisp cucumber slices or a simple Thai cucumber salad to add a refreshing crunch that balances the heat and spice wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve this Thai Basil Chicken Recipe in lettuce cups for a fresh, handheld version that’s perfect for sharing. Or pack it as a vibrant filling for rice paper rolls accompanied by herbs and dipping sauce. It’s versatile enough to fit casual dinners or a fun gathering!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. Your Thai Basil Chicken will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners on busy days.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, although the basil might lose some vibrancy. If you plan to freeze, consider adding the fresh basil after reheating. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months to keep it tasting fresh and flavorful.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first. Adding fresh basil after reheating will brighten the dish back up and keep that fresh, authentic taste.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat for this Thai Basil Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! While ground chicken is classic for its lightness, ground pork or turkey can also work wonderfully. Just expect a slightly different texture and flavor profile, but still delicious.
What can I substitute if I can’t find Thai basil?
If fresh Thai basil isn’t available, Italian basil is the next best thing. The flavor won’t be identical—Thai basil has a more peppery, slightly spicy note—but it will still provide a lovely herbal freshness.
How spicy is this dish, and can I adjust it?
This dish has a nice level of heat thanks to the Thai chilies, but you can easily adjust to your preference. Use fewer chilies for mild heat or toss in more if you love it fiery. Removing the seeds from the chilies can also reduce some of the spice.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! This Thai Basil Chicken Recipe is completely dairy-free, making it a great choice for those with lactose intolerance or following a dairy-free diet.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
For a vegetarian twist, you can substitute the ground chicken with firm tofu or textured vegetable protein. Use vegetarian oyster sauce or mushroom sauce to keep the umami flavor intact, and you’ll have a delicious plant-based version.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about how a few simple ingredients can come together to create such an exciting and flavorful meal. This Thai Basil Chicken Recipe is proof that cooking authentic, delicious Thai food at home doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, it’s bound to bring smiles and that perfect spicy, savory satisfaction everyone loves. So grab your wok, gather your ingredients, and let this dish become a beloved staple in your culinary rotation!
Print
Thai Basil Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
Thai Basil Chicken, or Pad Kra Pao, is a quick and flavorful Thai stir-fry made with ground chicken, aromatic garlic, fiery Thai chilies, and fresh basil leaves. Served over fragrant jasmine rice and optionally topped with a crispy fried egg, this dish delivers spicy, savory, and slightly sweet notes in every bite, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound ground chicken
Vegetables & Herbs
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Thai chilies, sliced (or to taste)
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
Sauces & Oils
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- ½ teaspoon dark soy sauce (optional, for color)
Others
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Cooked jasmine rice, for serving
- Optional: fried egg for topping
Instructions
- Heat the oil and aromatics: Warm the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced Thai chilies, stir-frying for about 30 seconds until they release their fragrance.
- Cook the ground chicken: Add the ground chicken to the skillet. Use a spatula to break up the meat as it cooks. Stir-fry until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly browned, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add onions: Stir in the sliced onion and continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes until the onion softens slightly but still retains some crunch.
- Incorporate sauces and sugar: Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and dark soy sauce if using. Stir well to combine all the flavors and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes to let the sauce meld with the chicken.
- Fold in basil leaves: Remove the skillet from the heat and gently fold in the fresh Thai basil leaves until they are just wilted, infusing the dish with their signature aroma.
- Serve: Serve the chicken hot over cooked jasmine rice. Optionally, top with a crispy fried egg for added richness and texture. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- If fresh Thai basil is unavailable, substitute with Italian basil, noting that the flavor will be slightly different.
- Adjust the amount of Thai chilies to suit your preferred spice level.
- For a richer dish, consider topping with a fried egg, which is traditional in many Thai households.
- Use dark soy sauce sparingly as it mainly adds color and a touch of sweetness.
