Thai Basil Chicken

This Thai Basil Chicken recipe is a great meal to make when you are in the mood for something warm and tasty.

This yummy meal is great for any occasion and it can be made for lunch and dinner and if you like easy homemade meals you might also enjoy Easy Breakfast Burritos.

In this post we will show you how to make this recipe right at home with simple steps.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe and you can always make substitutions if you prefer.

• ground chicken: The main protein and it cooks quickly while staying tender in the sauce.
• neutral oil: Helps the chicken brown lightly and keeps the aromatics from sticking.
• garlic: Adds deep savory flavor and builds the base of the dish.
• red chilies: Bring heat and a fresh sharp bite to balance the sauce.
• shallot: Adds mild sweetness and soft texture as it cooks with the chicken.
• soy sauce: Adds salty depth and rich color to the stir fry.
• oyster sauce: Gives the sauce body and savory sweetness.
• fish sauce: Adds classic Thai style umami and a salty finish.
• brown sugar: Balances the salty and spicy flavors with light sweetness.
• chicken broth: Loosens the sauce so it coats the chicken evenly.
• fresh Thai basil leaves: The signature herb that adds fragrance and a peppery finish.
• cooked jasmine rice: Serves as the soft base that soaks up the glossy sauce.
• fried eggs: A classic topping that adds rich yolk and extra texture.

Tools You’ll Need

• wooden cutting board: Used for slicing garlic chilies and shallot.
• wok: Best for fast stir frying and quick sauce reduction.
• white plate: Used for the final plated serving.

Instructions

Step 1: Slice the aromatics and gather the sauce ingredients

The garlic red chilies and shallot are cut into uneven pieces and the sauces are measured so the recipe moves quickly once the chicken starts cooking.

Tip: Keep the basil leaves whole so they wilt without turning mushy.

Step 2: Brown the chicken with the shallot and chilies

The chicken breaks into rough crumbles as it cooks and the pink color fades while the shallot softens and the chilies and garlic cling to the meat and create small browned edges.

Tip: Leave a few larger crumbles for a more homemade texture.

Step 3: Pour in the sauce and coat the chicken

The dark sauce hits the hot chicken and turns glossy as it spreads through the crumbles and the mixture looks deeper in color and slightly sticky instead of dry.

Tip: Stir just until the sauce thickens enough to cling to the chicken.

Step 4: Fold in the basil until wilted

The basil leaves soften into the hot sauce and darken as they fold around the chicken and the whole dish looks greener and more finished with loose leaves tucked between the crumbles.

Tip: Add the basil at the end so it stays fragrant and bright.

Step 5: Serve over rice and finish the plate

The cooked chicken is spooned over fluffy jasmine rice in a casual pile and the sauce settles into the grains while the basil and chilies sit unevenly on top and a fried egg can be added for a richer finish.

Tip: Spoon extra sauce over the rice so every bite has flavor.

Pro Tips

• Use Thai basil if you can find it for the most classic flavor.
• Do not overwork the chicken or the texture can turn too fine.
• Have the sauce ingredients measured before cooking because the dish moves fast.
• Serve it right away so the basil stays fragrant and the rice soaks up the sauce.

Storage Instructions

Let the chicken cool and then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep the rice in a separate container if you want the best texture when reheating. Warm it gently until hot and add a small splash of broth if the sauce looks too thick. The basil will darken a bit over time and the flavor will still be very good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

So there you go. A recipe that is simple enough for a Tuesday night but good enough to serve at a gathering and if you want another easy homemade idea try Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sandwich or Simple Avocado Toast.

Save this one and share it with a friend and let me know in the comments if you made any fun changes. I am always curious to see how people put their own spin on things.

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