Can I use chicken breast instead of ground chicken?

Yes and diced chicken breast works well and it will give you a chunkier texture than ground chicken.

Is Thai basil the same as regular basil?

Not exactly and Thai basil has a firmer leaf and a more peppery flavor that fits this dish best.

How spicy is Thai Basil Chicken?

It can be mild or hot depending on the chilies and you can reduce the amount for a gentler version.

Can I make this ahead for meal prep?

Yes and it reheats well and the flavor stays strong for easy lunches during the week.

Thai Basil Chicken Recipe

Name: Thai Basil Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 pound ground chicken; 1 tablespoon neutral oil; 4 cloves minced garlic; 2 sliced red chilies; 1 small sliced shallot; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon fish sauce; 2 teaspoons brown sugar; 3 tablespoons chicken broth; 1 cup loosely packed fresh Thai basil leaves; 4 cups cooked jasmine rice; 4 optional fried eggs

Description

Thai Basil Chicken is one of the best easy dinner ideas when you need a quick and simple meal that still feels fresh and healthy. The chicken cooks fast with garlic chilies and a glossy sauce and then gets finished with fragrant basil for bold flavor. This homemade version is great for weeknight dinner and meal prep and it comes together with simple ingredients for a satisfying bowl of rice.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground chicken
1 tablespoon neutral oil
4 cloves minced garlic
2 sliced red chilies
1 small sliced shallot
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon fish sauce
2 teaspoons brown sugar
3 tablespoons chicken broth
1 cup loosely packed fresh Thai basil leaves
4 cups cooked jasmine rice
4 optional fried eggs

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Instructions

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Notes

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: 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.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving