Description
A quick and spicy Thai basil chicken stir-fry that balances bold, savory, and herbal flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights and loved by the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground chicken (lean or regular)
- 1 cup packed fresh Thai basil leaves (about 25g)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce (30ml)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (15ml), preferably low-sodium
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (15ml), optional
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (30ml)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Optional veggies: sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or shredded carrots
- Cooked jasmine rice (for serving)
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients by mincing garlic, slicing any veggies, rinsing and drying Thai basil leaves, and measuring sauces and spices.
- Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add ground chicken to the pan, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess liquid if needed.
- Sprinkle in red chili flakes and stir to coat the chicken evenly. Pour in fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sprinkle brown sugar. Stir well and cook for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
- Turn off heat and add Thai basil leaves and sliced green onions, tossing quickly to wilt basil without overcooking. If using veggies, add them about a minute earlier to keep crisp-tender.
- Serve immediately over bowls of steaming jasmine rice. Optionally, add a wedge of lime on the side.
Notes
Use fresh Thai basil for authentic flavor. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming the chicken. Adjust chili flakes to control spice level. Serve immediately to preserve basil freshness and sauce texture. Jasmine rice is preferred for serving.
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approxima
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 850
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 30
Keywords: Thai basil chicken, stir-fry, spicy dinner, quick dinner, ground chicken recipe, Thai food, weeknight meal