If you have been searching for an incredibly flavorful and quick meal that packs a punch of herbal freshness, then this Thai Basil Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a sensational stir-fry that perfectly balances spicy, savory, and slightly sweet notes, all brought together with the unmistakable aroma of fresh Thai basil. This dish is not only a classic in Thai cuisine but also a fantastic way to impress friends at dinner or enjoy a satisfying meal any night of the week. Once you try it, the vibrant flavors and simplicity of this dish will make it a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing the bold yet harmonious flavors in this Thai Basil Chicken Recipe. Each ingredient plays an essential role, from the sharpness of garlic and the heat of chilies to the deep umami of fish sauce and the fresh burst of basil, bringing everything together beautifully.
- 3 to 4 tablespoons oil: Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola for stir-frying to get that perfect sizzle without overpowering flavors.
- 3 Thai bird chilies or holland chilies: They add the perfect amount of heat; removing seeds softens the spice if you prefer mild.
- 3 shallots: Thinly sliced shallots bring a subtle sweetness and mild onion flavor that caramelizes quickly.
- 5 cloves garlic: Garlic slices infuse the dish with their unmistakable aromatic warmth.
- 1 pound ground chicken: The tender, lean protein absorbs all the delicious sauces perfectly.
- 2 teaspoons sugar or honey: Balances savory and spicy notes with a hint of sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds rich saltiness and depth to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce: This is the soul of the dish, lending a complex umami flavor that’s uniquely Thai.
- 1/3 cup low sodium chicken broth or water: Used to deglaze and keep the chicken juicy while blending flavors.
- 1 bunch holy or Thai basil leaves: The star herb, added at the end for a fresh, peppery, slightly sweet finish.
How to Make Thai Basil Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Oil
Start by heating your oil in a wok over high heat until it shimmers. This ensures your aromatics fry up quickly and evenly, giving you that authentic stir-fry texture and flavor.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add the thinly sliced chilies, shallots, and garlic to the hot oil. Stir-fry them for about 1 to 2 minutes until you can smell their fragrance and see them soften slightly. This step is crucial for building layers of flavor right from the start.
Step 3: Add the Chicken
Next, toss in the ground chicken. Use your spatula to break the meat into small bits as it cooks, stirring constantly for around 2 minutes until it’s partially cooked through. This helps the chicken cook evenly and absorb all the aromatic goodness.
Step 4: Season the Chicken
Sprinkle in the sugar, soy sauce, and fish sauce. Stir everything together well, allowing the chicken to soak up all these glorious flavors for about a minute. The balance of sweet, salty, and umami is what makes this Thai Basil Chicken Recipe stand out.
Step 5: Deglaze with Broth
Pour in the chicken broth or water to deglaze the pan, scraping up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom. Cook quickly over high heat for 1 to 2 minutes until most of the liquid evaporates, ensuring your chicken stays juicy but not watery.
Step 6: Add Basil and Finish
Finally, remove the wok from heat and immediately stir in the Thai basil leaves. The residual heat will wilt the leaves perfectly, releasing their unique aroma and flavor. Give everything a good toss, then serve your Thai Basil Chicken Recipe hot over fluffy steamed rice.
How to Serve Thai Basil Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the dish by adding a few fresh basil leaves on top for vibrant color. Thin slices of fresh red chilies can add extra visual appeal and spice for those who love it hot. A simple wedge of lime on the side brightens each mouthful with citrus zing, balancing the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with classic jasmine rice to soak up all the saucy goodness. For extra texture, serve alongside crunchy cucumber slices or a light papaya salad, which add a refreshing contrast. Steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli or bok choy also complement the bold flavors without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving this Thai Basil Chicken in small lettuce cups for a fun, handheld option that works well for parties. You can also pile it over rice noodles or toss it into a vibrant bowl with roasted veggies and a squeeze of lime juice for a wholesome, stylish meal. Presentation is a joy with this dish because its vivid colors and textures practically invite you to dig in!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Stored properly in the refrigerator, your Thai Basil Chicken Recipe will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for quick weekday lunches or dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked Thai Basil Chicken, but note that the fresh basil may lose some of its texture after thawing. To maintain the best quality, freeze the chicken separately from any fresh herbs and add fresh basil when reheating to revive that fragrant punch.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the mixture seems dry. This helps maintain a juicy texture without overcooking the chicken. Avoid microwaving for long periods, as this can wilt the basil and alter the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a substitute and will produce a similar texture and mild flavor that pairs nicely with the bold seasonings in this Thai Basil Chicken Recipe.
What if I can’t find Thai basil?
If Thai basil isn’t available, you can use sweet basil as a substitute, though the flavor will be milder and less peppery. Adding a small amount of fresh mint or cilantro can help approximate the herbal notes.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level depends largely on the type and amount of chilies you use. Removing the seeds and membranes will reduce the spiciness, making the dish more approachable if you prefer mild food.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap the ground chicken for tofu or a meat substitute, and replace fish sauce with soy sauce or a vegetarian alternative to keep it flavorful and plant-based.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! Thai Basil Chicken Recipe is perfect for meal prep because it reheats well and keeps its vibrant flavor. Just remember to add fresh basil when serving to keep it tasting its best.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about cooking and sharing this Thai Basil Chicken Recipe. Its perfect balance of heat, savory richness, and fresh herbaceous notes never fails to satisfy those craving an authentic taste of Thailand in the comfort of home. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just find it becoming your new favorite weeknight dinner or a dish to wow your guests. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
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 that combines aromatic chilies, garlic, and shallots with tender ground chicken, all stir-fried together and finished with fragrant Thai basil leaves. Perfect for a delicious and easy weeknight dinner served over steamed rice.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 to 4 tablespoons oil
- 3 Thai bird chilies or Holland chilies, de-seeded if desired and thinly sliced
- 3 shallots, thinly sliced
- 5 cloves garlic, sliced
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 2 teaspoons sugar or honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1/3 cup low sodium chicken broth or water
- 1 bunch holy or Thai basil leaves
Instructions
- Heat the oil: In a wok over high heat, add 3 to 4 tablespoons of oil and heat until shimmering, preparing the pan for stir-frying.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the thinly sliced chilies, shallots, and garlic to the hot oil. Fry them for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened, releasing their flavors.
- Add chicken: Add 1 pound of ground chicken to the wok. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes, breaking it into small pieces until the chicken is partially cooked and starting to brown.
- Season: Stir in 2 teaspoons sugar (or honey), 2 tablespoons soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon fish sauce. Cook everything together for another minute to blend the flavors well.
- Deglaze: Pour in 1/3 cup low sodium chicken broth (or water) to deglaze the pan. Cook quickly over high heat until the liquid mostly evaporates, approximately 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add basil: Remove the wok from heat and add 1 bunch of holy or Thai basil leaves. Stir well until the basil wilts and releases its fragrant aroma. Serve hot over steamed rice.
Notes
- You can adjust the number of chilies to control the spice level.
- For a sweeter alternative, replace sugar with honey.
- Using low sodium soy sauce and chicken broth helps control the saltiness.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
- Substitute ground chicken with ground turkey or pork if preferred.
- Be careful not to overcook the basil to preserve its fresh aroma.
