Thai Basil Chicken

This Thai Basil Chicken recipe features ground chicken stir-fried with garlic, ginger, bell peppers, and fresh basil in a savory sauce made with soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, and chili. Served over Jasmine rice, this dish delivers authentic Thai flavors in a quick and easy weeknight meal. Perfect for home cooking, it’s a flavorful, protein-rich dinner option that can be customized with vegetables and adjustable spice levels.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 shallots, thinly sliced
• 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• ½ bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 pound ground chicken (or diced chicken breast / ground turkey)
• 2 teaspoons light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce (or substitute hoisin sauce)
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce (64 g)
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons Asian garlic chili sauce or Sambal Oelek (adjust for heat)
• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth (114 g)
• ¼ cup water (57 g)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• ⅔ cup fresh basil leaves
• Cooked Jasmine rice, for serving

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Instructions

Sauté Vegetables

1. Heat olive oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add shallots, garlic, ginger, and bell pepper. Stir-fry for about 3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.

Cook Chicken
3. Push the vegetables to the side of the pan. Increase heat to high and add the ground chicken, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.

Add Sauce
4. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, chili sauce, chicken broth, water, and cornstarch. Stir well to dissolve.
5. Pour the sauce into the pan and cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken is fully coated and the sauce thickens.

Finish with Basil
6. Add fresh basil leaves and stir-fry until wilted.
7. Serve immediately over hot Jasmine rice.

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Tips

• Use high heat for stir-frying to achieve authentic flavor and slightly caramelized edges.
• Tear the basil leaves instead of chopping to preserve aroma.
• Adjust chili sauce to control spiciness.

Variations and Substitutions

• Swap ground chicken for ground turkey, pork, or tofu for a vegetarian version.
• Add vegetables like snow peas, carrots, or zucchini for extra color and nutrition.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, cook the chicken and sauce in advance, but add basil fresh when reheating to preserve flavor.

What is the best rice to serve with Thai Basil Chicken?
Jasmine rice is recommended for its fragrance, but brown rice or cauliflower rice works too.

Can I make it less spicy?
Reduce or omit the chili sauce and taste the sauce before adding more heat.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve in a bowl over steamed Jasmine rice.
• Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves or sliced chili for presentation.
• Pair with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a light cucumber salad.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy weeknight dinner
• Bold Thai flavors from garlic, chili, and fresh basil
• Tender chicken with a savory, slightly sweet sauce
• Customizable for heat, protein, and vegetables