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Thai Basil Chicken Recipe

4.8 from 150 reviews

This authentic Thai Basil Chicken recipe features ground chicken stir-fried with fragrant garlic, fiery Thai chilies, and fresh basil leaves, all brought together with savory soy, oyster, and fish sauces. It’s a quick and flavorful dish perfect served over steamed jasmine rice for a satisfying meal that brings the vibrant tastes of Thailand to your table.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Vegetables

  • 1 1/2 lbs ground chicken
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 Thai chilies or red chili peppers, finely sliced (adjust to taste)
  • 1 small onion, sliced

Seasonings and Sauces

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar

Liquids

  • 1/4 cup chicken broth or water

Herbs

  • 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
  2. Sauté garlic and chilies: Add the minced garlic and sliced Thai chilies to the hot oil, cooking until fragrant to infuse the oil with bold flavors.
  3. Cook onion: Add the sliced onion to the skillet and cook until it softens and becomes translucent, enhancing the dish’s sweetness.
  4. Cook chicken: Add the ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it apart and cooking thoroughly until it is no longer pink, ensuring it’s fully cooked through.
  5. Add sauces: Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar to coat the chicken mixture evenly with savory and slightly sweet flavors.
  6. Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth or water, then let the mixture simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes, to meld the flavors together.
  7. Add basil: Turn off the heat and fold in the fresh Thai basil leaves, allowing them to wilt and release their aromatic fragrance without overcooking.
  8. Serve: Spoon the Thai Basil Chicken over steamed jasmine rice for a complete and flavorful meal.

Notes

  • You can adjust the number of Thai chilies according to your preferred spice level.
  • Use fresh Thai basil leaves if possible for the authentic flavor; sweet basil can be substituted but the taste will differ slightly.
  • For a lower sodium version, reduce the amount of fish sauce and soy sauce or use low sodium alternatives.
  • This dish pairs beautifully with jasmine rice but can also be served with brown rice or noodles.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Keywords: Thai Basil Chicken, Pad Krapow Gai, ground chicken recipe, Thai stir fry, easy Thai dinner