Description
This Spicy Thai Basil Chicken recipe is a flavorful and aromatic stir-fry featuring ground chicken, fresh Thai basil, and a blend of savory sauces and spices. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner, it delivers a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and umami, served best over jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2–3 Thai chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
Sauce and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce (optional, for color)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
Herbs
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
Instructions
- Prepare aromatics and heat oil: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and finely chopped Thai chilies, stir-frying for about 30 seconds until fragrant to release their flavors.
- Cook chicken: Add the ground chicken to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until fully browned and cooked through.
- Add vegetables: Stir in the sliced onion and red bell pepper. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened but still vibrant.
- Add sauces and seasonings: Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, dark soy sauce (if using), sugar, and chicken broth. Stir everything well to coat the chicken and vegetables, cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until heated through and the sauce slightly thickens.
- Finish with basil: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the fresh Thai basil leaves until just wilted, releasing their fragrant aroma without overcooking.
- Serve: Serve hot over steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Notes
- If you can’t find Thai basil, substitute with Italian basil, but note the flavor will be milder and less authentic.
- Adjust the number of Thai chilies according to your preferred heat level.
- For a gluten-free version, make sure to use gluten-free soy and oyster sauces.
- This dish pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh cucumber salad to balance the spice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
