Print

Thai Basil Chicken Recipe Easy 20-Minute Authentic Dinner Idea

thai basil chicken recipe - featured image

A quick and authentic Thai basil chicken stir-fry featuring ground chicken, fresh Thai basil, and a perfect balance of savory and spicy flavors. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a family-friendly, protein-packed dinner with customizable heat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 grams) ground chicken (lean but juicy preferred)
  • 1 cup packed fresh Thai basil leaves
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 23 bird’s eye chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste; serrano can be used for milder heat)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (regular or low sodium)
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon white sugar
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • Optional: steamed jasmine rice for serving

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: mince garlic and chilies finely, slice green onions thinly, roughly chop Thai basil leaves if stems are thick, and measure out sauces and sugar.
  2. Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. Heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  3. Add minced garlic and chopped chilies; stir constantly until fragrant and golden, about 30 seconds. Lower heat if garlic starts to burn.
  4. Add ground chicken, crumble and stir to cook evenly for 3-4 minutes until no pink remains and bits start to brown.
  5. Pour in soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, and sprinkle sugar over the chicken. Stir well to combine and taste to adjust seasoning.
  6. Add sliced green onions and toss quickly for 30 seconds.
  7. Remove pan from heat and immediately stir in fresh Thai basil leaves to wilt them gently without turning dark.
  8. Serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice or your preferred grain. Garnish with extra basil or sliced chilies if desired.

Notes

Keep ingredients prepped and ready before heating the pan to avoid burning garlic or overcooking chicken. Add basil off the heat to preserve its flavor. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper searing. Fresh Thai basil is essential for authentic flavor; holy basil is a good substitute if unavailable. For a vegetarian version, use firm tofu or tempeh and omit fish sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: Thai basil chicken, quick dinner, authentic Thai recipe, stir-fry, ground chicken, spicy chicken, easy Thai food