Thai Basil Chicken Stir Fry

Thai basil chicken is a quick and intensely flavorful dish that brings the best of street food right to your kitchen. It balances spice, sweetness, and the vibrant aroma of fresh basil, creating a weeknight dinner that feels special. If you are hunting for a meal that is savory, spicy, and adaptable, this is the recipe to try.

I used to make this only on busy weeknights but my family now begs for Thai basil chicken anytime we get together. It has ruined us for takeout because homemade is so much more lively and full of flavor.

Ingredients

• Ground chicken: tender and absorbs the sauces well you can use ground turkey or pork if preferred choose fresh and lean meat
• Thai bird’s eye chilis: the main source of heat more chilis mean more spice fresh is best but you can substitute with serrano or jalapeno for less heat
• Garlic: brings bold aroma and depth go with whole fresh cloves for pungent flavor
• Oyster sauce: delivers umami richness select a good quality dark and thick variety for best results
• Soy sauce: adds saltiness use a brewed soy sauce for cleaner finish
• Dark soy sauce: deepens color and adds slight sweetness hunt for bottles labeled as dark or sweet
• Fish sauce: intense savory punch makes the dish authentically Thai trusted brands are key and it is optional
• Sugar: helps balance the salt and heat white or light brown sugar both work
• Vegetable oil: neutral for stir frying makes the flavors shine avoid olive oil for this dish
• Yellow onion: sweet sharp flavor pairs well with basil use a firm dense onion for best flavor
• Green beans: crisp texture and fresh color chop into bite size pieces and choose bright firm beans
• Fresh basil: absolutely essential for aroma Thai holy basil is the classic but regular basil is good too pick vibrant green leaves without dark spots
• Egg and lime: optional a fried egg adds richness and a lime wedge brightens each bite

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mince the Aromatics:

Mince the chilis and garlic together until you have a chunky paste the mixing by hand creates more aroma than a food processor if using a mortar and pestle pound until the garlic breaks down and the chili juices release

Prepare the Sauce:

Combine oyster sauce soy sauce dark soy sauce fish sauce if using and sugar in a small bowl stir well until the sugar is fully dissolved so there are no gritty bits in your final sauce

Cook Aromatics:

Add oil to a large skillet or wok over medium high heat add your chili garlic paste stir and cook about two minutes until garlic is golden and your kitchen smells fragrant watch closely to prevent burning

Add Chicken:

Drop in the ground chicken move the aromatics over the chicken to flavor it spread out and let it sear undisturbed for a minute this creates rich browning use your spatula to break the meat into both small and large chunks keep cooking and stirring until no pink remains and the juices have evaporated

Incorporate Sauce:

Pour in your sauce and mix until every bit of chicken is coated cook another minute to allow the flavors to soak in and the sauce to thicken slightly

Add Veggies:

Add diced onion and green beans stir well and cook for about two minutes the veggies should stay crisp tender and not mushy

Finish With Basil:

Turn off the heat and toss in all your basil leaves stir until they wilt from the residual heat which releases their aroma and zeasty flavor do not overcook or the basil will lose its freshness

Serve:

Spoon hot basil chicken over plain rice top each plate with a crispy fried egg and finish with a good squeeze of lime for zingy contrast

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I always look for the freshest basil I can find since wilted leaves never give the dish its trademark pop. Even my kids know how to help with picking leaves which means this recipe is a team effort at our house and reminds me of family dinners growing up.

Storage Tips

Thai basil chicken keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to revive the sauce. Basil is best added fresh before serving so if meal prepping keep extra basil aside.

Ingredient Substitutions

No ground chicken on hand Try ground turkey for similar tenderness. Swap green beans for thinly sliced bell peppers or snow peas if that is what you have in the fridge. If you cannot find Thai basil Italian basil will still infuse wonderful fragrance though the flavor will not be quite as peppery.

Serving Suggestions

This dish begs for plain steamed jasmine rice to soak up all the sauce. You can double the protein and add extra vegetables like sliced red peppers or carrots for a heartier version. To make the meal extra comforting serve with a runny fried egg and some chopped cucumbers on the side for cooling crunch.

Cultural Roots of Thai Basil Chicken

Pad Krapow Gai is a beloved street food found on nearly every corner in Thailand. Quick to cook and full of punchy flavors it reflects how Thai home cooks transform simple proteins into standout meals. Making this at home lets you adjust spice and savor a bit of Bangkok in your own kitchen.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ What's the best type of basil to use?

Thai basil brings a unique peppery flavor and is traditional, but Italian basil can be substituted if needed.

→ How spicy is this dish?

The heat depends on the amount and type of chilis used. Adjust Thai bird’s eye chilis for preferred spice level.

→ Can other proteins be used?

Yes, ground pork, beef or turkey work well and absorb the savory sauce flavors nicely.

→ Should fish sauce be included?

Fish sauce adds depth but is optional. Omit or substitute with extra soy sauce for a milder flavor.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Serve over steamed jasmine rice and top with a fried egg, plus lime wedges for added brightness.