Craving a flavorful, zesty, and aromatic dish that comes together in a flash? Look no further than Thai Basil Chicken! With bold flavors from fresh basil, garlic, and savory sauce, this dish is a quick winner. You won’t believe how just 20 minutes can transform your kitchen into a Thai street food haven. Trust me, it’s a total game-changer. Get ready to savor this delicious stir-fry that’s simple, satisfying, and so full of flavor!
Why You’ll Love Thai Basil Chicken
This recipe is all about speed, flavor, and versatility. Here’s why it’s a fan favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep for the week. You can even serve it with a variety of sides, like rice or noodles.
Budget-Friendly: Using simple ingredients, this dish won’t break the bank. You’ll be able to make an incredible meal without splurging.
Quick and Easy: In just 20 minutes, you can have a fragrant, mouth-watering meal ready to go. It’s a great option for busy nights!
Customizable: Feel free to adjust the spice level, swap the chicken for tofu or beef, or add extra vegetables for more crunch.
Crowd-Pleasing: A perfect balance of savory, spicy, and herbal flavors, it’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients in Thai Basil Chicken
Here’s the magic: it’s made with a handful of simple, easy-to-find ingredients, but the flavors are anything but basic.
Chicken Breast or Thighs: The protein that takes on all the wonderful flavors. Tender and juicy, chicken thighs are particularly flavorful in this dish.
Fresh Thai Basil: The key ingredient that gives this dish its signature aromatic flavor. It’s sweet, spicy, and bold.
Garlic & Chili: For that mouthwatering garlic aroma and a spicy kick! Adjust the chili level to your liking.
Fish Sauce: Adds the authentic salty, umami punch that’s a must in Thai cuisine.
Soy Sauce: For a touch of saltiness and depth of flavor.
Sugar: A little sweetness to balance the savory and spicy elements of the dish.
Onion: Thinly sliced, adding a mild sweetness and crunch to the stir-fry.
Vegetable Oil: For stir-frying at high heat, ensuring the chicken gets a lovely sear.
Rice: Serve this flavorful chicken over jasmine rice or any rice you prefer to soak up all the delicious sauce.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Ready to whip up this tasty dish? Let’s do it!
Heat the Pan: Start by heating a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil and wait for it to get nice and hot.
Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken to the pan, breaking it up into small pieces. Let it cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Sauté the Aromatics: Add the garlic, chili, and onion to the pan. Stir-fry for another 2 minutes until fragrant. This step fills the air with amazing smells!
Add the Sauce: Pour in the fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar. Stir everything together so the chicken absorbs all the tasty sauce.
Toss in the Basil: Turn the heat off and toss in the fresh basil leaves. Stir until the basil wilts and the whole dish becomes beautifully fragrant.
Serve: Serve the chicken hot over a bed of rice, garnished with more basil if you like.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
How to Serve Thai Basil Chicken
This Thai Basil Chicken is perfect on its own, but here are a few ways to make the meal even more satisfying:
- Pair with jasmine rice, sticky rice, or fried rice for a comforting side.
- Add a refreshing cucumber salad or Thai-style green papaya salad on the side.
- Serve with a crispy egg roll or spring rolls to add a crunchy texture contrast.
- A squeeze of fresh lime on top can add an extra layer of zing to the dish.
Additional Tips
- Make it spicier by adding more fresh chilies or a spoonful of chili paste.
- Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness and flavor. They work wonderfully in this recipe.
- Don’t overcook the basil! It should just be wilted, which will release all of its fragrant oils into the dish.
- For a low-carb option, serve this dish with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
- Leftovers? This dish makes a great next-day lunch. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
FAQ’s
- Can I use ground chicken instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Ground chicken will work perfectly in this recipe. - Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian version. - What can I substitute for fish sauce?
You can use soy sauce or tamari as a substitute for a similar salty flavor. - How do I make it spicier?
Add more fresh chilies or a spoonful of chili paste to the pan. - Can I use dried basil instead of fresh basil?
Fresh basil is ideal for this dish, but if you must use dried basil, reduce the amount since dried basil is more concentrated. - How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free. - Can I use different proteins in this dish?
Yes, you can use beef, shrimp, or even pork. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly. - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This dish is best when fresh, but you can prep the chicken and chop the veggies in advance for a faster cook time later. - What’s the best kind of rice to serve with this dish?
Jasmine rice is a classic choice, but any rice you prefer will work great! - Can I freeze this recipe?
This recipe doesn’t freeze well because of the fresh basil, but you can freeze the cooked chicken and reheat it later (just add fresh basil when serving).
Conclusion
Thai Basil Chicken is the perfect combination of fast, flavorful, and fresh. With bold spices, a touch of sweetness, and fresh basil to tie it all together, it’s a dish that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. Whether you’re whipping it up for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing your friends with your cooking skills, this recipe will surely hit the spot. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Thai Basil Chicken (Just in 20 Minutes!)
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Thai
Description
Thai Basil Chicken, also known as Pad Krapow Gai, is a quick and flavorful stir-fry dish made with ground chicken, aromatic basil, and a savory-sweet sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, this classic Thai street food is perfect for a speedy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
– 1 tbsp vegetable oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 small chili pepper, finely chopped (adjust for spice level)
– 1 lb ground chicken
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tbsp oyster sauce
– 1 tbsp fish sauce
– 1 tsp brown sugar
– 1/2 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
– 1/2 cup bell pepper, sliced (optional)
– 1/4 cup chicken broth or water (if needed)
– Cooked jasmine rice, for serving
– Fried egg (optional, for serving)
Instructions
1. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add minced garlic and chopped chili pepper, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add ground chicken and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until fully cooked and slightly browned.
4. Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Mix well.
5. If the mixture looks dry, add a bit of chicken broth or water.
6. Add bell pepper (if using) and cook for another 2 minutes.
7. Turn off the heat and stir in fresh Thai basil leaves, letting them wilt from the residual heat.
8. Serve over hot jasmine rice with a fried egg on top if desired.
Notes
– For an authentic taste, use Thai holy basil instead of sweet basil.
– Adjust the chili peppers based on your spice preference.
– Substitute ground chicken with ground turkey, pork, or tofu for variation.
– This dish is best served immediately but can be stored in the fridge for up to two days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg