Description
This Ground Chicken Thai Basil Stir Fry is a flavorful and aromatic dish combining tender ground chicken with fragrant Thai holy basil, garlic, chiles, and savory sauces. Perfectly paired with steamed Jasmine rice and topped with a crispy fried egg, this quick and easy stir fry captures the essence of authentic Thai street food in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Stir Fry
- 2 Tbsp neutral oil (such as grapeseed oil)
- 3 large scallions, thinly sliced
- 8 cloves garlic, peeled and finely chopped
- 3 Birds eye chiles (Thai chiles), thinly sliced (reduce for less heat)
- 2 medium shallots, peeled and finely chopped
- 2 lb (32oz) ground chicken
- 2 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp dark soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar
- 20–30 fresh Thai holy basil leaves (substitute with Thai sweet or Italian basil if needed)
To Serve
- Cooked Jasmine rice (about ¾ cup cooked rice per person)
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
- 1 large fried egg per person (optional but recommended)
- Additional fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Prepare Aromatics: Heat a large wok or skillet over medium heat. Add 2 Tbsp neutral oil, then stir in thinly sliced scallions, chopped garlic, chiles, and shallots. Cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, taking care not to burn the garlic or shallots.
- Cook Ground Chicken: Add the ground chicken to the pan. Cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until mostly cooked through and no longer pink, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Sauces and Basil: When the chicken is nearly cooked, stir in low-sodium soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Mix thoroughly until the sugar dissolves and the chicken is evenly coated. Then, add the fresh Thai holy basil leaves and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the basil wilts and flavors meld.
- Serve: Spoon the Thai basil chicken generously over steamed Jasmine rice. Top each serving with a fried egg cooked to your liking, thinly sliced scallions, and additional fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately for optimal flavor.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of chiles according to your spice tolerance.
- If holy basil is unavailable, Thai sweet basil or Italian basil can be used as substitutes, though the flavor will differ.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels and keep the dish balanced.
- For a crispier fried egg, cook the egg in a bit of oil on medium-high heat until the edges turn golden and crisp.
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh and hot right after cooking for maximum taste and texture.
Keywords: Thai basil chicken, ground chicken stir fry, Thai stir fry, basil chicken recipe, easy Thai dinner, Thai holy basil recipe