Thai Basil Chicken is a quick and tasty meal that’s full of flavor! This dish features tender chicken mixed with fresh basil, garlic, and a hint of spice. Yum!
Cooking this dish always makes my kitchen smell amazing! I like to serve it over rice for a filling dinner. You won’t want to miss those tasty flavors in every bite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the star of the dish. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can substitute with ground turkey. For a vegetarian choice, try using firm tofu or a meat substitute like tempeh, crumbled and sautéed.
Thai Basil: Thai basil adds a unique flavor that’s hard to replicate. If you can’t find it, sweet basil can work in a pinch, but it won’t have that spicy hint. Other options include mint or a mix of basil with a bit of mint for freshness.
Vegetable Oil: While any vegetable oil works, I recommend using peanut oil for its flavor that complements Asian dishes. Canola or sunflower oil are other good alternatives.
Sauces: Soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce bring depth. If you need to avoid fish, go for a mushroom sauce instead of oyster sauce, and you can use a soy sauce alternative for the fish sauce.
Bell Peppers: They add color and sweetness. Don’t have any? Try using sliced carrots or snap peas for crunch, or even zucchini if you want a twist!
How Do You Cook Ground Chicken Without it Getting Dry?
Cooking ground chicken right is key to keeping it juicy. Here are tips to ensure it’s tender:
- Start with a hot skillet or wok to sear the chicken quickly, locking in moisture.
- Make sure you stir it frequently, breaking it apart, so it cooks evenly without drying out.
- Cook just until browned; overcooking will lead to dryness.
Following these steps will help you achieve that perfect texture in your Thai basil chicken.
How to Make Thai Basil Chicken?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 red chilies, sliced (adjust for spice preference)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, thinly sliced (red or green)
For Serving:
- Cooked jasmine rice
- Fried eggs (optional)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Thai Basil Chicken recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook, bringing the total time to about 25 minutes. It’s quick and easy, perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. This will help get everything sizzling when you add the next ingredients.
2. Sauté Garlic and Chilies:
Once the oil is hot, toss in the minced garlic and sliced chilies. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
3. Cook the Chicken:
Increase the heat to high, then add the ground chicken to the skillet. Cook it until browned, using a spatula to break it apart as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes). You want it nicely cooked!
4. Add Vegetables and Sauces:
Mix in the thinly sliced bell peppers, soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Stir everything well so that the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated in the tasty sauce.
5. Finish Cooking:
Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the bell peppers are slightly tender but still crisp. The smell will be wonderful!
6. Fold in the Basil:
Remove the pan from heat and gently fold in the fresh Thai basil leaves until they just wilt. This keeps the flavor bright and fresh!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to serve! Place the Thai basil chicken over bowls of hot cooked jasmine rice. If you’d like, top it with a fried egg and sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top for extra flavor and crunch. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use a Different Protein in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground chicken with ground turkey, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Keep in mind that cook times may vary slightly based on the protein you choose, so adjust accordingly!
What Can I Use Instead of Thai Basil?
If you can’t find Thai basil, you can use sweet basil or even regular basil in a pinch. However, Thai basil has a unique flavor, so expect a slight difference in taste. Just be sure to add it just before serving to maintain the freshest flavor!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through.
