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Spicy Thai Basil Chicken with Jasmine Rice

Elina James
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Lunch
Cuisine Thai
Servings 4 servings
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • For the Chicken Stir-Fry:
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground chicken (or thinly sliced chicken breast)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or peanut oil)
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3–4 Thai red chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
  • 1 small onion or 3 shallots, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional for color and crunch)
  • 1 cup fresh Thai holy basil leaves (or Thai sweet basil if unavailable)
  • For the Sauce:
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tsp fish sauce
  • 1 tsp dark soy sauce (for color, optional)
  • 1 ½ tsp sugar (or palm sugar for authentic flavor)
  • 1 tbsp water
  • For Serving:
  • 3 cups cooked jasmine rice
  • Fried eggs (one per serving, optional but traditional)
  • Lime wedges (optional, for serving)

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Prepare the Sauce : In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, dark soy sauce (if using), sugar, and water. Stir until sugar dissolves. Set aside.
  • Step 2: Stir-Fry the Aromatics : Heat oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and chopped Thai chilies. Stir-fry for 30–45 seconds until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic). Tip: The aroma should fill your kitchen — this is the soul of the dish!
  • Step 3: Cook the Chicken : Add ground or sliced chicken to the wok. Break it apart using a spatula and cook for 4–5 minutes until it turns white and slightly golden. Add sliced onion (and bell pepper, if using) and stir-fry for another 2 minutes until vegetables soften slightly.
  • Step 4: Add the Sauce : Pour in the sauce mixture and stir well to coat the chicken evenly. Continue cooking for 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld.
  • Step 5: Add the Basil : Turn off the heat and immediately add the basil leaves. Toss everything together until the basil wilts beautifully from the residual heat. Taste and adjust seasoning — add more soy or fish sauce if needed.
  • Step 6: Serve : Serve the spicy Thai basil chicken over a bed of steamed jasmine rice. Top with a crispy fried egg (sunny-side up, with runny yolk) for the authentic Thai experience. Garnish with extra basil or chili slices if desired.