Print

Quick Spicy Thai Basil Ground Chicken Stir Fry

quick spicy thai basil ground chicken stir fry - featured image

A quick and easy Thai-inspired stir fry featuring ground chicken, fresh Thai basil, and a spicy, savory sauce. Perfect for flavorful weeknight meals ready in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground chicken (lean or regular)
  • 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, loosely packed
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 23 Thai bird’s eye chilies, finely chopped (adjust to spice tolerance)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional but recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (canola or grapeseed oil recommended)
  • White or jasmine rice, freshly cooked (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Mince garlic and finely chop bird’s eye chilies (remove seeds for less heat). Rinse and pat dry Thai basil leaves. Measure sauces and sugar.
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken and break up with a spatula. Cook 5-6 minutes until mostly cooked and starting to brown.
  3. Add minced garlic and chilies. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not burnt.
  4. Pour in soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, and brown sugar. Stir well and cook 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats chicken.
  5. Remove pan from heat and stir in fresh Thai basil leaves until wilted but still vibrant.
  6. Serve the spicy basil chicken over hot steamed jasmine rice. Optionally garnish with a wedge of lime.

Notes

Do not overcook basil to preserve its fragrance and vibrant color. If chicken releases water, increase heat and stir until moisture evaporates for better browning. Cook chicken in batches if pan is crowded to avoid steaming. Fresh garlic and chilies are preferred over powdered for best flavor. Optionally add a splash of lime juice or toasted sesame oil before serving. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari. Vegetarian version can use crumbled tofu or textured vegetable protein.

Nutrition

Keywords: Thai basil chicken, spicy stir fry, ground chicken recipe, quick dinner, weeknight meal, Thai food, easy stir fry