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Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fry is a quick, tasty meal.

A bold and aromatic Thai-inspired dish with tender ground chicken, fiery chilies, and fragrant basil, all coated in a savory sauce. Served over rice with a crispy fried egg, this dish is an easy, restaurant-quality meal made in under 30 minutes!

 

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Main Ingredients:1 lb 454 g ground chicken (or substitute with ground pork or beef)4 to 6 Thai bird’s eye chilies, chopped (adjust for spice preference)6 cloves garlic, smashed
  • For the Sauce:1 tablespoon oyster sauce2 teaspoons soy sauce2 teaspoons dark soy sauce½ teaspoon fish sauce optional, for an authentic Thai kick1 teaspoon sugar
  • For the Stir-Fry:1 tablespoon vegetable oil½ yellow onion diced4 oz (113 g) green beans, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces1 bunch basil (holy basil preferred, Thai basil or regular basil as alternatives)
  • Optional Garnishes:Fried eggsLime wedges

Method
 

Prepare the Aromatics:
  1. Finely mince the Thai chilies and garlic together until they form a rough paste. Use a mortar and pestle or food processor for efficiency.
Make the Sauce:
  1. In a small bowl, mix oyster sauce, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, fish sauce (if using), and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
Cook the Aromatics:
  1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the garlic-chili paste and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Cook the Chicken:
  1. Add the ground chicken to the skillet, spreading it out evenly. Let it sear undisturbed for about a minute to develop a golden crust.
  2. Break apart the chicken and cook until most of the liquid evaporates, about 2 minutes.
Add the Sauce & Vegetables:
  1. Pour in the prepared sauce and mix well to coat the chicken.
  2. Stir in diced onions and green beans. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, ensuring the vegetables remain crisp.
Finish with Basil:
  1. Turn off the heat and stir in the basil leaves. Toss until they wilt into the dish.
Serve & Enjoy:
  1. Spoon the Thai basil chicken over steamed rice.
  2. Top with a crispy fried egg and squeeze fresh lime juice for extra flavor.

Notes

  • Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer chilies.
  • Swap green beans with bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini for variety.
  • For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with crumbled tofu or mushrooms.
  • Serve with jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.