The Thai basil chicken recipe brings the vibrant flavours of Thai street food straight to your home kitchen. You can make this dish in just one pan, with simple ingredients and hardly any prep, making it perfect for busy days. Every bite is spicy, savoury, and slightly sweet, with a depth of flavour that feels like it came from your favourite takeaway spot.
Among popular Thai recipes, this one is loved for being easy to cook and still tasting just like a restaurant-style dish. You begin by heating oil and letting garlic and chillies sizzle until fragrant. Add onions for a bit of sweetness, followed by the ground chicken, breaking it up as it cooks. Once the chicken is nicely browned, add the sauces and stir everything together until it looks rich and glossy. Finally, toss in the basil leaves and give it a quick mix until they soften. In just a few minutes, you have a dish that’s full of flavour and ready to serve.
This dish is often enjoyed as a simple meal with steamed rice and sometimes a fried egg on top. Like many Thai recipes, this dish is all about simple cooking and bold flavours, making it a great option when you want something quick, delicious, and easy to prepare at home.
Ingredients
UNITSIngredients
500 gChicken (ground)
2 tablespoonsOil
2 tablespoonsGarlic (minced)
2 to 3Thai red chillies (thinly sliced)
½ cupOnions (finely chopped)
2 tablespoonsDark soy sauce
1 tablespoonFish sauce
3 tablespoonsOyster sauce
1 teaspoonSugar (optional)
1 cupThai basil or holy basil
Follow
Directions
Description - Step 1
Step 1: Heat the Oil and Fry Aromatics
Heat oil in a wok or deep pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil becomes hot, add the minced garlic and sliced chillies. Stir continuously so the garlic does not burn. Cook them until fragrant.
Description - Step 2
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
Add the chopped onions to the wok. Stir well and cook until the onions turn soft and slightly translucent.
Description - Step 3
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add the ground chicken to the pan. Stir frequently so it cooks evenly. Continue cooking until the chicken is fully cooked and lightly browned.
Description - Step 4
Step 4: Add Sauces and Seasoning
Pour in the soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar if using. Mix everything well so the chicken is evenly coated. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly and gives the chicken a glossy look.
Description - Step 5
Step 5: Add Basil and Finish
Roughly tear the basil leaves and add them to the wok. Stir gently and cook until the leaves wilt and release their aroma. Do not overcook, as this helps keep the fresh flavour of the basil intact. Remove from heat and serve right away.
This dish is savoury with a mild heat and deep umami flavour from the sauces. The basil adds a fresh, slightly peppery note that makes it very fragrant.
Yes, tulsi can be used if Thai basil is not available. It brings a bolder, slightly sharper flavour, but still works well and keeps the dish flavourful.
Yes, Thai recipes like this one are great for beginners. They use simple ingredients, quick cooking methods, and deliver bold flavours without requiring complicated techniques or long preparation time.
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by replacing chicken with crumbled tofu or minced mushrooms. Use soy sauce instead of fish sauce and a vegetarian oyster sauce alternative for a similar flavour.