Quick & Zesty Ground Chicken & Holy Basil Stir Fry Recipe

Whipping up a ground chicken and holy basil stir fry sparks instant culinary excitement for adventurous home cooks.

Aromatic herbs dance through this classic Thai street food favorite.

Lean protein meets vibrant seasonings in a quick, zesty skillet creation.

Perfectly balanced flavors combine sweet, spicy, and savory notes that awaken every taste bud.

Fresh holy basil brings an authentic punch of herbal intensity to each bite.

Simple ingredients come together in mere minutes, making this dish ideal for busy weeknight dinners.

You’ll feel like a professional chef crafting this restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.

Dive into this delectable recipe and experience a burst of authentic Thai cuisine.

Ingredients for Chicken & Holy Basil Stir Fry

• Ground Chicken: A lean protein that absorbs the flavors of the sauce and provides a hearty base for the stir-fry.

• Garlic, Thai Chilies: These ingredients add a spicy and pungent kick that enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Oyster Sauce, Fish Sauce, Soy Sauce, Dark Soy Sauce: These sauces contribute depth, saltiness, and umami to the stir-fry.
• Sugar: Balances the saltiness and adds a subtle sweetness to the dish.

• Fresh Holy Basil Leaves: Provides a distinctive, peppery flavor and aromatic finish to the stir-fry.

• Water, Chicken Broth: Helps create a light sauce and prevents the dish from becoming too dry.

• Fried Egg: Adds richness and an extra layer of flavor to the dish.
• Lime: Offers a bright, citrusy note that cuts through the richness.

• Jasmine Rice: A fragrant rice that serves as a perfect accompaniment to the stir-fry.

• Vegetable Oil: Used for sautéing and ensuring the ingredients cook evenly.

How to Make Ground Chicken Basil Stir Fry

Step 1: Fire Up the Cooking Surface

Grab your trusty wok or large skillet and splash in some vegetable oil. Crank the heat to medium-high and let the oil get sizzling hot.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatic Base

Toss in the minced garlic and chopped Thai chilies. Stir these flavor bombs quickly for about 30 seconds until they release their mouth-watering fragrance.

Step 3: Brown the Protein

Introduce the ground chicken to the pan. Use your spatula to break it into crumbly pieces while cooking.

Keep stirring until the meat turns golden and fully cooked, which takes around 5 minutes.

Step 4: Build the Flavor Profile

• Oyster sauce
• Fish sauce
• Soy sauce
• Dark soy sauce
• Sugar

Stir everything together to create a rich, savory coating on the chicken.

Step 5: Create a Silky Sauce

Splash in water or chicken broth. Let the mixture bubble and simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken.

Step 6: Finish with Fresh Herbaceousness

Pull the pan off the heat and immediately fold in fresh holy basil leaves. Watch them wilt and release their incredible aroma.

Step 7: Plate and Garnish

Spoon the stir-fry over fluffy jasmine rice. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, crown it with a crispy fried egg.

Step 8: Customize and Devour

Kick up the heat with extra chilies or brighten the dish with a zesty lime squeeze. Dig in while it’s hot!

Helpful Tips for Basil Chicken Stir Fry

• Replace ground chicken with ground turkey or tofu for different dietary needs without losing flavor intensity.
• Control spiciness by adjusting the number of Thai chilies or using milder pepper varieties to suit personal taste preferences.
• Add holy basil leaves at the very end of cooking to maintain their vibrant color, aroma, and delicate flavor profile.
• Ensure ground chicken is fully broken into small, uniform pieces while cooking for better sauce absorption and even seasoning distribution.
• Consider adding a dash of fish sauce just before serving to enhance the overall savory complexity of the stir-fry.

Variations for Ground Chicken Basil Stir Fry

• Vegetarian Swap: Replace ground chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, crumbled and sautéed for a plant-based protein option.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Reduce or omit Thai chilies for a milder version, or add extra chilies for those who love intense heat.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Serve over cauliflower rice instead of jasmine rice to cut down on carbohydrates and increase vegetable intake.
• Protein Variation: Substitute ground chicken with ground turkey or lean ground pork for a different meat flavor profile.

Pairings for Ground Chicken & Holy Basil Stir Fry

Complement the spicy stir-fry with a cool, sweet Thai iced tea that balances the heat and cuts through the rich flavors.

Serve the ground chicken stir-fry over fluffy jasmine rice to soak up the savory sauce and provide a perfect textural contrast.

Create a refreshing cucumber salad with rice vinegar and chili to add a light, tangy side that offsets the dish’s intense flavors.

Choose a crisp Thai beer like Singha to cleanse the palate and enhance the stir-fry’s spicy and herbal notes.

Storing Ground Chicken Basil Stir Fry

• Store leftover stir-fry in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring food safety and maintaining flavor.
• Transfer cooled stir-fry to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn and preserve taste.
• Place stir-fry in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly.

FAQs

• What is holy basil and why is it important in this recipe?

Holy basil (Thai basil) is an aromatic herb with a peppery, slightly spicy flavor that’s essential in Thai cuisine. It adds a unique, fresh taste and fragrance to the stir-fry that can’t be replicated by regular basil.

• Is this dish spicy?

The spice level depends on the number of Thai chilies used. You can control the heat by adjusting the amount of chilies – use fewer for a milder version or more for an extra kick.

• Can I substitute ground chicken with another protein?

Yes, ground turkey or pork work well as alternatives. Each will slightly change the flavor profile but maintain the dish’s core characteristics.

What Makes Ground Chicken & Holy Basil Stir Fry Great

• Flavor Explosion: Packed with bold Thai-inspired tastes that dance on your tongue, this ground chicken stir-fry delivers an incredible punch of spicy, savory, and aromatic flavors in every single bite.
• Quick Weeknight Champion: Designed for busy home cooks, this recipe comes together super fast with minimal ingredients and simple cooking steps that guarantee a delicious meal without complex techniques.
• Customizable Comfort: Easily adaptable to personal preferences by adjusting spice levels, swapping proteins, or adding extra vegetables, making it perfect for picky eaters and adventurous food lovers alike.
• Protein-Packed Meal: Loaded with lean ground chicken and packed with vibrant holy basil, this dish offers a nutritious option that satisfies hunger and provides essential nutrients for a balanced diet.

Ground Chicken & Holy Basil Stir Fry Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Thai Chicken Basil Delight whisks you into a flavor-packed culinary journey through Bangkok’s street food scene. Fragrant herbs, spicy chilies, and tender ground chicken dance together, delivering an authentic taste of Southeast Asian comfort that will satisfy your deepest cravings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground chicken
• 2 fried eggs (optional, for serving)

Sauces and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 cup water or chicken broth

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2–3 Thai chilies, finely chopped
• 1 cup fresh holy basil leaves
• 2 cups cooked jasmine rice, for serving

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Instructions

1. Ignite a wok or expansive skillet over medium-high heat, introducing vegetable oil to create a sizzling foundation.
2. Tumble minced garlic and fiery Thai chilies into the heated surface, agitating swiftly for approximately 30 seconds until an aromatic essence emerges.
3. Cascade ground chicken into the pan, methodically fragmenting the protein with a spatula, allowing it to transform into a golden-brown landscape within 5 minutes.
4. Introduce a symphony of umami-rich condiments – oyster sauce, fish sauce, soy sauce, and dark soy sauce – along with a touch of sweetness from sugar, coating the chicken in a glistening glaze.
5. Pour in liquid essence of water or chicken broth, permitting the mixture to gently simmer and meld flavors for 1-2 minutes.
6. Extinguish the flame and fold vibrant holy basil leaves into the hot mixture, watching them wilt and release their distinctive herbaceous fragrance.
7. Present the aromatic stir-fry atop a bed of pillowy jasmine rice, with an optional crisp-edged fried egg crowning the dish.
8. Elevate the experience with additional chili heat or a zesty lime squeeze, savoring the dish while piping hot.

Notes

• Swap holy basil with Thai sweet basil if traditional holy basil is unavailable, maintaining authentic flavor profile.
• Choose lean ground chicken for healthier version, ensuring meat is not too dry by adding extra broth during cooking.
• Quick-cooking technique requires high heat and constant stirring to prevent burning and achieve perfect caramelization.
• Customize spice levels by adjusting number of Thai chilies or using milder alternatives like jalapeños for sensitive palates.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 425 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 185 mg