Ground Chicken & Holy Basil Stir Fry
If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful meal that’s packed with spice and savory goodness, this Ground Chicken & Holy Basil Stir Fry is the one! Juicy ground chicken is stir-fried with fragrant garlic, chilies, and holy basil, creating a dish that’s bold, aromatic, and absolutely irresistible. It’s the perfect balance of heat, umami, and freshness—all in under 20 minutes. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be making it on repeat!
Why You’ll Love Ground Chicken & Holy Basil Stir Fry
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about delivering restaurant-quality Thai flavors right at home. Here’s why it’s a must-try:
Fast & Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Incredibly Flavorful: A bold mix of spicy, garlicky, and slightly sweet flavors.
Protein-Packed: A lean yet satisfying meal with lots of healthy protein.
Authentic Thai Taste: The holy basil brings that signature Thai street food flavor.
Perfect Over Rice: Serve it with jasmine rice for the ultimate comforting meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients in Ground Chicken & Holy Basil Stir Fry
Each ingredient plays a key role in creating this delicious dish:
Ground Chicken: Lean, juicy, and soaks up all the delicious flavors perfectly.
Holy Basil: The key ingredient! It adds a unique, slightly peppery taste.
Garlic: Fresh and fragrant, giving the dish its signature aroma.
Thai Chilies: Brings the perfect amount of heat—adjust to your spice preference.
Shallots: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the bold flavors.
Oyster Sauce: Provides deep umami richness.
Fish Sauce: Adds authentic Thai saltiness—just a little goes a long way.
Soy Sauce: Enhances the savory notes and balances the dish.
Sugar: A touch of sweetness to round out the flavors.
Vegetable Oil: For stir-frying everything to perfection.
Cooked Jasmine Rice: The perfect fluffy base to soak up all the sauce.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Prep the Ingredients
Mince the garlic and chilies, slice the shallots, and get all your sauces ready. This dish cooks fast, so having everything prepped is key!
Cook the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the garlic and chilies, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground chicken, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until no longer pink, about 4–5 minutes.
Add the Flavor
Stir in the shallots, oyster sauce, fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar. Mix well and let everything cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Add the Holy Basil
Turn off the heat and toss in the holy basil. Stir until it wilts from the residual heat—this keeps its flavor fresh and vibrant.
Serve and Enjoy
Spoon the stir-fry over hot jasmine rice and dig in! Garnish with extra basil or chilies for an extra punch.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 2
Calories per serving: Approximately 400
(Note: These values may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
How to Serve Ground Chicken & Holy Basil Stir Fry
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- With a Fried Egg: The crispy edges and runny yolk add richness to the dish.
- With Extra Jasmine Rice: Because that sauce is too good to waste!
- With Stir-Fried Vegetables: A side of bok choy or green beans works beautifully.
- With a Refreshing Thai Iced Tea: The perfect way to cool down the spice.
- With Extra Chilies: If you love heat, add more fresh chilies for an extra kick!
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Use fresh holy basil! Regular basil won’t give the same authentic flavor.
- Adjust the spice level. Use fewer chilies for a milder version or more for extra heat.
- Don’t overcook the basil. Add it at the very end to keep its flavor fresh.
- Try other proteins. Swap the chicken for ground pork, beef, or tofu.
- Double the sauce. If you like extra saucy stir-fries, increase the sauce ingredients slightly.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use regular basil instead of holy basil?
You can, but the flavor will be different. Thai holy basil has a slightly spicy, anise-like taste that’s hard to replicate.
2. How can I make it less spicy?
Reduce or omit the Thai chilies and use mild red pepper flakes instead.
3. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
4. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, but the basil may lose its freshness—freeze without the basil and add it fresh when reheating.
5. Can I use another type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground pork, beef, or even tofu all work well.
6. What’s the best type of rice to serve with this?
Jasmine rice is the best choice for its light, fluffy texture.
7. Can I add vegetables to this stir-fry?
Yes! Green beans, bell peppers, or carrots would be great additions.
8. How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water to refresh the sauce.
9. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! The stir-fry can be made a few hours ahead—just add the basil right before serving.
10. What’s the best oil to use for stir-frying?
A neutral oil like vegetable or peanut oil works best.
Conclusion
Ground Chicken & Holy Basil Stir Fry is the perfect blend of bold flavors, spice, and comforting simplicity. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight meal or an authentic Thai experience, this dish delivers every time. So grab your wok, fire up the stove, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as delicious as it is easy!
PrintGround Chicken & Holy Basil Stir Fry
Ground Chicken & Holy Basil Stir Fry, also known as Pad Krapow Gai, is a classic Thai street food dish. It’s a flavorful and spicy stir-fry made with ground chicken, garlic, chili, and aromatic holy basil, served over rice with a fried egg on top. Quick to prepare and packed with bold flavors, this dish is perfect for a delicious weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground chicken
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2-3 Thai chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
– 2 tbsp oyster sauce
– 1 tbsp fish sauce
– 1 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp dark soy sauce (optional, for color)
– 1 tsp sugar
– 1/4 cup water or chicken broth
– 1 cup fresh holy basil leaves
– 2 cups cooked jasmine rice, for serving
– 2 fried eggs (optional, for serving)
Instructions
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and Thai chilies, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until fully cooked and slightly browned, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the oyster sauce, fish sauce, soy sauce, dark soy sauce (if using), and sugar.
5. Add the water or chicken broth and let the mixture simmer for 1-2 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh holy basil leaves until wilted.
7. Serve the stir-fry over jasmine rice, topped with a fried egg if desired.
8. Enjoy hot with extra chili or a squeeze of lime if preferred.
Notes
– If you can’t find holy basil, Thai basil or regular basil can be substituted, but the flavor will be slightly different.
– Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer Thai chilies.
– Serve with a wedge of lime for extra freshness.
– This dish is best eaten immediately but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (with rice)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
