Description
A lightning-fast, flavorful weeknight stir-fry featuring ground chicken, Thai basil, and a savory-sweet-spicy sauce. Ready in just 15 minutes with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground chicken (lean, 93/7 fat ratio)
- 2 large handfuls Thai basil (about 1.5 cups packed)
- 2–4 Thai bird’s eye chilies, sliced (or serrano/jalapeño)
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- White rice (for serving)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together oyster sauce, fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar until the sugar dissolves. Set aside.
- Mince garlic and slice chilies. Break up ground chicken into small pieces. Wash and dry Thai basil leaves.
- Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
- Add ground chicken, spreading it in an even layer. Let sear for 30 seconds, then break up and cook for 3-4 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Push chicken to the side or make a well in the center. Add garlic and chilies to the empty space. Sizzle for 30-60 seconds, then stir into the chicken for another 30 seconds.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken. Stir vigorously and cook for 1 minute until the sauce bubbles and thickens. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Turn off the heat. Add Thai basil leaves and toss quickly until wilted by residual heat (about 30 seconds).
- Serve immediately over steaming jasmine rice.
Notes
High heat is essential for proper searing and flavor. Do not overcook the basil; add it off the heat to prevent it from turning black. For less heat, remove seeds from chilies. This dish is best eaten fresh and does not freeze well due to the basil.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate with rice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 680
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 22
Keywords: Thai basil chicken, stir fry, quick dinner, weeknight meals, spicy chicken, ground chicken recipe, Asian cooking, 15 minute meals