Stir-Fried Thai Basil Chicken with Spicy Chili and Garlic

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fragrant and spicy Thai stir-fry featuring ground chicken, fresh Thai basil, and a balance of savory and spicy flavors. This thai-inspired thai ready in about 25 minutes pairs ground chicken, loosely packed fresh Thai basil leaves, finely minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.4 (9 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Thai cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 5 finely minced garlic cloves and 3 thinly sliced red bird’s eye chilies, sautéing for 30 seconds until aromatic and slightly golden — be careful not to burn the garlic.
  2. Step 2: Add 12 oz ground chicken to the wok, breaking it apart with a spatula. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and starting to brown.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, and 1 tsp white sugar. Add 2 tbsp water to loosen the sauce, then cook for 2 more minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and immediately toss in 1 cup loosely packed fresh Thai basil leaves, stirring until wilted and fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  5. Step 5: Serve hot over steamed jasmine rice for a complete meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Thai Basil Chicken with Spicy Chili and Garlic take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Stir-Fried Thai Basil Chicken with Spicy Chili and Garlic?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground chicken from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Thai Basil Chicken with Spicy Chili and Garlic?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Stir-Fried Thai Basil Chicken with Spicy Chili and Garlic for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Stir-Fried Thai Basil Chicken with Spicy Chili and Garlic?

Thai thai like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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