Stir-Fried Thai Basil Chicken with Spicy Garlic Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A quick and vibrant Thai stir-fry featuring ground chicken, fresh holy basil, and a spicy garlic sauce that perfectly balances heat and aroma. This thai ready in about 20 minutes blends ground chicken, fresh holy basil leaves, garlic cloves, minced into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Thai cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a wok over high heat until shimmering. Add 5 cloves minced garlic and 3 sliced Thai bird’s eye chilies; stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 pound ground chicken and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes, breaking up the meat with your spatula until fully cooked and lightly browned.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon fish sauce, 1 teaspoon white sugar, and 2 tablespoons water. Cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and fold in 1 cup fresh holy basil leaves, stirring until wilted and aromatic, about 1 minute.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

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

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

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

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 Garlic Sauce 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 Garlic Sauce?

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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