Stir-Fried Thai Basil Chicken with Sweet Chili Sauce
A fragrant and spicy Thai basil chicken stir-fry cooked with fresh herbs and a sweet chili glaze for a perfect balance of heat and sweetness. This thai-inspired thai ready in about 25 minutes pairs ground chicken, vegetable oil, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 3 chilies red Thai bird chilies, sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp palm sugar
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
- 3 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 2 stalks green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 3 sliced red Thai bird chilies, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb ground chicken to the wok, breaking it apart with a spatula. Stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and starting to brown.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp fish sauce, and 1 tbsp palm sugar. Continue cooking for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken.
- Step 4: Remove the wok from heat, then fold in 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves and 2 chopped green onions. Toss gently until the basil wilts.
- Step 5: Plate the stir-fried chicken and drizzle 3 tbsp sweet chili sauce on top just before serving for a vibrant sweet and spicy finish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Thai Basil Chicken with Sweet Chili Sauce 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 Sweet Chili Sauce?
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 Sweet Chili 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 Sweet Chili 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 Sweet Chili 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The best Thai basil chicken I've made at home. The sauce is spot on and the chicken was tender. 5 stars!
- ★★★★★
Cooked this for date night and it was a hit. The balance of flavors is perfect. Will make again and again.
- ★★★★★
Stir-fried Thai basil chicken is now a staple in our house. The sweet chili sauce really ties it all together. Highly recommend!