Total Time: 20 Minutes
Difficulty: Easy
If you love bold flavors, sizzling aromas, and quick weeknight meals that taste like they came straight from a street-side wok in Bangkok, this Viral Thai Basil Ground Chicken Stir Fry is about to become your new obsession. The moment garlic and chilies hit the hot pan, your kitchen fills with a fragrant, spicy perfume that promises something seriously delicious.
This dish is inspired by the beloved Thai classic Pad Kra Pao Gai — a fiery stir fry of juicy ground chicken tossed with fresh Thai basil, savory sauces, and just the right hint of sweetness. The result? Tender bites of chicken coated in glossy sauce, flecked with vibrant green basil, and balanced between salty, spicy, and slightly sweet.
It’s special because it delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. No complicated prep. No long marinating. Just high heat, simple ingredients, and 20 minutes from start to finish. Serve it over steaming jasmine rice with a crispy fried egg on top, and you’ve got a healthy, protein-packed dinner that feels indulgent but stays light.
Estimated Calories: ~380–450 per serving (without fried egg, depending on portion size)
Key Ingredients
This recipe keeps things simple but powerful. Each ingredient plays a specific role in building that iconic Thai street-food flavor.
Ground Chicken (1 lb / 450g) – Lean, tender, and perfect for soaking up bold sauces while staying juicy.
Fresh Thai Basil Leaves (1 packed cup) – The star ingredient. Peppery, slightly sweet, and aromatic with a hint of anise.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced) – Brings deep savory warmth and fragrance when sautéed.
Red Thai Chilies (2–3, finely chopped) – Adds authentic heat and that irresistible spicy kick.
Shallot (1 small, finely diced) – Adds mild sweetness and complexity to the base.
Soy Sauce (2 tablespoons) – Provides saltiness and umami backbone.
Oyster Sauce (1 tablespoon) – Adds depth, richness, and subtle sweetness.
Fish Sauce (1 tablespoon) – The signature Thai flavor enhancer that gives savory complexity.
Dark Soy Sauce (1 teaspoon) – For rich color and slightly deeper flavor.
Brown Sugar (1 teaspoon) – Balances the salt and spice with a touch of caramel sweetness.
Vegetable Oil (1 tablespoon) – Helps achieve that high-heat stir-fry sear.
Jasmine Rice (2 cups cooked) – The fluffy, fragrant base that soaks up the sauce.
Eggs (2, optional for topping) – Fried until crispy at the edges with a silky yolk center.
Green Beans (½ cup, chopped – optional) – Adds crunch and texture contrast.
Red Bell Pepper (½ cup, sliced – optional) – Adds color and subtle sweetness.
How to Make It (Step-by-Step Method)
1. Prep Your Ingredients
Because stir-frying happens quickly, prep everything first. Mince garlic, chop chilies, dice shallot, and wash and dry the Thai basil leaves. Have all sauces measured and ready near the stove.
2. Heat the Wok
Place a wok or large skillet over medium-high to high heat. Add the vegetable oil and allow it to shimmer — about 30 seconds. The pan should be hot enough that ingredients sizzle immediately.
3. Sauté Aromatics
Add garlic, chilies, and shallots. Stir-fry for 30–45 seconds until fragrant but not browned. The aroma should be bold and slightly spicy.
4. Cook the Chicken
Add ground chicken and break it apart with a spatula. Spread it out to maximize contact with the hot pan. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and lightly golden in spots.
If using green beans or bell peppers, add them during the last 2–3 minutes so they stay slightly crisp.
5. Add the Sauce
Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, dark soy sauce, and brown sugar. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Let it cook another 1–2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens and glazes the chicken.
6. Finish with Basil
Turn off the heat and immediately toss in the Thai basil leaves. Stir until just wilted — about 20 seconds. The residual heat keeps the basil vibrant and fragrant.
7. Optional Fried Egg
In a separate pan, heat oil over medium-high. Fry eggs until whites are crispy and golden around the edges but yolks remain runny. About 2–3 minutes.
8. Assemble
Spoon the stir fry over hot jasmine rice. Top with a crispy fried egg. Serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
This Thai Basil Ground Chicken Stir Fry shines in so many beautiful presentations. For a classic, family-style dinner, pile the glossy chicken mixture onto a large platter and scatter extra fresh basil leaves over the top. Serve bowls of fluffy jasmine rice alongside and let everyone spoon their own portion. Add a small dish of sliced cucumbers for a refreshing contrast to the heat.
For a modern twist, create individual rice bowls. Start with a base of rice, spoon the chicken generously on one side, and add a perfectly fried egg on top. Sprinkle with sesame seeds or sliced green onions for extra color. The runny yolk becomes a rich sauce when broken, coating every bite in silky goodness.
Hosting friends? Turn it into a build-your-own bowl bar. Offer toppings like shredded carrots, pickled onions, chili oil, lime wedges, or even shredded cabbage for crunch. It’s interactive, vibrant, and perfect for casual entertaining.
For meal prep, layer rice and chicken into glass containers. Keep toppings separate and add a fresh fried egg or basil just before serving to maintain texture and freshness.
Storage + Meal Prep
Leftovers store beautifully, making this a fantastic meal-prep option. Allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep rice and chicken in separate containers if possible to preserve texture.
To reheat, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each round, or warm gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Avoid overheating, which can dry out the chicken.
Freezing is possible for the chicken mixture (without basil for best flavor), stored in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
For day-two freshness, add new basil leaves, a squeeze of lime, or a freshly fried egg. These simple touches revive the flavors and make leftovers taste freshly made.
Conclusion
This Viral Thai Basil Ground Chicken Stir Fry proves that bold, restaurant-quality flavor doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. In just 20 minutes, you can create a dish bursting with spice, aroma, and vibrant color — the kind of meal that makes an ordinary evening feel special.
Whether you’re cooking for family, prepping lunches for the week, or simply craving something comforting yet healthy, this recipe delivers every time. Try it once, customize the heat to your liking, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a weekly staple in your kitchen.
If you make it, share your twist — extra spicy? Added veggies? Let the flavor adventure begin!
