20 Minute Thai Basil Chicken Recipe

If you are craving a meal that bursts with vibrant flavors yet comes together in a flash, the 20 Minute Thai Basil Chicken is your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish is a harmony of aromatic Thai basil, tender ground chicken, and a perfectly balanced sauce that hits all the right notes—savory, sweet, and spicy. Whether you’re after a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish to share with friends, the 20 Minute Thai Basil Chicken transforms simple ingredients into a sensational feast that will have you coming back for seconds every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps it straightforward but impactful, relying on fresh aromatics and essential sauces that create its unmistakable Thai flair. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding depth, heat, or freshness, making it easier than ever to whip up this flavor-packed dish.

• ½ cup brown onion or shallot, diced: Adds a sweet and savory base that caramelizes beautifully as it cooks.
• 8 oz ground chicken: Tender and juicy protein that absorbs the lively sauce perfectly.
• 5 garlic cloves: Offers a pungent punch that awakens all the senses.
• ½ cup Thai basil or regular basil: The fragrant star that lifts the entire dish with its fresh, peppery aroma.
• 1 medium red chili, roughly chopped: Brings vibrant color and a slightly smoky heat.
• 1 medium mild hot green pepper, chopped: Adds a gentle heat and subtle crunch.
• Avocado oil for cooking: A healthy fat with a neutral flavor, perfect for high-heat stir frying.
• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce: Provides a salty, umami base (gluten-free if needed).
• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce (low sodium): Adds depth and a rich color to the sauce.
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or 2 teaspoons liquid honey: Offers a natural sweetness to balance the spicy heat.
• 1 teaspoon garlic chili sauce or sriracha: Packs flavor with a nice kick; customize the heat level here.
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Intensifies the savory, almost meaty essence.
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce: A classic Thai ingredient giving the dish its authentic salty tang.
• 1 cup uncooked rice for serving: Essential for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
• 2-3 stalks green onion for garnish: Adds fresh, crisp bursts in every bite.
• More basil leaves: For that final flourish of fresh herbal brightness.
• Sesame seeds: Adds toasty nuttiness and a delightful texture contrast.
• Prawn crackers: An irresistible crunchy side that pairs perfectly.
• 2 fried eggs: Topping the dish with creaminess that rounds out every mouthful.

How to Make 20 Minute Thai Basil Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Aromatics

Begin by finely chopping your garlic cloves and green chilies. These will infuse your dish with essential flavor from the very first sizzling moments. A garlic press works great here if you prefer to speed things up.

Step 2: Sauté Onions, Garlic, and Chilies

Heat a splash of avocado oil in a nonstick pan or wok over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced brown onion or shallots and cook until they soften and release their sweetness. Add the garlic and green chilies, letting the aroma fill your kitchen as they gently sizzle. Be careful not to burn the garlic; keep the heat lively but controlled.

Step 3: Cook the Ground Chicken

Once the aromatics are fragrant, add the ground chicken to your pan. Break it apart and stir continuously to ensure even cooking. The goal is a juicy, tender texture with no pink remaining. Taking care to avoid overcooking makes a notable difference in mouthfeel.

Step 4: Mix in the Sauces and Basil

With the chicken cooked through, pour in the light and dark soy sauces, maple syrup or honey, garlic chili sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce. Add the roughly chopped red chili and the Thai basil leaves. Stir continuously to wilt the basil just right, preserving its vibrant color and freshness. If it looks too dry, a splash of water will give you more sauce to savor.

Step 5: Final Touches

Your 20 Minute Thai Basil Chicken is nearly ready! Just take a final taste to balance the heat and sweetness. Adjust if needed. This step is where you make the dish your own before plating.

How to Serve 20 Minute Thai Basil Chicken

Garnishes

Don’t skip the garnishes because they elevate this dish to the next level. Scatter chopped green onions and extra basil leaves on top for fresh, visual appeal and bright flavor contrasts. Toasted sesame seeds add a subtle crunch and nuttiness that keep every bite interesting.

Side Dishes

Serve your Thai basil chicken with a steaming bowl of fluffy white rice to soak up that luscious sauce. Prawn crackers on the side provide a fun, light crunch, while a perfectly fried egg with a runny yolk adds indulgent creaminess that pairs beautifully with the robust flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the 20 Minute Thai Basil Chicken in lettuce cups for a fresh, handheld twist or atop a bed of cauliflower rice if you’re looking for a lighter option. For a colorful touch, accompany it with quick pickled cucumber slices or a cooling cucumber salad to balance the heat and intensify the freshness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Thai basil chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and flavorful for 2 to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep or lunch the following day.

Freezing

If you want to keep it longer, the cooked chicken freezes well. Cool completely, then freeze in a sturdy container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to keep the chicken juicy. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up and bring back its saucy charm. Avoid microwaving to maintain the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use other meats instead of ground chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, pork, or even finely chopped chicken breast can work well. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the meat is fully cooked and tender.

What if I can’t find Thai basil?

Regular sweet basil is a fine substitute, though Thai basil’s slight anise notes add authenticity. In a pinch, combining sweet basil with a pinch of fresh mint or cilantro can help approximate the flavor profile.

Is this dish very spicy?

The 20 Minute Thai Basil Chicken can be adjusted to your heat tolerance. Removing the seeds from the chilies or using milder peppers will tone down the spice, while adding extra chili sauce will crank it up.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce options to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive diets. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

What’s the best type of rice to serve with this?

Jasmine rice is the traditional choice, offering a fragrant, slightly sticky texture that pairs perfectly with the saucy chicken. Brown rice or cauliflower rice are great alternatives if you prefer.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something incredibly satisfying about a dish that’s bursting with authentic flavors yet comes together in just 20 minutes, and that’s exactly what the 20 Minute Thai Basil Chicken delivers. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, impromptu gatherings, or whenever you want to treat yourself to a vibrant and wholesome meal without fuss. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to recipe!

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