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Are you craving a quick, flavorful meal? Look no further than Thai Basil Ground Chicken! This dish combines fresh Thai basil, ground chicken, and savory sauces for a delicious dinner in no time. With easy steps and simple ingredients, you can impress your family or friends with authentic Thai flavors. Ready to spice up your weeknight dinners? Letβs dive into this tasty recipe!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Fresh and Flavorful: This dish bursts with the aromatic flavor of fresh Thai basil and vibrant veggies.
 - Quick and Easy: With just 25 minutes from start to finish, itβs perfect for busy weeknights.
 - Customizable Heat: You can easily adjust the spice level by varying the amount of Thai chilies.
 - Serve with Rice: The savory chicken pairs perfectly with fluffy jasmine rice, making it a complete meal.
 
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
β 1 lb ground chicken
β 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
β 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
β 4 cloves garlic, minced
β 2 shallots, finely chopped
Sauces and Seasonings
β 2 tablespoons soy sauce
β 2 tablespoons fish sauce
β 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
β 1 teaspoon sugar
Optional Add-ins
β 1 red bell pepper, sliced
β 1-2 Thai chilies, minced (adjust to taste)
β Salt and pepper for seasoning
The main ingredients create the base for this dish. Ground chicken is lean and cooks quickly. Fresh Thai basil gives a bright flavor. The garlic and shallots add depth. Donβt skip the vegetable oil; it helps with cooking.
For sauces, soy sauce, fish sauce, and oyster sauce bring umami. Sugar balances the salty flavors. If you want more color and crunch, add red bell pepper. It also adds sweetness.
Thai chilies can spice up the dish. Adjust the amount based on your taste. Lastly, use salt and pepper to season. This will enhance all the flavors.
Prepare these ingredients before you start cooking. It makes the process smooth and fun.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Heating oil and sautΓ©ing aromatics
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 2 finely chopped shallots. SautΓ© these for about 1-2 minutes. You want them to smell great, but donβt let them burn.
2. Browning the ground chicken
Now, increase the heat to high. Add 1 pound of ground chicken to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
Cooking Steps
1. Adding vegetables
Next, stir in 1 sliced red bell pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until it softens a bit. This adds color and crunch to your dish.
2. Mixing sauces and combining
In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of fish sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1-2 minced Thai chilies. Pour this sauce mixture over the chicken and bell pepper. Stir well and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. This helps all the flavors blend nicely.
Final Touches
1. Adding Thai basil
Now, add 1 cup of fresh Thai basil leaves to your skillet. Stir for about 1 minute until the basil wilts. This brings a fresh, aromatic flavor to the dish.
2. Serving suggestions
Serve your Thai basil ground chicken hot over steamed jasmine rice. This meal is quick, easy, and packed with flavor!
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Techniques
β Tips for perfectly browning ground chicken: Start with a hot skillet. Use medium-high heat for the oil. Add the ground chicken in small batches. This helps it brown well. Stir it gently, but let it sit to sear. Look for a golden color, about 4-5 minutes is ideal.
β How to adjust spice levels: If you like it spicy, add more Thai chilies. For less heat, use fewer chilies. You can also remove the seeds for milder flavor. Taste as you go! This way, you can find your perfect spice level.
Serving Suggestions
β Best types of rice to serve with the dish: Jasmine rice pairs best with this dish. Its light and fluffy texture balances the flavors well. You can also use brown rice for a healthier option. Both types soak up the sauce nicely.
β Garnishing ideas: Top your dish with extra Thai basil leaves for freshness. Thinly sliced red chilies add color and spice. A sprinkle of lime juice brightens the flavors too. These small touches make your meal look beautiful.
Storage Tips
β How to store leftovers: Place any leftovers in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. Let it cool before sealing to avoid steam buildup.
β Reheating methods: For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. You can also microwave it for quick heating, but cover it to prevent drying out.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh Thai basil and vegetables to enhance the flavor and aroma of the dish.
 - Adjust Spice Level: Customize the heat by varying the amount of Thai chilies according to your preference.
 - Perfect Jasmine Rice: Rinse the jasmine rice before cooking to remove excess starch for fluffier rice.
 - Meal Prep Friendly: This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
 

Variations
Ingredient Swaps
You can swap ground chicken for ground turkey or pork. These options give a nice flavor change. For a vegetarian choice, you can use mushrooms or tofu. Both will absorb the sauces well.
For veggies, try adding zucchini or snap peas. They add a fresh crunch and color. You can even mix in some carrots for sweetness.
Sauce Adjustments
To change flavors, use different sauces. Try hoisin sauce for a sweeter taste. You can also add sriracha for more heat. If you want a vegan option, use soy sauce and skip the fish sauce. This keeps the dish flavorful without meat.
Accompaniments
Serve Thai Basil Ground Chicken with jasmine rice. It soaks up the sauce perfectly. You can also try it with rice noodles for a fun twist.
For drinks, a light beer or iced tea pairs well. They balance the spicy flavors nicely. You can also enjoy it with coconut water for a refreshing touch.
FAQs
Common Questions
What can I substitute for Thai basil?
If you canβt find Thai basil, you can use regular basil or mint. Both give a fresh taste but are less spicy. You can also try using a mix of basil and a little bit of mint for a similar flavor.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the ground chicken and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat it before serving.
Nutritional Information
Is Thai Basil Ground Chicken healthy?
Yes, Thai Basil Ground Chicken is a healthy option. It contains lean protein from ground chicken and fresh veggies. Plus, the Thai basil adds antioxidants.
How many calories per serving?
Each serving has about 300 calories. This can vary with added rice or extra ingredients.
Recipe Troubleshooting
What to do if the dish is too salty?
If it tastes too salty, add more fresh ingredients. You can add cooked rice or extra vegetables. This helps balance the saltiness.
How to fix an overly spicy meal?
If your dish is too spicy, add some sugar or a splash of coconut milk. These will tone down the heat and add a nice flavor. Mixing in more rice can also help.
Schema Information
Recipe Metadata
β Prep time: 10 minutes
β Cook time: 15 minutes
β Servings: 4
Recipe Category
β Main course: Yes
β Thai cuisine: Yes
Dietary Considerations
β Gluten-free options: Use gluten-free soy sauce.
β Low-carb variations: Serve with cauliflower rice instead of jasmine rice.
This blog post explored the key ingredients, steps, and tips to make Thai Basil Ground Chicken. We covered everything from fresh herbs to cooking methods, ensuring you can create a delicious dish. Remember, feel free to swap ingredients and adjust spices to fit your taste. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and serving ideas. With the right techniques, you can make this recipe a favorite in your home. Dive into this tasty meal and make it your ow
Sizzling Thai Basil Ground Chicken
A flavorful and aromatic dish featuring ground chicken stir-fried with fresh Thai basil and a blend of savory sauces.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Thai
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal
- 1 lb ground chicken
 - 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
 - 2 shallots finely chopped
 - 1 red bell pepper sliced
 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce
 - 2 tablespoons fish sauce
 - 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
 - 1 teaspoon sugar
 - 1-2 units Thai chilies, minced (adjust to taste)
 - to taste salt and pepper
 - for serving steamed jasmine rice
 
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the minced garlic and chopped shallots, sautΓ©ing for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Increase the heat to high and add the ground chicken, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until the chicken is browned, about 4-5 minutes.
Stir in the sliced red bell pepper, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until it softens slightly.
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and minced Thai chilies. Pour this mixture over the cooked chicken and bell pepper.
Stir everything to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Add the fresh Thai basil leaves and stir until wilted, about 1 minute. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed.
Serve hot over steamed jasmine rice.
Adjust the number of Thai chilies based on your spice preference.
Keyword ground chicken, stir fry, Thai basil
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