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Thai Basil Chicken Fried Rice

A comforting and flavorful dish combining tender chicken, aromatic Thai basil, and fragrant jasmine rice, perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Thai
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade
  • 8 oz boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces Use organic or free-range for optimal flavor.
  • 2 teaspoons soy sauce Consider low-sodium if watching salt intake.
  • 1/4 teaspoon sugar Helps balance flavors.
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons Thai chili paste Get the good stuff; Mae Ploy brand is recommended.
  • 2-3 teaspoons fish sauce If vegetarian, use mushroom or soy sauce blend.
For the Fried Rice
  • 3 tablespoons neutral oil Like vegetable or canola oil.
  • 2 eggs eggs
  • 4 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon roasted chili flakes Adjust depending on your spice tolerance.
  • 12.5 oz cooked jasmine rice Day-old rice works best; it’s less sticky.
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 3 tablespoons sliced fresh chilies Add more for extra spice.
  • 1 cup Thai basil leaves Fresh is key!
  • Lime wedges, for serving
  • Cucumber slices, for a refreshing side

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken with soy sauce, sugar, water, Thai chili paste, and 2 teaspoons of fish sauce. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
  2. Ensure your cooked jasmine rice is at room temperature or slightly warm. Chop garlic and prep your ingredients ahead to maximize cooking efficiency.
Cooking
  1. Place a wok or large nonstick skillet over high heat, and add the neutral oil. Once hot, add the marinated chicken and sear until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  2. In the same pan, lower the heat slightly. Beat the eggs and scramble them in the remaining oil until just set and slightly marbled. Remove and set aside.
  3. Increase the heat and add chopped garlic and roasted chili flakes to the pan. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add the cooked rice and diced onion to the pan. Drizzle in the remaining fish sauce. Toss everything until well combined and heated through, about 3-5 minutes.
  5. Return the seared chicken and scrambled eggs to the pan, mixing thoroughly with any juices that collected while resting.
  6. Turn off the heat and gently fold in the fresh chilies and Thai basil, tossing until the basil is wilted.
Serving
  1. Dish out your flavorful rice on plates and serve with lime wedges and cucumber slices. Squeeze some lime over your rice for a zesty finish.

Notes

Use a spatula to fold ingredients gently, preserving texture. Avoid overcooking the basil; you want it fresh and fragrant. Best enjoyed immediately.