The Perfect Thai Basil Chicken Fried Rice Recipe for Busy Nights

Thai basil chicken fried rice represents a culinary symphony bursting with vibrant flavors and aromatic spices.

Fragrant herbs dance through each delectable grain, enhanceing ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Home cooks adore this beloved dish for its remarkable ability to blend savory and fresh elements seamlessly.

The recipe combines tender protein with crisp vegetables and herbaceous notes that spark curiosity and excitement.

Regional techniques elevate this comfort food beyond typical stir-fry preparations, creating a complex and satisfying experience.

Authentic ingredients matter tremendously in crafting a truly memorable plate that captures the essence of southeast asian cuisine.

Every bite promises a harmonious balance of textures and tastes that will transport you directly to bustling street markets.

Why Thai Basil Chicken Fried Rice Hits All the Right Notes

• Burst with Authentic Thai Flavors: This recipe delivers a powerful punch of traditional Thai taste profiles with holy basil, Bird's eye chilies, and signature sauces that create an explosion of sweet, spicy, and savory elements in every bite.
• Master Quick and Intense Cooking Technique: The high-heat wok stir-frying method ensures rapid cooking that seals in flavors, creates perfect caramelization on chicken, and prevents rice from becoming soggy while maintaining a delightful texture.
• Customize Heat and Spice Levels: By adjusting the amount of chilies and chili paste, home cooks can personalize the dish's spiciness to match their individual tolerance, making it adaptable for different palates and preferences.
• Restaurant-Quality Meal in Minutes: With straightforward preparation steps and minimal ingredients, this recipe allows home chefs to create a restaurant-standard Thai dish in under 20 minutes, offering a gourmet experience without complicated techniques or extensive cooking skills.

Everything You Need for Thai Basil Chicken Fried Rice

• Chicken Thighs: Tender meat with rich flavor, best when trimmed of excess fat and cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

• Garlic, Yellow Onion: Foundational flavor builders that provide depth and sweetness to the dish.
• Holy Basil Leaves: Signature Thai herb with a peppery, slightly spicy taste that gives authentic character to the fried rice.
• Red and Green Bird's Eye Chilies: Intensely hot peppers that provide significant heat and vibrant flavor profile.

• Light Soy Sauce, Fish Sauce: Essential umami-rich condiments that enhance overall saltiness and depth of flavor.
• Oyster Sauce: Adds rich, slightly sweet complexity to the dish.
• Sweet Dark Soy Sauce: Contributes deep color and caramel-like sweetness.
• Sugar: Balances the savory and spicy elements with subtle sweetness.
• Ground White Pepper: Provides subtle warmth and aromatic complexity.

• Canola Oil: Neutral cooking oil with high smoke point, ideal for stir-frying.
• Cooked Rice: Best when day-old and slightly dried to prevent clumping during cooking.
• Water: Helps to create balanced sauce consistency.

• Large Red Chili: Fresh garnish that adds color and mild heat.
• Cucumber Slices: Cool, crisp accompaniment to balance the spicy rice.

How to Cook Thai Basil Chicken Fried Rice Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Marinade

• Light soy sauce
• Fish sauce
• Ground white pepper

Mix thoroughly and set aside.

Step 2: Chop Fresh Ingredients

• Garlic
• Red and green Bird's eye chilies

Slice yellow onion and thinly slice large red chili at an angle. Set aside some chili slices for garnish. Carefully remove holy basil leaves from stems, wash, and pat dry with paper towels.

Step 3: Create Flavor Sauce

• Oyster sauce
• Light soy sauce
• Sweet dark soy sauce
• Sugar
• Water

Mix until well combined.

Step 4: Sear Chicken

Heat canola oil in a large wok over high heat. Add chicken and cook 1-2 minutes until no longer pink and slightly browned.

Step 5: Build Flavor Base

Add sliced onions and cook for 30 seconds. Introduce garlic-chili paste and red chili slices. Stir-fry for another 30 seconds. (Tip: Use exhaust fan as this step can create smoke.)

Step 6: Incorporate Rice

Add rice and pour prepared sauce over it. Stir-fry while breaking up rice clumps, ensuring even sauce coating.

Step 7: Finish with Basil

Toss in holy basil leaves and stir for 30 seconds until wilted. Remove from heat.

Step 8: Plate and Serve

Option 1: Create a neat presentation by pressing rice into a bowl, then inverting onto a plate. Garnish with reserved chili slices.

Option 2: Simply plate rice and top with chili slices.

• Cucumber slices
• Fish sauce with chopped chilies (optional)

• Use authentic Thai holy basil for best flavor
• High heat is crucial for achieving wok hei (breath of the wok)
• Adjust chili quantity to personal spice preference

Tips for That Authentic Thai Basil Chicken Fried Rice Taste

• Choose Fresh Rice: Use day-old cold rice for the best texture and to prevent sticky, mushy fried rice.
• Control Heat Intensity: Adjust the number of chilies based on your spice tolerance, removing seeds for milder flavor.
• Prep before Cooking: Have all ingredients chopped and ready, as stir-frying happens quickly and requires constant attention.
• Use High-Heat Wok: Ensure your wok or pan is extremely hot to achieve that authentic wok hei (smoky) flavor characteristic of Thai street food.
• Basil Timing Matters: Add holy basil leaves at the very end of cooking to preserve their vibrant flavor and prevent wilting.

Smart Storage and Reheating for Thai Basil Chicken Fried Rice

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled fried rice into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the rice is completely cool before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Microwave Reheating: Place rice in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent dryness, and heat on high for 1-2 minutes. Stir midway to distribute heat evenly and restore moisture.
• Wok Reheating: Warm a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat, add a splash of oil, and quickly stir-fry the cold rice for 2-3 minutes. This method helps restore the original crispy texture and refreshes the flavor of the holy basil chicken fried rice.

Great Additions to Serve with Thai Basil Chicken Fried Rice

• Spice Up with Thai Iced Tea: Complement the fiery flavors of the Thai basil chicken fried rice with a cool, sweet Thai iced tea. The creamy, sugary drink balances the spicy kick of the chilies and provides a refreshing contrast to the savory rice.
• Cool Down with Cucumber Salad: Pair the dish with a simple cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar, sugar, and a touch of salt. The crisp, tangy cucumber will help cut through the rich, spicy flavors of the fried rice and provide a light, refreshing side.
• Enhance with Chili Fish Sauce: Serve the fried rice with a small bowl of fish sauce mixed with chopped chilies on the side. This condiment adds an extra layer of heat and umami, allowing diners to adjust the spice level to their preference.
• Finish with Fresh Fruit: End the meal with slices of tropical fruits like mango or papaya. Their natural sweetness and juicy texture will cleanse the palate after the intense flavors of the Thai basil chicken fried rice.

Flavor Swaps That Work in Thai Basil Chicken Fried Rice

• Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Swap chicken with tofu or tempeh, adding extra vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and mushrooms for a protein-packed plant-based version that maintains the original recipe's vibrant Thai flavors.
• Seafood Fusion Fix: Replace chicken with shrimp or squid, incorporating a mix of seafood to create a coastal-inspired fried rice that brings a fresh oceanic twist to the classic dish.
• Spicy Protein Power: Experiment with ground pork or beef instead of chicken, increasing the chili quantity for those who crave an intense heat level and want a more robust meat-forward experience.
• Quick Egg Scramble Style: Fold in scrambled eggs during the cooking process, creating additional texture and protein while maintaining the traditional Thai basil chicken fried rice essence.

THAI BASIL CHICKEN FRIED RICE Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Spicy Thai basil chicken fried rice delivers a flavor-packed punch of authentic Southeast Asian cuisine. Fragrant herbs, tender chicken, and perfectly crisp rice create a quick, satisfying meal that transports you straight to Bangkok’s bustling street kitchens.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 250 grams (0.55 pounds) chicken thighs, boneless, skinless, cleaned and pat-dried, excess fat trimmed, and cut into bite-sized pieces

Seasonings and Sauces:

• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon light soy sauce
• ½ tablespoon sweet dark soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon fish sauce
• ¼ teaspoon ground white pepper
• 1 teaspoon white sugar
• 1 tablespoon water (or chicken broth)

Garnish and Optional Additions:

• Cucumber slices
• Fish sauce with chopped chilies (optional)

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Instructions

1. Trim chicken thighs and slice into bite-sized pieces. Create a marinade using light soy sauce, fish sauce, and ground white pepper. Thoroughly coat chicken and let rest.
2. Prepare aromatics by finely chopping garlic and Bird’s eye chilies. Crush them into a coarse paste using a mortar and pestle. Slice yellow onion and thinly cut red chili at an angle. Preserve some red chili slices for garnish.
3. Craft a unified sauce by blending oyster sauce, light soy sauce, sweet dark soy sauce, sugar, and water. Whisk until ingredients integrate seamlessly.
4. Preheat a wok with canola oil over intense heat. Introduce marinated chicken and sear until golden and fully cooked, approximately 1-2 minutes.
5. Incorporate onions and continue cooking. Add the aromatic garlic-chili paste and red chili slices. Stir-fry vigorously to develop complex flavor profiles.
6. Introduce rice and drizzle prepared sauce. Aggressively mix, breaking rice clusters and ensuring uniform sauce distribution.
7. Gently fold holy basil leaves into the mixture, allowing them to wilt and release their distinctive fragrance. Remove from heat immediately.
8. Transfer fried rice into serving dishes, strategically placing reserved chili slices for visual appeal. Accompany with cucumber slices and optional fish sauce with chopped chilies.

Notes

• Prep ahead by marinating chicken and chopping ingredients to streamline cooking process and ensure quick, efficient meal preparation.
• Be cautious of high heat and potential smoke when stir-frying ingredients, so ventilate kitchen and have exhaust fan ready.
• Use fresh holy basil for authentic Thai flavor, as it provides a unique aromatic profile distinct from regular sweet basil.
• Balance heat levels by adjusting amount of Bird’s eye chilies to suit personal spice tolerance without compromising traditional taste.
• Select day-old rice for best texture, as slightly dried rice prevents clumping and creates perfect fried rice consistency.
• Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy maximum flavor and maintain the vibrant, fresh characteristics of Thai street food.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg