Spicy Thai Basil Chicken with Rice Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors yet comes together in a flash, Spicy Thai Basil Chicken with Rice is an absolute winner. This vibrant recipe marries fragrant basil, fiery chili, and savory fish sauce with tender ground chicken, creating a perfect balance of heat and aroma. Served piping hot over a bed of fluffy steamed rice, it’s comfort food at its most exciting—a dish that warms the soul and ignites the palate all at once. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll quickly become your go-to for weekday dinners or anytime you want something quick, satisfying, and packed with authentic Thai flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in Spicy Thai Basil Chicken with Rice plays a crucial role, keeping the flavors fresh, balanced, and authentically vibrant. The selection is simple yet impactful, creating layers of taste and texture that come together beautifully in just one skillet.

• Ground chicken: The lean protein base that soaks up all the rich, spicy flavors perfectly.
• Fresh Thai basil: Adds a distinctive aroma and peppery punch, essential for that authentic taste.
• Garlic: Infuses the dish with a warm, savory undertone that wakes up every bite.
• Red chili peppers: Provide the signature heat—adjust the quantity for your preferred spice level.
• Fish sauce: A salty, umami-rich seasoning that deepens the overall flavor profile.
• Soy sauce: Enhances color and balances the saltiness with a hint of sweetness.
• Oil (vegetable or peanut): Needed for stir-frying and to help meld the ingredients together.
• Steamed jasmine rice: The soft, fragrant base that complements the spicy chicken perfectly.

How to Make Spicy Thai Basil Chicken with Rice

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by finely chopping your garlic and red chili peppers to release their flavors fully into the oil. Tear or roughly chop the fresh Thai basil leaves, keeping them ready for the final stir. Having everything prepped before cooking makes the stir-fry quick and seamless.

Step 2: Stir-Fry the Aromatics

Heat your oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the garlic and chili. Stir frequently for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt—the base aroma will set the tone for the whole dish.

Step 3: Cook the Ground Chicken

Add the ground chicken to the hot pan, breaking it up with your spatula as it cooks. Stir continuously until it turns white and is cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. This ensures even cooking and that the chicken remains tender.

Step 4: Season and Combine

Pour in the fish sauce and soy sauce, stirring well to coat the chicken evenly. Turn off the heat, then add the fresh Thai basil, tossing it through so the residual warmth wilts the leaves just right. This step is what makes the dish so fragrant and distinctly Thai.

Step 5: Serve Over Steamed Rice

Spoon the spicy Thai basil chicken generously over bowls of freshly steamed jasmine rice. The rice balances out the heat and soaks up all those luscious, savory juices, making each bite irresistible.

How to Serve Spicy Thai Basil Chicken with Rice

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions or a few extra torn basil leaves adds a fresh pop of color and flavor. For an added crunch, some toasted peanuts or sliced cucumber on the side brighten the experience beautifully.

Side Dishes

Complement this spicy main with cooling sides like a crisp Thai cucumber salad or a light mango salad. These help balance the heat and provide a refreshing contrast. A simple bowl of clear broth soup also pairs nicely and rounds out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Spicy Thai Basil Chicken with Rice in lettuce cups for a hands-on, interactive meal. Alternatively, plate it in a banana leaf-lined bowl for an authentic Thai street-food vibe that’s sure to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making the Spicy Thai Basil Chicken with Rice taste even better the next day.

Freezing

This dish freezes well if you want to prepare meals ahead. Freeze the chicken mixture separately from the rice in portions, and it’ll keep for up to 1 month. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or oil to keep the chicken moist. Microwave works too—cover loosely and heat in short bursts to avoid drying it out. Serve again over freshly steamed rice.

FAQs

Can I use other types of meat instead of ground chicken?

Absolutely! Ground pork or turkey also work wonderfully and can offer different flavor nuances, but ground chicken keeps the dish light and healthy while still soaking up the spices beautifully.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat level can be easily adjusted by the amount and type of chili you use. For a milder version, reduce or remove the chili, or substitute with milder peppers. For serious heat lovers, add more chili or use bird’s eye chili for an extra kick.

What if I can’t find fresh Thai basil?

While fresh Thai basil is ideal for that peppery, anise-like flavor, you can use regular sweet basil in a pinch. The taste won’t be quite the same, but it will still bring a lovely fresh herbaceous note to the dish.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you choose gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Fish sauce is naturally gluten-free, and the rest of the ingredients are wholesome, so this recipe can easily accommodate gluten-free diets.

Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?

To make a vegan version, substitute ground chicken with crumbled tofu or mushrooms and use soy sauce instead of fish sauce. You’ll still get excellent texture and flavor, making the Spicy Thai Basil Chicken with Rice a flexible recipe for all diets.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about the way Spicy Thai Basil Chicken with Rice wraps bold, authentic flavors into a quick and easy meal. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without a long wait, and it’s just as good for sharing with family and friends. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite weeknight dinner that’s bursting with all the best Thai vibes!