Thai Basil Chicken Fried Rice (Print Version)

Fragrant Thai-style fried rice with tender chicken, holy basil, and chilies. Ready in 30 minutes.

# Ingredient List:

→ Proteins

01 - 14 oz boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, thinly sliced

→ Rice

02 - 4 cups cooked jasmine rice, preferably day-old

→ Vegetables & Herbs

03 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 2–3 Thai red chilies, finely sliced
06 - 1 cup holy basil leaves
07 - 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced

→ Sauces & Seasonings

08 - 2 tbsp soy sauce
09 - 1 tbsp oyster sauce
10 - 1 tbsp fish sauce
11 - 1 tsp sugar
12 - ½ tsp white pepper
13 - 2 tbsp vegetable oil

→ Garnish

14 - Lime wedges
15 - Sliced cucumber

# Recipe Steps:

01 - Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering.
02 - Add garlic and chilies; stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
03 - Add sliced chicken and cook until opaque throughout, approximately 3–4 minutes.
04 - Stir in onion and bell pepper; cook for another 2 minutes until softened.
05 - Add cooked jasmine rice, breaking up clumps with spatula.
06 - Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and white pepper. Toss until rice is evenly coated and heated through.
07 - Remove from heat, fold in holy basil leaves, and stir until just wilted.
08 - Plate the fried rice and garnish with fresh lime wedges and sliced cucumber.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Its faster than delivery and tastes infinitely better with fresh holy basil
  • The balance of salty, sweet, and spicy hits every craving spot
02 -
  • Cold, day-old rice is absolutely crucial or you'll end up with mush
  • Don't overcrowd your pan, cook in batches if necessary for proper searing
03 -
  • Chop everything beforehand including the basil stems and garnishes
  • Have a serving platter ready because this dish is best eaten immediately
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