Name: Thai Basil Chicken : Meal Prep Friendly, Lean, and Loaded with Flavor
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground chicken; 1 tbsp avocado or sesame oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1–2 Thai chilies, finely chopped (or red chili flakes); 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves; 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce; 1 tbsp oyster sauce (or mushroom stir-fry sauce for vegetarian); 1 tsp fish sauce (or vegan Worcestershire for substitute); 1 tsp honey or coconut sugar (optional); Jasmine rice, cauliflower rice, or zucchini noodles; Fried egg (optional but recommended); Sliced cucumber and lime wedges

Description

A vibrant, aromatic, and fast stir-fry that’s spicy, savory, and slightly sweet. Lean ground chicken (or turkey/pork) cooks in a garlicky, umami-rich sauce, then is tossed with fresh Thai basil for an irresistible street-food flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Stir-Fry:

1 lb lean ground chicken
1 tbsp avocado or sesame oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1–2 Thai chilies, finely chopped (or red chili flakes)
1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves

Sauce:

2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce (or mushroom stir-fry sauce for vegetarian)
1 tsp fish sauce (or vegan Worcestershire for substitute)
1 tsp honey or coconut sugar (optional)

To Serve:

Jasmine rice, cauliflower rice, or zucchini noodles
Fried egg (optional but recommended)
Sliced cucumber and lime wedges

Instructions

Prep Everything: Cook rice first. Mince garlic and chilies. Mix soy, oyster, fish sauce, and honey in a small bowl. Wash basil.
Sauté Aromatics: Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add garlic and chilies. Sauté 30–60 seconds until fragrant, but do not brown.
Cook Chicken: Increase heat to medium-high. Add ground chicken, breaking it into small pieces. Let sit briefly to brown, then stir. Cook 5–7 minutes until no longer pink with some golden bits.
Add Sauce: Push chicken aside, pour sauce into empty pan space. Let bubble 15 seconds to caramelize slightly, then mix with chicken. Simmer 1–2 minutes and taste—adjust with extra chili or honey if needed.
Fold in Basil: Turn off heat. Add Thai basil and stir just until wilted. The residual heat releases aroma without blackening leaves.
Serve: Spoon chicken over rice or cauliflower rice. Top with a fried egg and serve with cucumber slices and lime wedges.

Notes

Spicy Basil Shrimp: Swap chicken for shrimp; cook 2–3 minutes at the end.
Vegetarian: Use plant-based ground “pork” or crumbled extra-firm tofu.
Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, green beans, or broccoli. Sauté 2 minutes before protein.
Holy Basil: Authentic Krapow for more peppery, aromatic flavor.
Sweet & Tangy: Add ½ cup pineapple chunks with the sauce for caramelized sweetness.