Spicy Thai Basil Chicken with Coconut Rice (Recipe)

If you're craving a dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Thailand straight to your kitchen, this Spicy Thai Basil Chicken with Coconut Rice is the perfect recipe for you. Combining the fiery heat of Thai chilies, the aromatic essence of fresh basil, and the savory richness of a perfectly balanced sauce, this dish is a true celebration of Thai cuisine.

Paired with creamy, fragrant coconut rice, it’s a meal that’s both comforting and exotic, sure to delight your taste buds and impress your dinner guests. Whether you’re a fan of bold, spicy flavors or simply looking for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner, this recipe is a must-try.

Ingredients

For the Spicy Thai Basil Chicken

• 1 lb (450 g) ground chicken

• 40 g sliced shallots

• 4 cloves minced garlic

• 2 tbsp (12 g) sliced Thai chilies, Serrano, or other hot pepper

• 1 cup (20 g) very thinly sliced fresh basil leaves

• ⅓ cup (80 g) chicken broth

• 1 tbsp (18 g) oyster sauce

• 1 tbsp (15 g) soy sauce

• 2 tsp (10 g) fish sauce

• 1 tsp (4 g) white sugar

• 1 tsp (4 g) brown sugar

• 2 tbsp (28 g) vegetable oil

For the Coconut Rice

• 1 cup (200 g) rice

• ¾ cup (180 g) canned coconut milk

• ¾ cup (180 g) water

• 1 tbsp (12 g) sugar (optional)

• ½ tsp (3 g) salt

Instructions

Prepping

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • If you’re using whole boneless and skinless chicken, grind it using a food processor, meat grinder, or a cleaver. Ground chicken is more commonly used, but freshly ground chicken ensures a fresher taste and texture.

2. Mix the Sauce:

   • In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, white sugar, and brown sugar until well blended. This sauce will coat the chicken and create a rich, flavorful base for the dish.

3. Prep the Aromatics:

   • Slice the chilies, mince the garlic and shallots.

   • Thinly slice the basil leaves by rolling them before slicing. This helps create uniform strips that will easily mix into the dish.

4. Rinse the Rice:

   • Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and keeps the rice from becoming too sticky.

Making the Coconut Rice

1. Combine Ingredients:

   • In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, coconut milk, water, sugar (if using), salt, and the kaffir lime leaves or ginger if you’re adding them.

2. Cook the Rice:

   • Stir the mixture to ensure everything is well combined.

   • Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring it to a gentle boil.

3. Simmer:

   • Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer.

   • Cook for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.

4. Rest the Rice:

   • Turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for another 10 minutes. This allows the rice to steam and become fluffy.

Making the Spicy Thai Basil Chicken

1. Cook the Chicken:

   • Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat.

   • Add the ground chicken, stirring frequently, and cook until it loses its raw color and any excess liquid evaporates. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

2. Add Aromatics:

   • Stir in the shallots, garlic, and sliced chilies. Continue cooking on high heat for 2-3 more minutes, stirring frequently. The goal is to soften the aromatics without burning them, allowing their flavors to meld with the chicken.

3. Add the Sauce:

   • Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet.

   • Cook and stir for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce has deglazed the bottom of the pan and thickened slightly. This step ensures that every bit of the chicken is infused with the rich, savory sauce.

4. Finish with Basil:

   • With the heat off, stir in the fresh basil leaves. Allow the residual heat to wilt the basil gently, about 30 seconds.

   • This final touch adds a burst of freshness and a signature aroma that makes this dish unmistakably Thai.

5. Fluff and Serve:

   • Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

   • Serve the coconut rice as a base for your Spicy Thai Basil Chicken, and garnish with the crispy garlic and crispy shallots for added texture and flavor.

Spicy & Sweet!

With its perfect blend of spicy, savory, and aromatic flavors, this Spicy Thai Basil Chicken served over creamy coconut rice is a dish that will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation. The richness of the coconut rice perfectly balances the heat of the chilies, creating a harmonious and satisfying meal that’s both filling and full of character. Enjoy the flavors of Thailand in the comfort of your home, and savor every bite of this delicious, homemade meal.