Description
This Thai Basil Chicken Fried Rice is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining tender chicken thighs, fresh basil, and a savory sauce with a hint of sweetness and tang. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe layers scrambled eggs, crisp vegetables, and aromatic herbs with perfectly cooked rice for an authentic Thai-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb chicken thighs, diced (boneless and skinless)
- 4 eggs, scrambled
Vegetables
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup edamame
- Sliced cucumber (for garnish)
- Green onions, diced (for garnish)
- ¼ cup fresh basil (more for garnish)
Sauces and Oils
- 1 tsp sesame oil (or any neutral oil)
- ¼ cup soy sauce, low sodium
- 1 Tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1-2 tsp fish sauce
- 1 fresh squeezed lime (about 1-2 Tbsp)
Others
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- Lime wedge (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tsp of sesame oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the diced chicken thighs and season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 6 minutes on one side without turning to get a nice crisp, then flip and cook for another 6 minutes or until fully cooked through.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, fish sauce, fresh squeezed lime juice, and minced garlic. Set this sauce mixture aside.
- Sauté Vegetables with Chicken: When the chicken is nearly done, add the diced red bell pepper and edamame to the pan. Sauté together for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Remove the chicken and vegetables from the pan and place in a bowl.
- Scramble Eggs: Add 1 tsp of oil to the same pan, then add the eggs and scramble until just cooked. Avoid overcooking to keep them moist and fluffy.
- Combine and Finish: Add 2-3 cups of cooked rice to the pan with the scrambled eggs, then add the sautéed chicken and vegetable mixture back in. Pour the prepared sauce over everything and stir well to combine. Let it cook for a few minutes on medium heat to allow flavors to meld and the dish to warm through.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the fried rice garnished with additional fresh basil leaves, sliced cucumber, diced green onions, and lime wedges for squeezing over the top. Enjoy your flavorful Thai Basil Chicken Fried Rice!
Notes
- For best results, use day-old cooked rice as it is drier and prevents the dish from becoming mushy.
- You can substitute edamame with green peas if preferred.
- If you want a spicier version, add chopped Thai chili peppers while sautéing the vegetables.
- Adjust the fish sauce amount to your taste, as it can be quite salty.
- This recipe works well with chicken breast but chicken thighs provide more flavor and moisture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
