30-Minute Spicy Basil Ground Chicken
Inspired by popular Thai street food and a current Instagram trend, this super easy and quick recipe brings a burst of spicy, savory, and aromatic flavor to your dinner table in just half an hour. Using common supermarket ingredients, it's perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.

1Ingredients
- 1 poundGround chicken
- 2 tablespoonsVegetable oil
- 4 clovesGarlic, minced
- 1 mediumShallot, minced
- 2 countRed chilies (like serrano or Thai bird's eye), minced
- 2 tablespoonsSoy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoonFish sauce
- 1 teaspoonBrown sugar
- 2 tablespoonsWater or chicken broth
- 1 cupFresh basil leaves (Thai basil or sweet basil)
- 4 servingsCooked jasmine rice, for serving
2Instructions
- 1
Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, and water or chicken broth. Set aside.
⏱ 2 min - 2
Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic, shallot, and red chilies. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
⏱ 2 min - 3
Add the ground chicken to the skillet. Break it apart with a spoon and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
⏱ 7 min - 4
Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked chicken. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the chicken.
⏱ 3 min - 5
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the fresh basil leaves until they just wilt, about 1 minute. The residual heat will cook the basil perfectly.
⏱ 1 min - 6
Serve immediately over hot jasmine rice. Garnish with additional fresh basil or a sliced chili if desired.
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