Plate of chicken fried rice with Thai basil and colorful vegetables

Chicken Fried Rice with Thai Basil

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Chicken Fried Rice with Thai Basil is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful sauces, and aromatic Thai basil. It’s a quick meal perfect for busy nights. Not only is it satisfying, but it’s also a great way to use up leftover rice. Plus, it’s colorful and full of fresh ingredients that make it tasty and appealing!

How to Make Chicken Fried Rice with Thai Basil

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp light soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
  • 2 tbsp Coles Asia Oyster Sauce
  • 2 tbsp peanut oil
  • 600g chicken breast fillets, trimmed and thinly sliced
  • 1 brown onion, cut into thin wedges
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 3 cups cooked jasmine rice, cooled
  • 1 cup Thai basil leaves
  • 4 green onions, sliced diagonally
  • 1/4 cup fried shallots

Directions:

  1. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, sweet chilli sauce, and oyster sauce. Set it aside for later.
  2. Heat a wok on high until it’s hot. Add 3 teaspoons of peanut oil and swirl it around to coat the wok.
  3. Add half of the chicken to the wok and stir-fry for about 2 minutes until it gets browned. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
  4. Repeat the process with the remaining chicken and oil.
  5. Add the remaining 2 teaspoons of oil and the onion to the wok. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes or until the onion turns golden.
  6. Add the crushed garlic and stir-fry for another 30 seconds.
  7. Pour in the beaten eggs and add the cooled rice. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until the egg is well mixed with the rice.
  8. Return the cooked chicken to the wok. Add the soy sauce mixture, Thai basil, and sliced green onions. Stir-fry for 1 to 2 minutes or until everything is well combined.
  9. Spoon the fried rice into bowls, sprinkle with fried shallots, and serve hot.

How to Serve Chicken Fried Rice with Thai Basil

Serve Chicken Fried Rice with Thai Basil in warm bowls. It makes a great main dish. You can also pair it with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Don’t forget to put extra fried shallots on top for crunch!

How to Store Chicken Fried Rice with Thai Basil

If you have leftovers, let the chicken fried rice cool completely. Then, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply use a microwave or a wok over medium heat until it’s thoroughly warmed up.

Tips to Make Chicken Fried Rice with Thai Basil

  1. Use day-old rice for the best texture. Fresh rice can be too sticky.
  2. Don’t crowd the wok; cook the chicken in batches to get a nice sear.
  3. Adjust the sauces to your taste. If you like it sweeter, add more sweet chilli sauce.
  4. Feel free to add vegetables like peas or bell peppers for extra nutrition.

Variation

You can easily customize this dish! For a vegetarian option, swap chicken for tofu and use vegetable sauce. If you like it spicy, add some chopped chili peppers while cooking.

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?
Yes, brown rice can be used, but it may take longer to cook and won’t be as soft.

2. What can I substitute for Thai basil?
If you can’t find Thai basil, regular basil or even cilantro can work as a substitute, but the flavor will change.

3. How can I make it even quicker?
You can buy pre-cooked chicken or use leftover chicken to save time. Just add it during the final mixing step.