Basil Fried Rice with Chicken is easy to make and so tasty! Jasmine rice stir fried with chicken, eggs, onions, chili peppers, and fresh basil along with a delicious sauce.
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What is basil fried rice
Basil fried rice is a popular dish made with cooked rice, Thai basil, garlic, chili peppers, and other ingredients, such as chicken, veggies, and sauces. It is a quick and easy dish to make, especially when you have leftover cooked rice!
By the way if you love fried rice recipes, check out this round up of 20+ delicious fried rice recipes from around the world! There's kimchi fried rice, thai fried rice, chinese fried rice and more!
What type of Basil to use
You will want to use Thai Basil, aka Holy Basil or Sweet Basil. This type of basil is native to Southeast Asia. While it is popular in Thai cuisine, it is also often used in other Asian cuisines - such as Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
Thai basil has a slightly sweeter flavor and peppery flavor. If you can't find any Thai basil, you can use Italian or regular basil, but just know it'll have a slightly different flavor.
How to regrow basil
By the way did you know you can regrow basil and it's super easy?? I do this all the time. Remove the leafy areas and just make sure to leave some stem. All you have to do is plug the stems in to some dirt - either outside or in a pot and make sure to water it every few days. It will regrow!
I literally do this with left over Thai basil from Pho I order! Endless amount of basil for me! (Both Thai basil and Italian basil).
When to add basil to fried rice
This is a great question because you actually don't want to cook the basil for too long! According to my mom, you want to add it in the last 20 seconds before removing the dish from heat.
How to make Basil Fried Rice with Chicken (Step by Step)
First gather your ingredients:
- 2.5 chicken thigh cut into bite sized cubes
- ½ tablespoon fish sauce
- ½ tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 5 cloves garlic roughly chopped
- 5 chili peppers (optional)
- 2 tablespoon vegetable oil
- ½ medium onion chopped
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 cup leftover cooked rice
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 bunch thai basil
- Salt, as desired
- Cucumbers, sliced (optional)
- 1 stalk green onions, chopped (optional)
Marinade chicken with ½ tablespoon fish sauce, ½ tablespoon oyster sauce and 1 teaspoon sugar for at least 30 minutes covered in refrigerator.
In a cooking pan or wok, add 1 tbsp. cooking oil, garlic, and chili peppers. Allow to heat up for about a minute, and then add onions.
Stir fry until onions are starting to get translucent, and add chicken. Once chicken is slightly browned, move vegetables to one side of the skillet, if the pan is dry go ahead and add a little more oil. Then add the beaten eggs to the other side, and stir it to scramble.
Add leftover cooked rice, soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, sugar and and salt to taste, and stir fry everything to blend together. Stir fry everything together for 3-5 minutes.
Add Thai basil, and then stir everything together to mix well for about 20 seconds, sprinkle with green onions and mix well, and then remove from heat.
Serve with sliced cucumbers!
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Since this dish is made with day-old rice, you should only keep the cooked fried rice for about 2-3 more days (not a full 3-4, because the rice has already aged a bit). Store in an airtight container.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze immediately after cooling. Keeps well for up to 2 months.
- Reheat:
- Stovetop (best): Heat a little oil in a pan/wok, then stir-fry until hot. Add a splash of water or broth if dry.
- Microwave (quick): Cover with a damp paper towel and reheat in 30-60 sec bursts, stirring in between.
👉 Tip: Always start with rice that's no more than 1-2 days old when making fried rice. Then, if you store leftovers, count those days on top of the rice's original age.
FAQ
Why does this recipe call for leftover rice?
Fried rice always works best with day-old rice because it's firmer and less sticky. Fresh rice is too moist and can clump or turn soggy when stir-fried.
Can I use freshly cooked rice if that's all I have?
Yes, but spread it out on a tray, let it cool, and dry it out in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Can I swap the protein?
Definitely. Shrimp, pork, beef, or tofu all work - just adjust the cooking time to make sure they're fully cooked.
Do I need Thai basil?
Thai basil has a peppery-sweet flavor that makes this dish authentic. Italian basil can be used in a pinch, but the taste will be milder.
How spicy is it?
It's as spicy as you make it! Add more or fewer chili peppers depending on your heat preference.
Basil Fried Rice with Chicken Recipe
Basil Fried Rice with Chicken is easy to make and so tasty! Jasmine rice stir fried with chicken, eggs, onions, chili peppers, and fresh basil along with a delicious sauce.
Ingredients
- 2.5 chicken thigh cut into bite sized cubes
- ½ tablespoon fish sauce
- ½ tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 5 cloves garlic roughly chopped
- 5 chili peppers (optional)
- 2 tablespoon vegetable oil
- ½ medium onion chopped
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 cup leftover cooked rice
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 bunch thai basil
- Salt, as desired
- Cucumbers, sliced (optional)
- 1 stalk green onions, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: Mix chicken with ½ tablespoon fish sauce, ½ tablespoon oyster sauce, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes.
- Stir-fry aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a wok/pan. Add garlic and chili peppers; stir until fragrant. Add onions and cook until translucent.
- Cook chicken: Add marinated chicken and stir-fry until lightly browned. Push veggies/chicken to one side.
- Scramble eggs: Add a little oil if needed, pour in beaten eggs, and scramble until mostly set.
- Add rice & sauces: Stir in leftover rice, 1 tablespoon fish sauce, and 1 tablespoon oyster sauce. Mix well and stir-fry 3–5 minutes until heated through.
- Finish with basil: Add Thai basil and cook just 20 seconds before removing from heat. Top with green onions and serve with cucumbers.
Notes
- Rice: This recipe is best with day-old rice so the grains stay separate. If using fresh rice, spread it on a tray to cool and dry before cooking.
- Protein swaps: Shrimp, beef, pork, or tofu all work.
- Spice level: Adjust chili peppers to taste or swap with bell peppers for a milder version.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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TOSHIBA Rice Cooker Small 3-Cup Uncooked– LCD Display with 8 Cooking Functions: Rice, Oatmeal, Mixed Grains and More, NonStick Inner Pot, Grey -
Hiware 10-Pairs Fiberglass Chopsticks - Reusable Chopsticks Dishwasher Safe, 9 ½ Inches - Black
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L.k.k Panda Brand Oyster Sauce 18oz
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Red Boat Fish Sauce, Phamily Reserve | Premium 50°N fish sauce sustainably made with just two ingredients in Vietnam | Higher Protein For Exceptional Flavor | Gluten and sugar free, no preservatives | 8.45 fl oz.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 272Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 104mgSodium: 920mgCarbohydrates: 34gFiber: 2gSugar: 6gProtein: 10g
The nutrition information for this recipe is an approximate total per serving. Please double check the nutrition information for your exact ingredients and brands for more precise nutrition information. Keep in mind that if there is a marinade, often times not all the ingredients will be consumed.
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More Delicious Fried Rice Recipes
Quick, satisfying, and endlessly versatile-these fried rice recipes are perfect for weeknight dinners or using up leftovers!
- Chicken Fried Rice - A comforting combo of chicken, scrambled eggs, vegetables, and rice tossed in a savory sauce. Great for lunch or dinner!
- Turkey Fried Rice - Perfect for post-holiday leftovers! This version uses cooked turkey with eggs, veggies, and a savory sauce.
- Tomato Fried Rice - Chopped tomatoes bring a tangy twist to traditional fried rice-easy to make and refreshingly different.
- Steak Fried Rice - Tender pan-seared steak stir-fried with vegetables, garlic, eggs, and rice in a rich, savory sauce.
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